R-pod Owners Forum : Trailer Brake Controller Issue https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Trailer Brake Controller Issue Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 30 May 2026 15:08:03 +0000 Wed, 09 May 2018 13:22:49 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11497 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Thanks, 70. I figured that the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108995#108995 Author: PodWa
Subject: 11497
Posted: 09 May 2018 at 1:22pm

Thanks, 70.  I figured that the brake controller must be looking for resistance or current draw, but didn't know what resistance or amperage the controller found satisfactory.  Now I know it senses resistance of 3 to 10 ohms.  I think that, with the bad connection on one backing plate, my brake controller was seeing a resistance through the other backing plate that was close to the minimum resistance the controller wanted to see.  Therefore, I could get a connection sometimes (after numerous tries to hook up) when the brake controller was fooled into thinking all was OK.  Good info.]]> Wed, 09 May 2018 13:22:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108995#108995 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : I understand brake controllers... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108984#108984 Author: Pushing70
Subject: 11497
Posted: 09 May 2018 at 10:29am

I understand brake controllers sense connection by resistance of the brake wire to ground in the range of 3 to 10 ohms.  One may test the truck by clipping a resistor in that range between the brake contact on the connector and chassis ground.  If controller is still showing no connection, then troubleshoot the truck wiring continuity from the connector brake wire to the controller.  

You can test the trailer by checking the resistance between the brake contact on the trailer connector and chassis ground.  If resistance is not in the range above, then troubleshoot the trailer wiring continuity from the connector to the brake coils.  

Easy-Peazy!  Big smile
]]> Wed, 09 May 2018 10:29:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108984#108984 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Yep! Got it. The contacts inside... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108959#108959 Author: PodWa
Subject: 11497
Posted: 08 May 2018 at 4:27pm

Yep!  Got it.  The contacts inside the TT side plug are like clips that grasp the contacts inside the connector on the TV.]]> Tue, 08 May 2018 16:27:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108959#108959 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Good, male spades. You said you... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108958#108958 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 08 May 2018 at 4:23pm

Good, male spades. You said you have electric knowledge, so sure you understand.]]> Tue, 08 May 2018 16:23:12 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108958#108958 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Great idea, Mike! https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108950#108950 Author: PodWa
Subject: 11497
Posted: 08 May 2018 at 12:29pm

Great idea, Mike!]]> Tue, 08 May 2018 12:29:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108950#108950 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : One thing I found helpful is making... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108943#108943 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 08 May 2018 at 10:42am

One thing I found helpful is making a 1/4" spade jumper wire. If your TT battery is connected you can take your 7 pin plug (trailer side), looking directly at it, with the alignment lug in 12 o'clock position. At 11 there is 12 Volts. Using your jumper you can jumper that 12 volts around the plug to test 12 volt circuits. At the 5 position is ground, don't jumper to there. So the brake issue for example: You can jumper 12v at 11 to the blue brake control at 7. You could then go back to axle and test blue wire that controls brakes. Or even check the 12V is getting to that brake. I carry that pin diagram with me and the jumper, without a TV I can check the running and tail lights, the brake lights and turn signals my add on reverse lights etc. Just with one jumper.]]> Tue, 08 May 2018 10:42:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108943#108943 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Me too, Leo! It seems my problem... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108940#108940 Author: PodWa
Subject: 11497
Posted: 08 May 2018 at 10:21am

Me too, Leo!  It seems my problem was similar to yours, but mine was created during the backing plate replacement.  You got it right, and now I know where to look if this happens again.

]]> Tue, 08 May 2018 10:21:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108940#108940 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Good to hear the problem has been... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108917#108917 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11497
Posted: 07 May 2018 at 7:31pm

Good to hear the problem has been fixed!!  ]]> Mon, 07 May 2018 19:31:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108917#108917 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : When the problem started I visually... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108915#108915 Author: PodWa
Subject: 11497
Posted: 07 May 2018 at 7:22pm

When the problem started I visually checked the connectors that the technician replaced and they looked good and seemed to be firmly crimped.  There must have been some internal fault that i could not see.  I am fairly proficient in electronics, but I don't know much about trailer brake systems and don't have a wiring diagram of the R-Pod 179, so my ability to troubleshoot the system was limited.  It only took the technician about 20 minutes to find and correct the problem, and he traced everything front to back.  I am extremely grateful that the fix was so easy.  We were in and out of the shop in about 45 minutes.  

