Trailer mileage

rb10de · Mar 27, 2020

I know that some vehicles are equipped with a trip log for the trailer. What I haven't been able to figure out is what package needs to be added to get it.

The manual just says there will be a Trailer Tow option in the instrument panel if equipped. Going through the build options doesn't spell it out. I must have power folding mirrors so the Trailer Tow Group is out. If I add the brake controller does that do it or is there something else?

crash68 · Mar 27, 2020

Probably just like the Gen4 trucks, the trailer mileage is tracked by which "trailer" settings(there is four different ones) is selected with the factory brake controller. The brake controller is a stand alone option on the Gen5 trucks if you don't want the larger tow mirrors.

runamuck · Mar 27, 2020

there is a selection for a towing info screen. I use that one when towing or the one that shows all the vehicle info if I want to monitor trans and coolant temps on a hot day.

rb10de · Mar 27, 2020

I know that there is a towing info screen if equipped. I am trying to figure out if getting the brake controller is enough to add that screen.

farmallboy · Mar 27, 2020

Not able to answer your question explicitly. But i have a tradesman and I have the brake controller. I DO have the screen for trailer info. I'm about to break 500 miles so I'll be checking it out soon.

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rb10de · Mar 27, 2020

farmallboy said:
Not able to answer your question explicitly. But i have a tradesman and I have the brake controller. I DO have the screen for trailer info. I'm about to break 500 miles so I'll be checking it out soon.

Thank you. Just to be clear - you have the controller but not the Trailer Tow Group with the manual fold mirrors?

olyelr · Apr 5, 2020

What I have noticed with my ‘16 is the only time it calculates trailer tow miles is when I am towing a trailer with brakes. Small trailers with just a light plug do not seem to get calculated.

crash68 · Apr 5, 2020

olyelr said:
What I have noticed with my ‘16 is the only time it calculates trailer tow miles is when I am towing a trailer with brakes. Small trailers with just a light plug do not seem to get calculated.

The truck uses when trailer brakes are connected to log mileage on the selected trailer settings. It's also why you'll get a trailer disconnected if you unplug while the truck is running.

dexter · Apr 5, 2020

rb10de said:
I know that some vehicles are equipped with a trip log for the trailer. What I haven't been able to figure out is what package needs to be added to get it.

The manual just says there will be a Trailer Tow option in the instrument panel if equipped. Going through the build options doesn't spell it out. I must have power folding mirrors so the Trailer Tow Group is out. If I add the brake controller does that do it or is there something else?

I use google maps and a spread sheet.

olyelr · Apr 5, 2020

crash68 said:
The truck uses when trailer brakes are connected to log mileage on the selected trailer settings. It's also why you'll get a trailer disconnected if you unplug while the truck is running.

Yep. Had that happen before too.

But, it doesnt seem to log a trailer when its only the 4 pin plug.

clayinfla · Apr 5, 2020

I believe it only works with the seven pin connector plugged in.

RVGuy · Apr 5, 2020

olyelr said:
Yep. Had that happen before too.

But, it doesnt seem to log a trailer when its only the 4 pin plug.

It uses the brake circuit to tell if there's a trailer connected. Ford uses the running light circuit and GM uses the charge line circuit.

Have had lots of problems with Fords at work because of it so had to educate myself on what circuits they all use. They'll all only count miles off the 7 way connection though.

rb10de · Apr 6, 2020

Ok. Since my trailer has surge brakes it sounds like this isn't going to work for me.

dexter said:
I use google maps and a spread sheet.

I have an app on my phone that I can turn on when I am towing and it will keep track of the mileage. I was hoping the truck would track it just by hooking up.

RVGuy · Apr 6, 2020

rb10de said:
Ok. Since my trailer has surge brakes it sounds like this isn't going to work for me.

Do you have a brake controller in your truck? You could trick it into thinking there's brakes on the circuit if you want the truck to count the miles. Might be more trouble than it's worth though. If you hooked a 6ohm resister to the brake circuit while your other trailer is connected it would think there's trailer brakes connected.
It'd be a lot of work just to make the computer count your miles but it's doable. I'd personally just use the app.

chri5k · Apr 6, 2020

If you do the resistor thing make sure it is a fairly good sized resistor. At 12 volts into 6 ohms it will pull 2 amps so a resistor that can handle 25 watts or more would be in order.

crash68 · Apr 6, 2020

RVGuy said:
If you hooked a 6ohm resister to the brake circuit while your other trailer is connected it would think there's trailer brakes connected.

It might take two 6 ohm resistors wired in parallel as the larger magnets usually have a 3-4 ohm resistance.
I would test it with two resistors then wire it up to a 7 pin plug for that trailer.

Trailer mileage

rb10de

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crash68

ACME product engineer

runamuck

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rb10de

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farmallboy

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rb10de

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olyelr

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crash68

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dexter

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olyelr

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clayinfla

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RVGuy

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rb10de

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RVGuy

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chri5k

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crash68

ACME product engineer

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