Integrated brake controller - Diesel Forum

Beserko · 05-13-2008, 11:33 PM

Looking for someone who knows the in's and out's of the integrated brake controller on the '08 SD. My dealer and the owners manual state that this controller is only compatible with trailers having electric drum brakes. I am looking at buying a larger 5er but it has the hydraulic disc brakes. I haven't inquired, but I would think that these brakes would be in some manner electrically controlled as well. Has anyone dealt with this yet? Thanks.

wolfe14785 · 05-14-2008, 10:19 AM

You might have better luck in the towing and hauling forum with this question, some have had problems some have not. The Integrated brake controller has been around for a couple of years. Good luck

Stymie · 05-14-2008, 01:58 PM

you have to install an aftermarket controller for hydro brakes

Ninebell · 05-14-2008, 03:36 PM

I had Hydraulic brakes on my last trailer with the 08 F-450,they don't work you'll get disconnect messages all the time. And some times the controller did not even light up with the trailer hooked up.I now own a trailer with electric brakes and all works great.As stated above you'll have to install a after market controller for you hydraulic brakes for them to work correctly.

Dieselgem · 05-14-2008, 04:06 PM

It is a pc of junk for a big trailer. I added a P3 and the trailer stops on a dime. Great investment. PM me if you have any questions.

JJW-ND · 05-14-2008, 10:03 PM

The trailers hydraulic brake actuator is what dictates the incab controller requirements. Ford's factory controller has been out long enough that some/many brake equipment is now compatible.

We run almost all hydraulic disk brakes on our fleet of trailers. We converted a dozen older trailers (mostly 8K axles, some 7K axles, goosenecks and bumper pull....all equipment trailers). We have required all new trailers the last several years to be hydraulic disk. We have found the Dexter actuator (http://dexteraxle.com/electro_hydraulic_actuators) to be one that works with most all in cab brake controllers including the Factory Ford control. We specify this actuator on new trailers we bid out.

I had a 2007 F250 with the factoy brake control, and now a 2008 F350. Both work fine with all our trailers.

BTW....once you have pulled a trailer with hydraulic disks, you will never go back to electric.

jjw
ND