I have to give kudos to Blue Dog RV in Post Falls, Idaho, and their facility in Fife, WA.  Both were very polite, helpful, and actually listened to my description of the problem before jumping to expensive conclusions.  There are lots of complaints on this forum about bad service at selling R-Pod dealers, but this is certainly not one of them.  Happy camper here! Big smile
]]> Mon, 07 May 2018 19:22:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108915#108915 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : I'll be darn PodWa. Appreciate... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108902#108902 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 07 May 2018 at 4:30pm

I'll be darn PodWa. Appreciate the response.]]> Mon, 07 May 2018 16:30:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108902#108902 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Wow! That was not something easy... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108897#108897 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11497
Posted: 07 May 2018 at 3:36pm

Wow! That was not something easy to find as it would have looked just fine visibly. You got a good technician to figure that one out. Thumbs Up]]> Mon, 07 May 2018 15:36:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108897#108897 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : TRAILER BRAKE PROBLEM RESOLVED!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108885#108885 Author: PodWa
Subject: 11497
Posted: 07 May 2018 at 2:02pm

TRAILER BRAKE PROBLEM RESOLVED!  There was a bad electrical connection at the driver's side backing plate.  The technician replaced the crimp-on connectors at that location and now everything works perfectly.  As I suspected, this problem was related to the backing plate replacement done a few weeks before our last trip, and the repair was at no cost to me.]]> Mon, 07 May 2018 14:02:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108885#108885 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Thanks Glueguy, appreciate the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108759#108759 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 2:51pm

Thanks Glueguy, appreciate the info. That system for a Ford I think is very informative. Not only tells you when there is a electrical connect or light issue, but also when the trailer brake circuit is working. Learned something from this.]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 14:51:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108759#108759 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : I did these tests. If there... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108758#108758 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11497
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 2:46pm

I did these tests.

  1. If there is no trailer connected at all and I check trailer status, I get "Trailer disconnected"
  2. If there is no trailer connected at all and I squeeze the trailer brake, I get "Trailer disconnected"
  3. If there is a 4-pin trailer connected and check trailer status, I get default trailer indicators (bunch o' stuff)
  4. If there is a 4-pin trailer connected and I squeeze the trailer brake, I get "Trailer disconnected"
  5. If I have the Rpod connected (7-pin) and I check trailer status I get "Rpod" plus a bunch o' stuff
  6. If I have the Rpod connected (7-pin) and I squeeze the trailer brake I get the gain indicator

So the "Trailer disconnected" message comes in 3 different cases, 2 of which are when I am manually squeezing the trailer brake. The other "Trailer disconnected" message when there is no trailer actually connected.

I could not simulate the broken tail light situation, but when we pulled the 4-pin from the connector and stepped on the brake I got a message about a malfunctioning tail light.

Just a side note. Some of the above required me to cycle the ignition. The truck appears to re-assess the trailer status after the ignition has been turned off/on.

]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 14:46:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108758#108758 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Glueguy - I appreciate this discussion... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108677#108677 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 8:56am

Glueguy - I appreciate this discussion and apologize for being over zealous. It won't happen again. I was wondering if we can do a little test with your F150? If your trailer is not connected and you go into your "Towing Status" and get the screen where the gain readout is on the left hand side - Do you get a display that says "No Trailer Detected"? I realize this is completely different than the Trailer Disconnected in other displays. If you were to connect a trailer I think the display will change and you will get the gain readouts as set. The "No Trailer Detected" is a standard, especially for Tekonsha designed TBCs, which I believe Ford is. Thanks.]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 08:56:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108677#108677 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : BTW - here how tow command works... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108660#108660 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 5:32pm

BTW - here how tow command works on a Ford: The optional factory in-dash installed Ford Motor Company "TowCommand" integrated TBC (Trailer Brake Controller) system available and compatible on the heavy duty commercial Ford Super Duty line of trucks starting with the 2005 models. TowCommand has since been added to the full-size Ford F-150 pickup and the full-size Ford Expedition SUV. It is built and engineered jointly with Tekonsha who are known 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. TowCommand 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 'BrakeSmart' TBC is the only other TBC that taps into the trucks hydraulic lines in modern trucks.

