We bought our first fifth wheel last week, so I have only pulled it about 20 miles from the dealer to home and home to storage. It seems to pull hard but I don't know if it's abnormal. The tow command is set on 7.0. How do you know where it should be set? It is on seven because that's where it was when the trailer was plugged in.
JC
__________________
F-450, 4wd, club cab, 4.88, KR, satellite, navigation, hi-capacity trailer towing, reverse sensor, memory mirrors/pedals/seats and tailgate step. Also Linex, TruckCoverUSA bed cover, CrimeStopper Remote Start and Alarm and a 25K Air Safe Air Ride 5er hitch.
I set mine on 7.0 for the 2000lb empty utility trailer, 8.0 when it has the 4500lb tractor on it, 8.5 for the 15,500lb fifth wheel, and 9.0 when I had the fifth wheel with Jet Skies in tow. I believe the setting is voltage only and will apply the same amount of braking per axle on a given setting, regardless of the number of axles. The other factor that will affect braking, is the brake adjustment being correct on the trailer axles.
If your storage lot is gravel (if not, find a gravel area), next time you hook up to the trailer try this. Get going about 15 MPH, then slide the Tow Command lever all the way to the left for just a second. If your trailer brakes don't lock up, adjust it up .5 at a time until they do. Mine works best at 8.5 for my 5er.
Also, keep in mind that it may take a couple thousand miles for your trailer brakes to "burn in" before they WILL lock up. Then you might need to check the actual adjustment on each brake.
Mark
__________________
'08 F-350 CC 4X4 Lariat, SRW, Dark Blue Pearl w/Silver trim, every option but Nav and moonroof.
Ordered 10/16 - Born 11/14 - delivered 11/26 pic
Thanks guys, I'll try the lockup thing when we get a chance. The trailer is 5 years old so that part will be OK. I tried it from a stand still and I believe they lock up.
JC
__________________
F-450, 4wd, club cab, 4.88, KR, satellite, navigation, hi-capacity trailer towing, reverse sensor, memory mirrors/pedals/seats and tailgate step. Also Linex, TruckCoverUSA bed cover, CrimeStopper Remote Start and Alarm and a 25K Air Safe Air Ride 5er hitch.
It seems to pull hard but I don't know if it's abnormal. The tow command is set on 7.0. JC
You say the trailer is hard to pull. If you are not touching the brakes, then the trailer brakes should not be engaging and so the question about the setting of the tow command should not even apply.
Why is it hard to pull? That is the question. I don't see what kind of 5th wheel (what weight) you are working with. Assuming that the truck is rated for the trailer, then it should not be hard to pull. Yes you know it's there and it will be slow to accelerate.
If it is hard to pull then there may be something binding on the trailer wheels. Could be over-tight brakes or wheel bearings. Is the emergency breakaway plug in place? If not, that will apply the brakes continuously.
Block the trailer wheels, then jack up one at a time, just off the ground. Does the wheel rotate easily? If not, something is wrong. If there is something binding and you try to travel, the heat generated may cause damage.
__________________
John
99 F350 PSD CC DRW, BD Tranny, Fan driven tranny cooler, exhaust brake, tranny temp gauge
Titanium 29/34 Fifthwheel
HiJack 21k 4way hitch
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
Linear Mode
