2011 Ford Trailer Towing

[Bill Stockard]

I received my copy of Power Stroke Registry on the same day my TDR Magazine arrived. (I subscribe for information about the Ford Power Stroke(s) engine and to see how other automotive enthusiast magazines are written. ) There is an interesting article in the PSR about the Ford factory installed brake controller and other trailer towing systems. This is what is written about the factory trailer brake controller, "Normal braking is proportional to driver brake pressure for smooth stops at all speeds. " If the vehicle's Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is engaged, there is a special trailer brake algorithm that automatically minimizes the potential of trailer wheel lockup. Beginning with the 2011 model year the factory installed brake controller is compatible with most all electric/hydraulic trailer brake systems.



Also there is the ability for different trailer brake settings for several trailers to be placed in the controller's memory on a "Productivity Screen". All the driver has to do is bring up that particular trailer on the productivity screen and the controller goes to that trailer's previous setting. The productivity screen not only keeps up with the different trailer brake settings, it records the miles each trailer is towed.



The trailer sway control system, which is standard on all single and dual rear wheel pickups, works with trailers with brakes and those without brakes, requires no hardware be added to the trailer, works with multiple trailer brake configurations, and works when a sway is caused by a gust of wind. The system uses sensors to measure wheel speed, throttle position, steering wheel angle, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and has a gyroscopic roll rate sensor. When yaw is detected, it applies selective brake pressure on the tow vehicle's opposite side called asymmetric braking. It can also reduce the engine power.



The new Ford 6. 7L diesel has an integrated exhaust brake to increase the exhaust back pressure when in the Tow/Haul mode. It works automatically (no button to push) when the diesel powertrain calibration detects more braking is needed. According to Ford it is seamless to the customer. The Ford 6R140 six speed automatic transmission has three modes for towing, Progressive Range Selection Mode, Manual Mode, and Tow/Haul Mode. These modes are the same as available on the Chrysler built 68RFE six speed automatic, only Ford has "catchy" names for them.



I post this for your information only and I don't plan to buy a Ford.



Bill

 

[AClayton]

I still think the Max-Brake would be a competetive upgrade for all 3 of the newest trucks ... ... ... including Ram! I will say that the programming does sound impressive but more driver input should be placed on trailer braking and not a computer... ..... driver responsibility should be placed back into the control of the driver pulling his RV or heavy equipment trailer. I sure wouldn't want some computer telling my brakes when to apply on my trailer.

 

[HBarlow]

Good point, Alan. I think I would have the same preference. When first I read Bill's information from the Furd publication my thought was to wish Dodge would provide something as sophisticated as OEM equipment in Ram trucks. But on second thought, I think you're correct. I would prefer to manage trailer brakes myself with my right foot with a sophisticated controller like my BrakeSmart or the MaxBrake substitute instead of having a computer than could misunderstand my driving intentions or get confused and provide the opposite of what I want or need.

 

[Grizzly]

Good points well taken by Alan and Harvey. Too much computer intervention make us loose our keen senses to judge our actions.

 

[PatrickHansen]

Just like the alphabet soup of electronic nannies that ride along in our automobiles, these controllers allegedly make us safer on the roads. What we really need are better drivers, not smarter vehicles. Lose the cup holders, cell phones, and the other assorted trash people think they need while piloting their vehicles down public thoroughfares. If you want to drive, drive; pay attention to your task. If you need a drink, a bite to eat, or make a phone call, pull over and park. If you cannot travel without the crap, sit in one of the other seats because you're really only a passenger!

 

[Wingate]

except apparently the 2011 F550 does NOT have a factory exhaust brake.

 

[Bill Stockard]

except apparently the 2011 F550 does NOT have a factory exhaust brake.

The article in PSR refers to F250-350 Super Duty pickups, but has nothing about F450-550 cab/chassis trucks.