The TowCommand TBC is made of three major components; the in-dash TBC module, a TowCommand master cylinder with a brake pressure transducer, and an activated PCM (Powertrain Control Module) parameter by a Ford dealer's NGS or WDS programming method. All 2005 and newer Ford Super Duty trucks are 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 TowCommand 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. TowCommand will also inform the driver with an audible alarm and in the digital readout if the trailer wires and/or trailer disconnects from the truck. Next to the TowCommand is an empty storage tray or the $85 optional 4 AUX (auxiliary) toggle switches for winches, snow plow, off-road lights, etc.

The only disadvantage, unlike aftermarket TBCs, is that it cannot be transferred from one truck to another. Another advantage, unlike aftermarket TBCs, any Ford service center can have it serviced. The TowCommand is covered by the standard bumper-to-bumper warranty as long as it is not discovered to be an actual trailer problem. The TowCommand has only been verified to be compatible with trailers having electric-actuated drum brakes (one to four axles) and not hydraulic surge or electric-

From what I can ascertain - major complaint is the Towing App- and visible readout on dash doesn't show a brake failure versus a light failure. The APP provides basic connection info. From above it expalains that alrm sounds if a connection fail happens, but doesn't relate to brake failure. The TBC knows the system has issues but the app relays only electrical info.

Interesting etrailer.com has article about Ford owners adding after market TBC because they want a trailer brake monitoring system, not an electrical system monitor.
]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 17:32:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108660#108660 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : No - Glueguy, one last time -... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108659#108659 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 4:58pm

No - Glueguy, one last time - lights and brakes have nothing to do with each other the TBC senses the trailer thru the TBC control signal and works independently from the lights. Either or both can detect a trailer, only one effects what the OP describes and adding lights just confused the issue. The OP has a brake issue and trailer not connected, which is part of the TBC circuitry. The TBC circuit in your Ford does it too, just like LEOs did.]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 16:58:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108659#108659 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Maybe 'm not being clear.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108656#108656 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 4:43pm

Maybe 'm not being clear. The truck is saying "Trailer not Connected" (that may be paraphrasing). That is one issue. It's separate from the trailer brakes not working.

HOWEVER. If the truck thinks that there is no trailer connected, it may be that it has decided that there is nothing there, so has not enabled the trailer brake.

What I am trying to say, and seem to be failing miserably at, is that it may be just that the truck is not sensing the trailer (as in through the lights), and therefore it is not turning on the power to the brakes.

You guys may be right that the Ram senses the trailer via the TBC circuit (I know that our Ford does not do it this way).

So what I'm trying to suggest is that the sensing of the trailer and the operation (or not) of the trailer brakes are potentially two different issues.
]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 16:43:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108656#108656 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Thanks LEO - the lights have zilch... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108654#108654 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 4:08pm

Thanks LEO - the lights have zilch to do with brakes. The OP said he has a TBC issue - his lights work fine. The dealer said his truck is good. Easy to check, brake controller voltage on one wire. He has an intermittent trailer problem. Doesn't matter what year truck or make - brake control circuits are standard. Have to be.]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 16:08:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108654#108654 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : I think we are saying the same... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108652#108652 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 4:02pm

I think we are saying the same thing. I agree that lights have nothing to do with the brakes. Whatever wire that was busted didn't effect the lights. But when we applied the brake or used the TBC it would tell us the trailer was disconnected and the trailer brake wouldn't engage.
All the trailer lights worked perfectly the whole time. Our issue was the truck not recognizing the pods brakes. 
]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 16:02:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108652#108652 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : LEO, You are spot on, your truck... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108651#108651 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 3:54pm

LEO,

You are spot on, your truck has a light circuit that assists with light issues. Has nothing to do with your TBC and your brake problem, two different issues. The TBC operates independently from lights, has to. Each TBC is set up by vehicle, same with aftermarket TBCs not embedded like yours. The OP of this message has a TBC issue and the most likely culprit is wiring in or around one or both TT hubs.]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 15:54:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108651#108651 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : That's good my friend but... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108649#108649 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 3:47pm

That's good my friend but has nothing to do with the TBC. The TBC has one wire control. My Chevy will not tell me when a 4 pole trailer is connected but will show in the turn signals if a trailer tail light is not functioning. Sure new trucks have better light technology, granted. The TBC looks for a load on the one wire associated with brakes and uses that load sense to determine a trailer connection - ONLY FOR THE TBC. It is designed to NOT be associated with lights and is a safety factor. I can send you pics of how your Pod is wired and connected or you can do it yourself, just find a 7 pin flat standard RV connection diagram, you will see one wire is used from the TBC to the wheel backing plate. It doesn't matter about light technology the vehicle system has to work with the existing RV technology, end of the day the RV brakes have nothing to do with lights and the RV lights have nothing to do with brakes. I can have a disconnected TT plug and energize the brakes with a jumper and not have a single lit light.]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 15:47:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108649#108649 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Then it automatically applies... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108648#108648 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 3:39pm

