NATDA Magazine July/Aug 2018 NM_July2018_printFINAL | Page 86

broken connection The result? The vehicle’s trailer module only supplies power to the trailer battery charge circuit when it detects a trailer is present and the key is on with the engine running. Even worse, any modifications to plugs would result in a voided factory warranty. Ford’s exact specifications are: SSM 46257 – 2017 F-SUPER DUTY – WITH FACTORY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER (TBC) – TRAILER CHARGING SYSTEM OPERATION – SERVICE TIP ALL 2017 F-SUPER DUTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FACTORY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER (TBC) UTILIZE A TRAILER MODULE (TRM) WHICH INITIATES THE TRAILER CHARGING SYSTEM. FOR TRAILER CHARGING TO OPERATE, THE TRM MUST DETECT A TRAILER IS CONNECTED AND A BRAKE PEDAL INPUT BEFORE CHARGING WILL BE PRESENT AT THE TRAILER CONNECTOR. “Unfortunately, the bulletin still doesn’t give technical specifications on the voltage/amperage requirements that the trailer has to have on its electric brake circuit or the 12-volt auxiliary circuit to 86 properly ‘communicate’ with the truck’s TRM,” says Connected Correctly’s Chris Long. “That’s the information that would help trailer manufacturers.” Long acknowledges that, while the issue is not severely complicated, Ford’s unwillingness to talk about solutions is not helping. “I had a very lengthy series of telephone calls with three different departments of Ford Customer Service,” Long says. “None of my efforts were rewarded with getting to the right people at Ford to get the answers.” While this issue may seem small, customers can’t be expected to leave their truck idling all day. It’s simply too big of an inconvenience for people that use their trucks a considerable amount of the day. Long explains that, unless Ford plans on getting into the trailer business, the company needs to bridge the gap with the aftermarket world. For now, Myers and his team are stuck with Ford’s workaround. “It was suggested that we install a second 7-blade RV plug that had a direct feed from the battery. When the interior lights are to be used, the customer can unplug from the factory plug and plug into the secondary unit.” NATDA Magazine www.natda.org