Ford F-150 (2018 year). Manual - part 75

Procedure for Adjusting Gain

Note: Only perform this procedure in a
traffic-free environment at speeds of
approximately 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h).

The gain setting sets the trailer brake
controller for the specific towing condition.
You should change the setting as towing
conditions change. Changes to towing
conditions include trailer load, vehicle load,
road conditions and weather.

The gain should be set to provide the
maximum trailer braking assistance while
making sure the trailer wheels do not lock
when using the brakes. Locked trailer
wheels may lead to trailer instability.

1.

Make sure the trailer brakes are in good
working condition, functioning normally
and properly adjusted. See your trailer
dealer if necessary.

2. Hook up the trailer and make the

electrical connections according to the
trailer manufacturer's instructions.

3. When you plug in a trailer with electric

or electric-over-hydraulic brakes, a
message confirming connection
appears in the information display.

4. Use the gain adjustment (+ and -)

buttons to increase or decrease the
gain setting to the desired starting
point. A gain setting of 6.0 is a good
starting point for heavier loads.

5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the

trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed
of 20-25 mph (30-40 km/h) and
squeeze the manual control lever
completely.

6. If the trailer wheels lock up, indicated

by squealing tires, reduce the gain
setting. If the trailer wheels turn freely,
increase the gain setting. Repeat Steps
5 and 6 until the gain setting is at a
point just below trailer wheel lock-up.
If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel
lock-up may not be attainable even
with the maximum gain setting of 10.

Explanation of Information Display
Warning Messages

Note: An authorized dealer can diagnose
the trailer brake controller to determine
exactly which trailer fault has occurred.
However, your Ford warranty does not cover
this diagnosis if the fault is with the trailer.

A message indicating a trailer brake
module fault may display in response to
faults sensed by the trailer brake controller,
accompanied by a single tone. If this
message appears, contact an authorized
dealer as soon as possible for diagnosis
and repair. The controller may still
function, but performance may be
degraded.

A message indicating a trailer wiring fault
may display when there is a short circuit
on the electric brake output wire. If this
message displays, accompanied by a
single tone, with no trailer connected, the
problem is with your vehicle wiring
between the trailer brake controller and
the 7-pin connector at the bumper. If the
message only displays with a trailer
connected, the problem is with the trailer
wiring. Consult your trailer dealer for
assistance. This can be a short to ground
(such as a chaffed wire), short to voltage
(such as a pulled pin on trailer emergency
breakaway battery) or the trailer brakes
may be drawing too much current.

Points to Remember

Note: Do not attempt removal of the trailer
brake controller without consulting the
Workshop Manual. Damage to the unit may
result.

•

Adjust gain setting before using the
trailer brake controller for the first time.

•

Adjust gain setting, using the procedure
above, whenever road, weather and
trailer or vehicle loading conditions
change from when the gain was initially
set.

•

Only use the manual control lever for
proper adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.

•

Avoid towing in adverse weather
conditions. The trailer brake controller
does not provide anti-lock control of
the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can
lock up on slippery surfaces, resulting
in reduced stability of trailer and tow
vehicle.

•

The trailer brake controller is equipped
with a feature that reduces output at
vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h)
so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky
or harsh. This feature is only available
when applying the brakes using your
vehicle's brake pedal, not the
controller.

•

The controller interacts with the brake
control system and powertrain control
system of your vehicle to provide the
best performance on different road
conditions.

•

Your vehicle's brake system and the
trailer brake system work
independently of each other. Changing
the gain setting on the controller does
not affect the operation of your
vehicle's brakes whether you attach a
trailer or not.

•

When you switch the engine off, the
controller output is disabled and the
display and module shut down. The
controller module and display turn on
when you switch the ignition on.

•

The trailer brake controller is only a
factory-installed or dealer-installed
item. Ford is not responsible for
warranty or performance of the
controller due to misuse or customer
installation.

Trailer Lamps

WARNING

Never connect any trailer lamp wiring
to the vehicle's tail lamp wiring; this
may damage the electrical system

resulting in fire. Contact your authorized
dealer as soon as possible for assistance
in proper trailer tow wiring installation.
Additional electrical equipment may be
required.

Trailer lamps are required on most towed
vehicles. Make sure all running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and hazard lights are
working.

Using a Step Bumper

 (If Equipped)

The rear bumper is equipped with an
integral hitch and only requires a ball with
a one-inch (25.4 millimeter) shank
diameter. The bumper has a 5000-pound
(2268 kilogram) trailer weight and a
500-pound (227 kilogram) tongue weight
capacity.

