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
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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