Factory brake controller sucks

4.0l sahara · Oct 18, 2015

Who else thinks the factory controller sucks? Just seems so weak compared to any aftermarket controller. Can't lock the brakes on a 14k empty trailer with our 2008 450 but any other truck with a aftermarket unit locks the same trailer right up. I know I'm not the first to complain of this on a ford. Any solutions of fixes for the weak performance of the factory controller?

Pstrke96 · Oct 18, 2015

I just noticed today the factory d max controller is kinda weak compared to my tenons a p3 in the obsession

RSK · Oct 18, 2015

How are the brakes on the trailer? Both my trailers work great with my 6.4 and the factory brake controller, both my trailers are also 2013's i bought brand new and both probably have 30,000 miles on them or more because they dragged around every single week.

tbsimmons · Oct 19, 2015

I have locked my toy hauler brakes up with my truck. I would check the brake adjustment on the trailer.

4.0l sahara · Oct 19, 2015

The brakes are brand new and work perfect on another truck. Just put all new backing plates on and turned the drums before Rudy's. It isn't just any one trailer it's weak with any trailer I've tried. It works but it's far from what it should be. Same trailers have zero problems locking up on a truck with a p3 or a ****ty Reese controller in our d max.

dsberman94 · Oct 19, 2015

I'm assuming you've maxed out the brake controller with the plus button.

fine69 · Oct 19, 2015

My factory controller in my 09 will lock up the brakes on my 14k equipment trailer empty or loaded. Sounds like you have a problem with your controller.

4.0l sahara · Oct 19, 2015

yes maxed out gain slide lever pinned it tugs back a little and slows the truck a tad but that is all she has. I'll have to measure what it's actually putting out and check the ground etc and go from there.

outacntrl · Oct 19, 2015

I agree probably the controller. A friend of mine was having trouble with his 13 not having very strong brakes and with gain all the way up and slid all the way over I only measured 8 volts at the plug and when I checked another truck with factory controller it had battery voltage there and the other truck would lock the brakes but his wouldn't.

RSK · Oct 19, 2015

I never turn my gain up past 5 on my 6.4 and it stops the 17-18000lbs behind it like a boss...

Barnbuilder · Oct 24, 2015

I'm having same issues. I wonder if you ran a larger wire from controller back to plug would help.

Martin #6 · Nov 2, 2015

RSK said:
I never turn my gain up past 5 on my 6.4 and it stops the 17-18000lbs behind it like a boss...

I have mine on the full setting (10) and it won't lock the brakes on my #9500 5th wheel.

FourEyed · Nov 3, 2015

I've noticed this too with mine... With my open car trailer I have to turn the gain to about 8.5-9 to get anything out of it. Same thing with the brand new 12k dump trailer. Maybe the controllers are hit or miss?

Martin #6 · Nov 3, 2015

I wonder how easy it is to replace the controller?

Wizbangdoodle · Nov 3, 2015

Can you just measure the output voltage at the connector to see how good or bad it is working? How do you troubleshoot a problem like this?

Barnbuilder · Nov 3, 2015

Measured mine at plug in bed and it was 12v. At junction box on trailer it was 8.5v.

Jomax · Nov 4, 2015

Also you guys need to remember you need to adjust your brakes on your trailers... My dump trailer needs an adjustment again(always fully loaded) , after they're readjusted. I can lock the brakes....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

griz700rocket · Nov 4, 2015

I've found that using the lever doesn't output nearly as much as just using the brakes. IE if I turn the controller up enough the lever will slide the tires then when I use the brakes the trailer is doing way more braking than the truck.