If it is necessary to relocate the hitch ball
position, you must install a frame-mounted
trailer hitch.

Before Towing a Trailer

Practice turning, stopping and backing up
to get the feel of your vehicle-trailer
combination before starting on a trip.
When turning, make wider turns so the
trailer wheels clear curbs and other
obstacles.

When Towing a Trailer

•

Do not drive faster than 70 mph (113
km/h) during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers).

•

Do not make full-throttle starts.

•

Check your hitch, electrical connections
and trailer wheel lug nuts thoroughly
after you have traveled 50 miles (80
kilometers).

•

When stopped in congested or heavy
traffic during hot weather, place the
gearshift in position P to aid engine and
transmission cooling and to help A/C
performance.

•

Turn off the speed control with heavy
loads or in hilly terrain. The speed
control may turn off automatically
when you are towing on long, steep
grades.

•

Shift to a lower gear when driving down
a long or steep hill. Do not apply the
brakes continuously, as they may
overheat and become less effective.

•

If your transmission is equipped with a
Grade Assist or Tow/Haul feature, use
this feature when towing. This provides
engine braking and helps eliminate
excessive transmission shifting for
optimum fuel economy and
transmission cooling.

•

If your vehicle is equipped with
AdvanceTrac with RSC, this system
may turn on during typical cornering
maneuvers with a heavily loaded trailer.
This is normal. Turning the corner at a
slower speed while towing may reduce
this tendency.

•

If you are towing a trailer frequently in
hot weather, hilly conditions, at the
gross combined weight rating (or any
combination of these factors), consider
refilling your rear axle with synthetic
gear lubricant (if the axle is not already
filled with it).  See Capacities and
Specifications (page 409).

•

Allow more distance for stopping with
a trailer attached. Anticipate stops and
brake gradually.

•

Avoid parking on a grade. However, if
you must park on a grade:

1.

Turn the steering wheel to point your
vehicle tires away from traffic flow.

2. Set your vehicle parking brake.

3. Place the automatic transmission in

position P.

4. Place wheel chocks in front and back

of the trailer wheels. (Chocks not
included with vehicle.)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a
temporary or conventional spare tire. A
"temporary" spare tire is different in size
(diameter or width), tread-type
(All-Season or All Terrain) or is from a
different manufacturer than the road tires
on your vehicle. Consult information on the
tire label or Safety Compliance label for
limitations when using.

Launching or Retrieving a Boat or
Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Note: Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the water.

Note: Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.

When backing down a ramp during boat
launching or retrieval:
•

Do not allow the static water level to
rise above the bottom edge of the rear
bumper.

•

Do not allow waves to break higher
than 6 inches (15 centimeters) above
the bottom edge of the rear bumper.

Exceeding these limits may allow water to
enter vehicle components:
•

Causing internal damage to the
components.

•

Affecting driveability, emissions, and
reliability.

Replace the rear axle lubricant anytime
the rear axle has been submerged in water.
Water may have contaminated the rear
axle lubricant, which is not normally
checked or changed unless a leak is
suspected or other axle repair is required.

TOWING THE VEHICLE ON
FOUR WHEELS

WARNING

If your vehicle has a steering wheel
lock make sure the ignition is in the
accessory or on position when being

towed.

Emergency Towing

If your vehicle becomes inoperable
(without access to wheel dollies,
car-hauling trailer, or flatbed transport
vehicle), it can be flat-towed (all wheels
on the ground, regardless of the powertrain
and transmission configuration) under the
following conditions:
•

Your vehicle is facing forward for
towing in a forward direction.

•

Place the transmission in position N. If
you cannot move the transmission into
N, you may need to override it.  See
Transmission (page 201).

•

Maximum speed is 35 mph (56 km/h).

•

Maximum distance is 50 mi (80 km).

Recreational Towing

Note: Put your climate control system in
recirculated air mode to prevent exhaust
fumes from entering your vehicle.  See
Climate Control (page 137).

Follow these guidelines if you have a need
for recreational towing, such as towing
your vehicle behind a motorhome. We
designed these guidelines to prevent
damage to your transmission.

Two-wheel Drive Vehicles

You cannot tow a two-wheel drive vehicle
with any wheels on the ground as vehicle
or transmission damage may occur. You
must tow your vehicle with all four wheels
off the ground, such as when using a
car-hauling trailer.