Trailer connection

[countrylife]

My truck "knows" when a trailer is connected. How does it know this? What does it do to determine a trailer is connected. Also, if a trailer is connected is the 7 pin connector always "live" even when the truck is off. (i.e. the pin that has a constant 12v on it, is that applied all the time or just when the truck is running?) My GMC was a direct feed from the battery to the 12v pin and the trailer drained the truck battery one time. Ended up adding a relay to fix that. Do I need to do this with the F250?

[jesilvas]

I'm not sure on the new trucks, but if it's like mine, the 12v charge line should only be hot key on.
As for the trailer connection being 'smart,' it just knows that there is resistance in the brake circuit once it's connected.

[forddieseldoctor]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

I'm not sure on the new trucks, but if it's like mine, the 12v charge line should only be hot key on.
As for the trailer connection being 'smart,' it just knows that there is resistance in the brake circuit once it's connected.

What he said.

[351fifty]

that is cool as hell the 12 model is "instinctive" like that

[jesilvas]

Originally Posted by 351fifty

that is cool as hell the 12 model is "instinctive" like that

The integrated brace controllers back to 03(?) were like that

[forddieseldoctor]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

The integrated brace controllers back to 03(?) were like that

The integrated brake controller was introduced in the 2005 model year.

[elrojo63]

Any brake controller knows a trailer is connected when you plug it in.


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