Electric brakes

[DaleS]

I have a cardinal 3825 FL with drum brakes of course I have settings 1 through 10 my question is if I put it up on 8 to 9 will it burn up the brakes just from just riding along without applying them

[Flybob]

No the setting on the brake controller has no effect while riding along. There should be a simple set of set up instructions with your controller that explains how to set it up.

[DaleS]

Yes there is but it doesn't say anything about that part.

[Trobec]

That is your gain. It's how hard your brakes are applied. Set your gain to 5 or 6. Then go about 25 and apply the brakes manually. If they lock up turn the gain down and try again. You want the brakes adjusted just before lock up. If they don't lock up turn the gain up until they do lock up then down just until they don't all while using the manual lever to engage the brakes.

[Trobec]

This link should help.
http://rvlife.com/set-brake-controllers-by-trailer/

[DaleS]

Thanks

[CHICKDOE]

we have a cardinal 3825fl and I have not been able to get the trailer brakes to lock up. I have the gain up at 9.5 and I test the trailer brakes each time I hook up. put new brake assys on this spring. i start towing the trailer slowly and i use the manual brake level to engage the trailer brakes. they will stop both the trailer and the truck but they do not lock up.

[DaleS]

I think that the 3825fl is to heavy and with drum brakes I not too sure that they will

[5picker]

Originally Posted by CHICKDOE

we have a cardinal 3825fl and I have not been able to get the trailer brakes to lock up. I have the gain up at 9.5 and I test the trailer brakes each time I hook up. put new brake assys on this spring. i start towing the trailer slowly and i use the manual brake level to engage the trailer brakes. they will stop both the trailer and the truck but they do not lock up.

Many trailer/brake controller combinations will not lock up the brakes.
Having them lock is not a requirement for having properly working trailer brakes.

[Retired JSO]

If your controller is factory installed, it is hooked up with the antilock system. It should however lock up when the manual pinch type activation is used without pedal input.

[Trobec]

My brakes wouldn't lock on my 5er. Grease on the magnets. Replaced all 4 assemblies and replaced all the quick connectors with quality butt connectors and shrink wrap. They will lock up now.

[Trobec]

I am using a prodigy 2 brake controller

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Retired JSO

If your controller is factory installed, it is hooked up with the antilock system. It should however lock up when the manual pinch type activation is used without pedal input.

Neither statement is true for a Ford integrated TBC. (trailer brake controller)
See attached Ford documentation.

[Retired JSO]

You are somewhat correct but the Tow Command does more than just send power to the trailer brakes.. I believe Ford put that warning in the manual as a disclaimer. I can lock my trailer wheels with the manual pinch but even if the gain is turned way up, almost impossible to lock up when applying truck brakes.

Before ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) came to trucks in the 1980s, most TBCs were activated by the trucks' brake hydraulic action. In an emergency situation with the trucks ABS activated, Ford's TowCommand can automatically reduce the trailer brake pressure (gain) as it communicates with the truck's computer for faster reaction time with proportional trailer brake control, to prevent the trailer brakes from locking up even though trailers do not have ABS sensors. TowCommand will also inform the driver with an audible alarm and in the digital readout if the trailer wires and/or trailer disconnects from the truck.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Retired JSO

You are looking at the older system. Tow Command changed that.
Before ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) came to trucks in the 1980s, most TBCs were activated by the trucks' brake hydraulic action. In an emergency situation with the trucks ABS activated, Ford's TowCommand can automatically reduce the trailer brake pressure (gain) as it communicates with the truck's computer for faster reaction time with proportional trailer brake control, to prevent the trailer brakes from locking up even though trailers do not have ABS sensors. TowCommand will also inform the driver with an audible alarm and in the digital readout if the trailer wires and/or trailer disconnects from the truck.

That came right out of a 2017 manual so I don't believe it's an 'older system' it is referring to. While I will agree the IBC will reduce the gain to the trailer when the truck senses wheel lock-up (on the truck) it does not supply any kind of antilock braking to the trailer... simply less braking.

[Retired JSO]

I suggest you test yours. Ive had 3 different SD Fords with the system pulling everything from a small TT to a 10 ton equipment trailer and all 3 work the same.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Retired JSO

I suggest you test yours. Ive had 3 different SD Fords with the system pulling everything from a small TT to a 10 ton equipment trailer and all 3 work the same.

Well, you've changed the wording in your reply post to me three times since writing the original. With that said, I believe we are pretty much on the same page if you agree the IBC does not supply antilock brakes to the trailer.

It does reduce the gain to the trailer brakes when the truck senses lock up (as I mentioned) thus limiting the ability for the trailer brakes to lock up when pushing hard on the truck brake pedal.

I'll still contend the IBC will not lock the wheels on every trailer out there when pinching the lever manually. I have two different heavy trailers where it won't, no matter the gain setting so it's not just a Ford disclaimer/CYA thing.