Factory brake controller

[SnoKing]

Ummm - you are now changing the point of view of the discussion. I'm done.

I believe the issue on this thread and the many others across the web is that RAM changed how the controller works in the 2015 MY controller that created issues with most users.

On our 2017 BH3575el that weighs in at 16k when we full timed in it, changing the setting to EOH-H 6 gave me acceptable brakes. On the new little trailer EH 6 works well on the 8K trailer.

There is somewhere out there a very detailed thread showing wave form at difference speeds and settings, and identifying the issue.

For now the best one can do is insure that all the wiring and brakes are in top shape. If that does not create acceptable brakes then an aftermarket controller might be your only answer, along with filing a complaint on the safercars.gov site.

 

[SnoKing]

Speaking of "average", the PWM signal from the brake controller should be read as average voltage, DC. It is the duty cycle and frequency that is controlling the output voltage. Can't really compare pulsed DC to RMS.

https://masteringelectronicsdesign.com/how-to-derive-the-rms-value-of-pulse-and-square-waveforms/

 

[SnoKing]

Here is a long thread with wave forms and all. I do not have time now to page through the whole thing again on this internet connection.

https://www.ramforum.com/threads/brake-controller.71708/

 

[Wiredawg]

I dont think I could handle all the reading again to capture what specific years are affected.... seems to be mostly 2015. Is that ya'lls assessment too. also to compare years, I wonder if the differences in the ITBC are changes/additions in the sensor signals to the controller? There are so many variables, years, equipment, and lack of a baseline of what output should be seen. This is the craziest and sorriest example of non-support of a fielded system. Reminds me of some of the crap the gov't used to field

Just a rant....no value added.

Ron

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

Good read SnoKing. Read over half the 70 pages of the link; Evelyn Wood speed reading is not conducive to internet pagination; I skipped to the end for the meaty, happy ending conclusion. It looks like two major issues were responsible for "many" of the deficient voltage readings.
1. Bad connection at the plug where the harness plugs into the 7 pin;
2. Flash brake controller - TSB 08-082-16 <<Biggie

 

[PBJ2500CTD]

I dont think I could handle all the reading again to capture what specific years are affected.... seems to be mostly 2015. Is that ya'lls assessment too. also to compare years, I wonder if the differences in the ITBC are changes/additions in the sensor signals to the controller? There are so many variables, years, equipment, and lack of a baseline of what output should be seen. This is the craziest and sorriest example of non-support of a fielded system. Reminds me of some of the crap the gov't used to field

Just a rant....no value added.

Ron

If my short term memory serves me correctly from reading the thread, mostly 2015, with limited overlap including some 2014's and 2016's.

 

[Wiredawg]

Good read SnoKing. Read over half the 70 pages of the link; Evelyn Wood speed reading is not conducive to internet pagination; I skipped to the end for the meaty, happy ending conclusion. It looks like two major issues were responsible for "many" of the deficient voltage readings.
1. Bad connection at the plug where the harness plugs into the 7 pin;
2. Flash brake controller - TSB 08-082-16 <<Biggie

I've had a couple of Rams where connector to the 7 pin plug were corroded and had TSBs. Would be nice if OP and others check this, clean the contacts, and yes you guessed it, apply some dielectric grease. There are some folks who got the flash and didn't help.

Model years sounds right.

Good luck to all if this becomes the easy fix.

Cheers, Ron

 

[SnoKing]

As noted in most forums the issue started with MY 2015.

 

[jhenderson]

The tsb was to deal with an initial total lack of trailer brakes if the the 7 blade plug was connected with the truck already running.

 

[SnoKing]

We made a couple quick stops today in coastal backups on 101 in Oregon and weighed the combination at 16450 lbs. I saw no decreased braking below 30 MPH. Just nice smooth stops on HE 6.

 

[Cummins12V98]

We made a couple quick stops today in coastal backups on 101 in Oregon and weighed the combination at 16450 lbs. I saw no decreased braking below 30 MPH. Just nice smooth stops on HE 6.

Try doubling that weight.

NOT impressed with my 15’s controller.

 

[EZeis]

We made a couple quick stops today in coastal backups on 101 in Oregon and weighed the combination at 16450 lbs. I saw no decreased braking below 30 MPH. Just nice smooth stops on HE 6.

My 18 is the same way. I'm over 21k combo and works great. I don't have the low speed issue. It can give me whiplash at low speeds. Mine seems to be brake pressure driven vs inertia. My gain bar moves directly with my brake pedal when not moving.
Maybe they changed from inertia to pressure sensing on later trucks??

Earl

 

[jhenderson]

21K combined ain’t heavy.

 

[GCroyle]

I checked the owners manual for my Klein clamp on meter. Turns out it has a Duty Cycle function and it display % when you select it. Have not tried it but I will as soon as I get to a newer truck.

 

[Cummins12V98]

21K combined ain’t heavy.

Is this?

 

[Dan_69GTX]

Nope!

Now if it were 35,341 - maybe!

 

[EZeis]

21K combined ain’t heavy.

Earl

21K combined ain’t heavy.

Didn't say it was. Didn't say even remotely hint it was.

Earl

 

[GCroyle]

Nope!

Now if it were 35,341 - maybe!

I had to ponder that one for a minute, that's a good un.

 

[TFucili]

Nope!

Now if it were 35,341 - maybe!

Half a load is better than none.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Nope!

Now if it were 35,341 - maybe!

Dang I knew I should have weighed it on this last trip!