Bill

 

[AEdelheit]

My work just got a 2011 6. 7 Furd, I have tried everything I could to get the Exhaust brake to function and have yet to feel anything, If it is functioning then its pretty useless.

 

[Bill Stockard]

My work just got a 2011 6. 7 Furd, I have tried everything I could to get the Exhaust brake to function and have yet to feel anything, If it is functioning then its pretty useless.

Yep, the disadvantage of no switch and leaving it up to the computer that Ford brags about. Both GM and Ford claim they have built in exhaust brakes, but how effective a brake?



Bill

 

[Wingate]

My work just got a 2011 6. 7 Furd, I have tried everything I could to get the Exhaust brake to function and have yet to feel anything, If it is functioning then its pretty useless.

If you are referring to an F-550, it does not have one.

I am not sure about the F450, but the F-550 does not have an exhaust brake... I hear that the F-550 has a different turbo, (although still produce by Honeywell)

Not sure about the rationality of NOT putting the exhaust brake on the heavier trucks, but giving it to a 3/4 ton????... Seems counter-productive.

I can only think of two reasons for no exhaust brake on the bigger trucks, one, it will tend to generate more revenue for dealers doing brake jobs, and two, Ford is concerned about the durability of their new 6-speed auto.

 

[AEdelheit]

If you are referring to an F-550, it does not have one.
I am not sure about the F450, but the F-550 does not have an exhaust brake... I hear that the F-550 has a different turbo, (although still produce by Honeywell)
Not sure about the rationality of NOT putting the exhaust brake on the heavier trucks, but giving it to a 3/4 ton????... Seems counter-productive.
I can only think of two reasons for no exhaust brake on the bigger trucks, one, it will tend to generate more revenue for dealers doing brake jobs, and two, Ford is concerned about the durability of their new 6-speed auto.

Sorry I did not Clarify but its a F-350, to the best of my knowledge it should have a "exhaust/turbo brake". I have a PacBrake PRXB with a G56 and have been spoiled by the braking power it provides, I know the Cummins 6. 7 brake does work decently, not as good as a true exhaust brake but you definitely know its there. I have no idea how the Duramax performs and dont plan on ever finding out, mainly because im concerned that if I drive a new chevy I will remember how much the 3rd gen seats suck.

 

[HBarlow]

... ... ... ... ... ... ... <SNIP>

The new Ford 6. 7L diesel has an integrated exhaust brake to increase the exhaust back pressure when in the Tow/Haul mode. It works automatically (no button to push) when the diesel powertrain calibration detects more braking is needed. According to Ford it is seamless to the customer. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... . <SNIP> ... ... ... ... ... ... ... .

After reading the posts by Wingate and AEdelheit stating that their company work trucks equipped with the Furd 6. 7, the third new Furd engine introduced in several years, don't have an exhaust brake as claimed in the Furd literature Bill Stockard posted, I went back and read Bill's initial post again.

The weasel wording in the original Furd statement sounds to me like it is not a real exhaust brake as we are accustomed to on Cummins engines but some sort of very mild increase of exhaust back pressure intended only to supplement service brakes.

My opinion of Furd trucks and Furd engines remains unaltered . . . I'm unimpressed. No thanks. Would not buy one.

 

[AEdelheit]

After reading the posts by Wingate and AEdelheit stating that their company work trucks equipped with the Furd 6. 7, the third new Furd engine introduced in several years, don't have an exhaust brake as claimed in the Furd literature Bill Stockard posted, I went back and read Bill's initial post again.



The weasel wording in the original Furd statement sounds to me like it is not a real exhaust brake as we are accustomed to on Cummins engines but some sort of very mild increase of exhaust back pressure intended only to supplement service brakes.



My opinion of Furd trucks and Furd engines remains unaltered . . . I'm unimpressed. No thanks. Would not buy one.

