I need HELP!!!: Ford Brake Controller

Print Page | Close Window

Ford Brake Controller

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11718
Printed Date: 10 May 2025 at 8:16pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Ford Brake Controller

Posted By: barbnphil
Subject: Ford Brake Controller
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2018 at 6:58pm

I need help!!!! Please. I purchased an RPod 180 in June 2017. I have to go to TN from GA. Concerned about steep grades I got a 2018 Ford F-150 XLT with heavy duty towing package. I found that the onboard brake controller does not work with our RPOD. Took it to Ford Dealer. They ran many tests and said brake controller works perfect - "it's my RPOD". B U T it still will not break our RPod. I don't want to but will if I have to purchase an after market brake controller. Is there any solution to get Ford Brake Controller to recognize RPOD.

The cost of the Ford was bad enough. I am told an after market brake controller (installed) is $150.00.

I am really concerned and disappointed over the money I apparently wasted.

So if someone could help me with a solution I would be so very very very grateful.

Thanks in advance.

Phil

pkrauss@earthlink.net

-------------
Phil and Barbara
New 2017.5 RPod Owner
2004 Titan
New to Poding and Camping

Replies:

Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2018 at 7:09pm

How do you know the Pod brakes are good? Do they work if you pull the emergency brake cord on the trailer? I'd sure hold off on a new controller until you're sure where the problem is. Seems like a long shot, but the dealer could be telling the truth!

1000!

-------------
2010 176
FJ Cruiser

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2018 at 8:05pm

Check the wires that go to the wheel hubs, I had a similar problem with our F-150, after many test and a new onboard brake controller and several other new parts. It was the wire that goes to the wheel hub on the drivers side. real easy fix once they found it.

-------------
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2018 at 10:44am

We have the OEM Ford brake controller on our 2015 F-150, and it works perfectly with our RP-179. I don't believe there is anything wrong with your brake controller, but you may have a connection problem of some sort.

Our F-150 "recognizes" that the trailer is there as soon as we plug in the 7-pin. Does yours do that?

Have you checked that the brakes are actually working on your R-pod?

Don't go chasing down the rabbit hole of putting on an after market brake controller until you verify everything else is working properly.

-------------
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: barbnphil
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2018 at 11:52am

I greatly appreciate your assistance. I have done additional trouble shooting techniques. I hooked up my Titan to the trailer. Titan has a Class IV hitch with an after market brake controller. I first tried to pull the trailer with the manual lever at a dead stop. No resistance from the trailer. Drove at 10 mph hit that manual switch. Absolutely nothing!Yes, the factory brake controller recognizes that a trailer is connected. (I may have said this before so please forgive repetition). All lights react to the controller; running lights; stop lights and signal lights. I now suspect that the brakes are not working. Question: If all the lights work can it still be a problem with the electric brakes? The RPOD is still under warranty and I have made an appointment hoping to resolve the problem. With the information provided, is it worth travelling about 80 miles to the dealer. If anyone can help me more I am providing my cell phone number - 912-617-3071. (I don't know if that is done at all; however, I need to solve this problem. Again, I thank for your assistance. Phil (Frustrated in Georgia)

-------------
Phil and Barbara
New 2017.5 RPod Owner
2004 Titan
New to Poding and Camping

Posted By: barbnphil
Date Posted: 12 Jun 2018 at 1:10pm

This is a follow up to my follow up. To those of you who said don't buy an after market brake controller, Thank you so very much! To Leo B. You were absolutely correct - burned or loose wire on passenger side. When you said check for loose wire I thought - I thought, how would I find a wire that was loose? Well if you're going to trouble shoot then you have to step out of your comfort zone. Got down under neath the brake hub and there was a wire hanging down. Looks like it was burnt - maybe. May try pulling the emergency brake cable but wait to get the wire repaired. You folks are great. Will let you know the next chapter of the story, "In search of trailer brakes".

-------------
Phil and Barbara
New 2017.5 RPod Owner
2004 Titan
New to Poding and Camping

Posted By: barbnphil
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2018 at 6:35pm

RPod brakes repaired for $20. Loose wire was the problem! Assistance from rpod owners forum truly appreciated.

-------------
Phil and Barbara
New 2017.5 RPod Owner
2004 Titan
New to Poding and Camping

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 15 Jun 2018 at 11:17pm

Glad you didn't go down the TBC rabbit hole!

-------------
bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost