F350 Brake Controller Settings

[watkinsk]

So I forgot to check what the Brake Controller settings were in my old Dodge 3500. It was a Prodigo controller. For those with a 2011 or 2012 F350 and a built in Brake Controller, what is the TBC (Trailer Brake Controller) gain setting that you use?......I am towing a 37 ft model 3150 weighing about 11.9K empty and max of 14K full (I never pull fully loaded).

Seems like on my old Dodge was set to a 5 or 6 but I am not sure if the Prodigo TBC gain is the same as the F350's TBC gain?

Keith

[Chief409]

I set mine where the brakes will set during the brake check pulling out, around 7.5 to 8.0. If I'm driving on a lot of steep down grades I may step it up a notch. But the engine braking works extremely well, so unless there's a lot of traffic, I leave the initial setting alone. And remember, the Ford controller applies the brakes proportionally, similar to the ABS for the trucks brakes, it doesn't pulse the trailer brakes though, to keep the trailer brakes from locking up on a hard application.

Jeff

[Leonard Kulaszewicz]

I pull a FR Cardinal 3625 and I set my brake controller at 8.0

[Chief409]

One thing to remember. I've pulled the 'Bird with 3 different Fords with the factory brake controller, an '05, '09 and the 2012. Each required different brake settings. And when you have maintenance done on the trailer, such as wheel bearing packs, you'll need to reset your brake setting. It WILL change. Which is why I check, and set the brake controller at the start of each trip. Normally what I set before is right on, but, if a problem has developed, finding out BEFORE I get more then 60 feet from the 'Birds Nest is the place to discover it.

I'm Irish, and I HATE my cousin Murphy!

Jeff

[bigbunkhouse]

Im with Jeff, and adjust evry time im out. There are alot of variables and you want the best scenario, therefore try braking where it is safe and adjust to taste. I feel that if the trailer is stopping you that you will overheat and wear out the trailer brakes. And if the trailer is pushing you its the same for the truck, so try to hit a spot where it feels like your stopping just the truck, when it feels like the trailer isnt there then id say your just rite

[Mike Clay]

I don't have a Ford but I never have to change my settings. They are set at 5.5 and like Matt said if it stops like a truck without a trailer its set right.

[Rob & Cathy]

I don't have a Ford but I never have to change my settings.

I have a Ford and never change mine.

Rob

[ddonnaud]

I have an 08' F250 towing a 3150 also. I set my controller at 5.5. When testing, I feel the trailer brake just before I feel the truck. This is just a ballpark figure. You may need a bit higher or lower depending on the electronic response you are getting.

[watkinsk]

Well, I hope I get it adjusted right early on as my first tow next month will be over Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa Springs. Then the next tow will be to Branson. It will be curious to compare the Ford to the Dodge controllers.

[Olbird]

Brake pad to drum adjustment on your trailer will effect the voltage setting, I run may brake pads on the trailer a little loose.
I have to run my brake controller voltage up around 8.5 and never have to adjust once set.