I'd been wondering why no one offers a factory brake controller (and whining about it).

Though my Reece controller came with the Dodge plug and was a snap to install, it seems to me that if the system were integrated in the design of the truck's brakes, it could apply trailer brakes progressively and proportion to pedal pressure.

The electronic ones like mine apply the trailer brakes the same if you stomp on the brakes or apply them lightly. As I understand it, the inertia types have gotten better at not reacting to bumps, but still rely on the truck brakes to start slowing the rig before applying trailer brakes....

A 5th wheel/goose neck assembly that removes to leave a flat bed is another thing that I think could be done better if integrated into the truck's design and assembly...

Ordering a truck that is ready to tow a 5er right from the factory with a hitch and brake controller superior to any of the aftermarket stuff would sure be sweet.

 

well, i dont want to sound like "the turd out in left field" all by myself on this but....i personally believe that we probably are better off installing our own equipment for reasons of the products actual quality. sure, its convenient-but, i have the feeling that the aftermarket is probably better in some areas and we re paying less in the end for a superior product. when i look at the "dash and gauges package" in my ram, i realize that it doesnt really do me all that well to have these gauges because they are all innacurate! my oil pressure is always at 40psi- idle, wot , whatever. dont even get me started on the fuel! i should say that i really do agree with the point of "wouldnt it be nice if..."but-only if they are installing truely top quality pieces . it would have been nice to see at a minimum of a factory installed boost and egt but i have the feeling that my egts would never exceed 800 and my boost would never exceed 25! so, in the end, im not all that jealous of that 20 year old kid and his $8 dollar boost gauge that the factory probably charged him $150. for in the "suped-up" neon.

 

good point... i thought it was a neat idea, didnt think of the quality

 

I think a fuel pressure and EGT gauge are more relavant than the boost gauge.

 

...and, good point to "big blue". ok , hows this - a boost, an egt , and a fuel preesure gauge!

 

What about a transmission temp gauge? Turbo back pressure? Intake air temperature sensor?

 

Just to think they put a boost gauge in a car that cost almost as much as a turbo for our CTD

 

You forgot engine oil temp., frame torque, and altimeter

 

Just curious. Does yours require readjustment after you're enroute with your trailer? I'm just curious. I've never had to touch mine after getting underway, but I do adjust mine to engage early (without sliding) under hard braking and I have a good place to experiment with adjustments before hitting the road.
Nat

 

Just where is the factory plug for a brake controller?
I am fighting with teh one the PO installed, because he hacked up the ABS wireing to install it. Sure would make things simple.

 

The factory auxilliary switches for after market add-ons is a cool touch also

~Rob

 

Was just playing around on Ford's build and price website. I tried to select the "Tow Command System" AND the 6 speed manual. I could not get both.
You can however select just the Integrated Brake Controller AND the 6 speed.

The brake controller is just one part of the Tow Command System. I believe the Tow Command System employs some sort of engine braking, what else I am not sure. There is something about it on the site.

~Rob

 

Does that mean you cannot locate the factory pigtail for the controller under the dash or something else?
Nat

 

The wiring harnesses on the First genners were not as straight forward as the 2nd gen trucks.

I had to string all my own wires on both the 89 and 93.

As far at the electronic brake controlers are concerned, IMHO the fully electronic ramp type controlers should be illegal (IE Draw-tite). You get the same ramp of brake force whether you are slowly going through a school zone or trying to stop from hitting a deer at 60 MPH. USELESS. Not to mention the unending adjustments to make.. I had one and it lasted one trip.. I think its still in the dumpster at that campground.

If the Ford controller was similar to the Brakesmart I would take it. I have seen too many [censored] driving around with 12,000# fivers without any brake controller because they have the "tow package" and don't think they need a controller. I hope the DOT gets bored and starts hammering these guys.

 

I ALSO FEEL THAT DODGE SHOULD MAKE THEIR STOCK TRANNYS JAKE BRAKE COMPATIBLE