Its kinda funny that the 6. 0 at work in tow haul mode feels to have more braking power then this 6. 7, but besides that I really dont like the throttle mapping or transmission shifting of the 6. 7 furd, Maybe im just used to how a diesel should feel and not how a diesel designed to feel more like a honda should feel , IMO there too quiet, no feel in the steering wheel at all, I think the dash is as ugly as the grill and the powers not that impressive but for some reason people still buy them

 

[Bill Stockard]

If you are referring to an F-550, it does not have one.

I am not sure about the F450, but the F-550 does not have an exhaust brake... I hear that the F-550 has a different turbo, (although still produce by Honeywell)

Not sure about the rationality of NOT putting the exhaust brake on the heavier trucks, but giving it to a 3/4 ton????... Seems counter-productive.

I can only think of two reasons for no exhaust brake on the bigger trucks, one, it will tend to generate more revenue for dealers doing brake jobs, and two, Ford is concerned about the durability of their new 6-speed auto.

There's no mention anywhere in the article about an exhaust brake on the F450 pickup. I too wonder why the computer has to select the amount of exhaust braking. Could it be that their new 6-speed automatic/torque converter lockup clutch is sensitive to reverse torque? Maybe Ford is using an old GM sales gimmick... taking a weakness and making it into a sales feature. No switch on the exhaust brake, the computer does it automatically for the driver.



Bill

 

[Wingate]

Speaking of the new Ford 6-speed transmission. We now have three of our six new trucks experiencing the "flaring" when shifting to 3rd gear. Only seems to happen once a day after the truck has been shut down and allowed to cool.

I have also talked with two different customers who have new 2011 3/4 tons with the gas engine. Apparently these are the same transmissions since they are having the same symptoms. .

I believe this transmission is weak. . Ford has this thing SO protected that the truck won't hardly get going until about 4th gear... I truly believe they are soft on it to protect a weakness. .

 

[Road Dog]

My friend's new Duramax uses the variable gate technology similar to the Cummins 6. 7 but it takes an aftermarket software mod to turn it into an exhaust brake. I assume the Ford uses a similar kind of exhaust brake.

 

[HBarlow]

Sounds like neither Govt. Motors or Furd has enough confidence in their transmissions to provide exhaust braking.

 

[Bill Stockard]

In the December 2010 edition of "Trailer Life" magazine, there is a review of a 2011 Chevy 3500 D/A dually towing a 38' Mobile Suites 5th wheel. Interestingly, the writer liked the action of the "engine brake" (He incorrectly called it an engine brake. It is an exhaust brake. ) so well he left it on all the time.



Also the GM factory integrated trailer brake controller was not "initially compatibile" with the Mobile Suites Kodiak hydraulic disc brake system. A Carlisle HydraStar brake controller was used instead.



Bill

 

[FFL8N]

I think that you guys that believe you can outdrive a computer need to go have a stopping contest. One of you should have ABS the other without. Do 10 stops from speed and then decide if you would like to have a computer help you or not. I'm not say thing I believe we don't need to teach people (like ourselves) how to drive. What I am saying is that computers can react way faster and more precise that your right leg. Safety is Safety. My children will thank you.

 

[Flexiheep]

I think that you guys that believe you can outdrive a computer need to go have a stopping contest. One of you should have ABS the other without. Do 10 stops from speed and then decide if you would like to have a computer help you or not. I'm not say thing I believe we don't need to teach people (like ourselves) how to drive. What I am saying is that computers can react way faster and more precise that your right leg. Safety is Safety. My children will thank you.

I have no problem with the ABS and other systems to a point, they do make driving easier... My beef is that folks don't understand what these systems are doing to help them. A new driver now doesn't have to learn about pumping the brakes when skidding, countersteering in a slide, or a host of other things. You just push the gas, and turn the wheel, heck some of the new cars will park themselves, and stop for you if your too close to the person in front... ... .



To me it is like teaching a kid math by handing him a calculator, it is a great tool, but only once you understand how it works and what it is doing.