OK...Deckover or Lowboy

bncsauve · Dec 1, 2005

Sorry for changing the subject. (I guess that happened already anyway). But, Does anyone know if you can buy
the Ford brake controller that is being installed on new F250s as an aftermarket to install on an F250 that didn't come with one?

jimmysisson · Dec 1, 2005

Pretty sure the Mass rules for a single vehicle are for 18000 and under you can use your Class 4. Not sure about trailers, but our 3/4 ton pickups and one 1/2 ton pull a 10,000 GVW trailer legally. The 3/4s have 8500-9100 GVWs.

hunterridgefarm · Dec 2, 2005

FaC,
I'll check on the Class A, Non CDL. I drive by the DMV office 4 times a day just have not had time to stop.

I hope to go look at a 14k GVWR goose with hinged dove tail next week. There is a dealer close to you right on I40 in Mocksville that had some on order and should be in stock now. Can't remember the name, something like Trailers USA or something. They have a RV place next to them. Do you know the place? Had any dealings?

Louisiana_John · Dec 2, 2005

I have both trailers a 24' bumper pull low deck 14,000 GVW and a 24' duel tandem gooseneck. I use both. I have a steel deck on my bumper pull. I make it real nice to load stuff and unload with FEL or back dragging with FEL. I also use to do a lot for just hauling the tractor no ramps needed just drop FEL and drive up. It is also easy to use with hitch on box blade. The duel tandem works great for long hauls, dozer, fork lift loading and heavy hauling. I am soon going to put a gooseneck hitch on my bumper pull. I have a new 3500 Dodge that should be here anyway. With my old Dodge 2500 I will have 2 trucks that can pull a gooseneck. That way when a friend or my father needs the trailer they can use the truck too. I never liked them pulling the 24' bumper pull with a 1/2-ton truck. I have also ordered a J and I Ranch Hand steel bead for my 2500. It will be ready Jan 15th. I am looking forward to that toll with a fuel tank added no more cans or drums.
John

tjkadar · Dec 2, 2005

Bob,

I believe that Tekonsha helped design the brake controller on the new Ford Trucks. Still, I don't believe the 'OEM' controller is as good as the Tekonsha Prodigy. