Buying a 2006 Ford with the Ford brake controller. Have not used a brake controller before, so any hints on setting it up would be appreciated. Have to weigh the fifth wheel, but the GVW is 10,600.
I've got a 2006 F250 as well and I love the IBC (Integrated Brake Controller). Along with "Tow/Haul" it rocks! I set it and forget it. With my Pilgrim, I have the gain on the brake controller set to around 7.5. I don't even know the trailer is back there. The setup process is outlined in your owner's manual. It's very simple. If you don't have an owner's manual, check the link below.
Curt: Our 5er's UVW is listed at 10540, and it's GVWR is listed at 12380. Haven't had the rig weighed, yet, but figure we are somewhere in between. I've had the IBC set at 8.8 for awhile now and this seems right for our unit. I started out with a setting of 7.5 but didn't feel comfortable with that so started using different settings until it felt right. We also have the "Tow/Haul" combo and agree with Bearnkat. One nice thing about the IBC is you can set it while on the go until it feels right, or if the road condition suddenly changes.
Curt, as mentioned, one of the most important things to remember is to use "Tow/Haul" when towing. When the button is pushed, the whole integrated system comes into play. If you're going down a steep hill, the transmission will automatically downshift acting like an "exhaust/engine brake". We don't try to 2nd guess the truck's computer system, just set "Tow/Haul" and forget it. You can play with the gain as you're driving and braking, 7.5-8.5 should be sufficient.
* This post was
edited 07/17/08 10:12am by Bearnkat *
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I set it and forget it. With my Pilgrim, I have the gain on the brake controller set to around 7.5. I don't even know the trailer is back there. The setup process is outlined in your owner's manual. It's very simple. If you don't have an owner's manual, check the link below.
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