Then it automatically applies the setting for that particular trailer.  ]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 15:39:08 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108648#108648 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : My F-150 is like that, I also... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108647#108647 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 3:38pm

My F-150 is like that, I also have a utility trailer that has no brakes and a 4 pin plug. Last time I plugged it in to use it, it told me I had a tail light out, checked and it was right. Changed the bulb and all was set. The Ford mechanic was talking about the wire being broke and the truck realizing when I applied the breaks that it was saying it was disconnected because of the break in the pods break wire breaking some circuit. But when he fixed the wire it worked perfect.
When we got the truck, we did have to go through a couple of thing where we programed in and named each trailer. When we plug in the trailer the truck know which one it is. 
]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 15:38:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108647#108647 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : The newer F-150s may have another... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108646#108646 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 3:31pm

The newer F-150s may have another wrinkle. Was just talking to someone with another fairly new F-150. He has a utility trailer without brakes. It not only could tell a trailer was connected, but it also knew it had a bad tail light AND which one. So even though a light was burned out, AND there was not trailer brakes, it still knew there was a trailer there.

Maybe the Ram is just simpler?
]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 15:31:07 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108646#108646 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Quote from OP: As I reentered... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108642#108642 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 2:35pm

Quote from OP: As I reentered the Interstate, I noticed a message on the dash display stating the trailer was disconnected. I stopped at the next safe place and found all physical connections were good, trailer lights worked properly, but the trailer brake controller would not sense the presence of the trailer.

So bottom line is he has no light problem, he has a TBC issue. And the TBC uses the blue Brake Control signal right to the trailer magnetic brakes to see if there is a power draw, which indicates the brakes are at least receiving a control signal. The blue wire into the brake backing plates. Some trucks know when the lights are connected but they also know when the electronic brake is too, they have too when a braked trailer is being pulled. Two different circuits.]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 14:35:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108642#108642 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Originally posted by Keith-N-DarWhy... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108625#108625 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 11:02am

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

Why would a four pin connector need to interact with the TV.  I have never noticed my F150 indicate anything when I pull my boat.  When I have the Pod behind if not connected it tells me if I manually try to apply the trailer brakes.  unless I initiate an action there is no response from the truck.
Ours is a 2015. It just seems to know when a trailer is connected regardless of the trailer brake controller. It did it before we even had a TBC. That's why I believe the TBC and trailer sensing are two different things. I am, of course, assuming that the system on a 2017 Ram would be similar.
]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 11:02:19 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108625#108625 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Why would a four pin connector... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108624#108624 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 10:37am

Why would a four pin connector need to interact with the TV.  I have never noticed my F150 indicate anything when I pull my boat.  When I have the Pod behind if not connected it tells me if I manually try to apply the trailer brakes.  unless I initiate an action there is no response from the truck.]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 10:37:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108624#108624 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Originally posted by mcarterWe'll... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108623#108623 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 9:24am

Originally posted by mcarter

We'll see when he finishes with trailer check. I can't imagine what a brake controller circuit would use if it didn't monitor brakes.
We bought our truck without a TBC. When we pulled a trailer using the 4-pin connector, the truck would sense whether a trailer was connected (or not). It didn't have a TBC at all, so I believe that the TBC is not (necessarily) part of the equation.

When we added the TBC, in addition to sensing the existence of a trailer, it also knew there was a brake circuit.
]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 09:24:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108623#108623 Trailer Brake Controller Issue : Thanks for all the helpful information.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108622#108622 Author: PodWa
Subject: 11497
Posted: 03 May 2018 at 9:21am

Thanks for all the helpful information.  I needed some ideas to point me in the right direction.  We are working on this and will have the trailer checked out at the dealer's service center next week.  I have heard of others with similar problems, and there does not seem to be a common cause.  I'm betting that this has something to do with the backing plates that were replaced earlier.  I will keep you all informed of what we find.]]> Thu, 03 May 2018 09:21:33 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11497&PID=108622#108622