Campout RV

Ford Tow Command

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The optional factory installed Ford Motor Company "Tow Command" integrated TBC (Trailer Brake Controller) system is only available and compatible on the extra-heavy duty commercial Ford Super Duty line of trucks starting with the 2005 models. It is built and engineered jointly with Tekonsha who is famous for their Prodigy TBC. With adjustable +/- trailer braking gain in a digital readout from 0.0 (no trailer brakes) to 10.0 (full trailer braking) in 0.5 increments and a manual override lever (to test trailer braking action), the Ford 'built into the dash' TBC provides smooth braking even when pulling up to a 15,000 lb 4-axle conventional (receiver mounted) or 26,000 lb 4-axle 5th Wheel (bed/frame mounted) trailer. Tow Command being different from most aftermarket TBCs, ties into the trucks' computer and hydraulics, so it senses truck brake pressure and can apply trailer brakes as fast as the truck's brakes. Master Brake Systems 'Brake Smart' TBC is the only other TBC that taps into the trucks hydraulic lines in modern trucks.

The Tow Command TBC is basically made of three major components; the in-dash TBC module, a special Tow Command master cylinder with a brake pressure transducer, and an activated PCM (Power train) parameter by a Ford dealer's NGS or WDS programming method. All 2005 and newer Ford Super Duty trucks are already pre-wired for the TBC from the factory, no matter if the TBC option was ordered and installed at the time of the trucks assembly or not.

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 Tow Command 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. Tow Command will also tell you with an audible alarm and in the digital readout if your trailer wires and/or trailer disconnects from the truck. All these features will make towing a trailer in heavy traffic less hectic also. Next to the Tow Command is an empty storage tray or the $85 optional 4 AUX (auxiliary) toggle switches you can use for winches, snow plow, off-road lights, etc.

The only disadvantage, unlike aftermarket TBCs, you can not transfer it from one truck to the next. Another advantage, unlike aftermarket TBCs, you can pull into any Ford service center when on the road and have it serviced. The Tow Command is even covered by the standard bumper-to-bumper warranty as long as it is not discovered to be an actual trailer problem. The Tow Command has only been verified to be compatible with trailers having electric-actuated drum brakes (one to four axles) and not hydraulic surge or electric-over-hydraulic types.

User adjustment instructions: for in dash brake controllers

The TBC user interface consists of the following:

1. +/- (GAIN adjustment buttons): Pressing these buttons will adjust the TBC's

power output to the trailer brakes (in 0.5 increments). The GAIN setting can

be increased to a maximum of 10.0 or decreased to a minimum of 0 (no trailer

braking). Pressing and holding a button will raise or lower the setting

continuously.

2. Trailer connection indicator: This lamp indicates trailer electrical

connection status.

. When a successful trailer connection is detected, the indicator will

be green.

. If the electrical connection is lost, the indicator will flash red. If

the connection is lost while the vehicle is stationary, the indicator will

turn off after 30 seconds. If the connection is lost while the vehicle is

moving, the indicator will flash until the ignition is turned off, then on

again.

. If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is turned

on, pressing a GAIN adjustment button will display the GAIN setting. Sliding

the manual control will display the GAIN setting, OUTPUT bar graph and light

the trailer indicator red.

3. GAIN setting display: Shows the current GAIN setting. This will

illuminate when a trailer is connected, flash if the trailer becomes

disconnected, or remain off if no trailer is connected.

4. OUTPUT bar graph: When the vehicle's brake pedal is pushed, or when the

manual control is activated, green bar indicators will illuminate to

indicate the amount of power going to the trailer brakes relative to the

brake pedal or manual control input.

5. Manual control lever: Slide the control lever to the left to activate

power to the trailer's electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle's

brakes (see the following Procedure for adjusting GAIN section for

instructions on proper use of this feature). If the manual control is

activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs

determines the power sent to the trailer brakes.

.. Stop Lamps: Activating the TBC manual control lever will illuminate both

the trailer brake lamps and the tow vehicle brake lamps (presuming proper

trailer electrical connection). Pressing the vehicle brake pedal will also

illuminate both trailer and vehicle brake lamps.

GAIN

The GAIN setting is used to set the TBC for the specific towing condition

and should be changed as towing conditions change. Changes to towing

conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions

and weather. The GAIN should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking

assistance while ensuring the trailer wheels do not lock when braking.

Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.

Procedure for adjusting GAIN:

Note: This should only be performed in a traffic free environment at speeds

of approximately 20 - 25 mph (30 - 40 km/h).

1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning

normally, and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if necessary.

2. Hook-up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the

trailer manufacturer's instructions.

3. When a trailer with electric brakes is plugged in, the trailer connection

indicator will illuminate green on the TBC and the GAIN setting display will

illuminate.

4. Use the GAIN adjustment (+/-) buttons to increase or decrease the GAIN

setting to the desired starting point. (A GAIN setting of 6.0 is a good

starting point for heavier loads.)

5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at

a speed of 20 - 25 mph (30 - 40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control lever

completely.

6. If the trailer wheels lock-up (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the

GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.

Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the GAIN setting is at a point just below trailer

wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup may not be

attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.

Explanation of instrument cluster messages:

The TBC interacts with the instrument cluster message center. These

messages, accompanied by a single chime, will be displayed when the TBC

determines a malfunction in the trailer connection, TBC system, or in the

trailer. These messages are listed below:

TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped with message center) or CHECK TRAILER (if

equipped with mini message center): This message is displayed when a trailer

connection was determined and then a disconnection, either intentionally or

unintentionally, has been sensed during a given ignition cycle. This message

is also displayed during manual activation without a trailer connected.

TBC FAULT: This message is displayed in response to faults sensed by the

TBC. In the event this message is seen, please take your vehicle to an

authorized dealer for diagnosis and repair. The TBC may still function, but

performance may be degraded.

TRAILER FAULT: The TBC is capable of determining certain faults in the

vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system. These faults do not mean

there is anything wrong with the TBC. This message is displayed when one of

the following faults has occurred:

. Short circuit on the electric brake output wire: If the TRAILER FAULT

message is displayed with no trailer connected, the problem is with the

vehicle wiring from the TBC to the 7-pin connector in the bumper. If the

message is only displayed with a trailer connected, the problem is related

to the trailer wiring; consult your trailer dealer for assistance.

. Trailer brake overload: The trailer's brakes are drawing too much

current; consult your trailer dealer for assistance.

Note: Your TBC can be diagnosed by your authorized dealer to determine

exactly which trailer fault has occurred; however, if the fault is with the

trailer this diagnosis is not covered under your Ford warranty.

Points to Remember:

. Remember to adjust gain setting before using the TBC for the first

time.

. Readjust GAIN setting on the TBC (according to procedure above)

whenever road, weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions change from

those that existed when the gain was initially set.

. The sliding lever on the TBC should be used only for manual activation

of trailer brakes to assist with proper adjustment of the GAIN. Misuse, such

as application during trailer sway, could cause

instability of trailer and/or tow vehicle.

. Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The TBC does not provide

anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock-up on

slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced stability of trailer

and tow vehicle.

. The TBC interacts with the brake system of the vehicle, including ABS,

in order to reduce the likelihood of trailer wheel lockup. Therefore, if

these systems are not functioning properly the TBC may

not function at full performance.

. When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC Output is disabled and the

display is shut down. Reactivation of the ignition from 3 (OFF) to 4 (ON)

will awaken the TBC module.

. The TBC is only a factory or dealer installed item. Ford is not

responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or customer

installation.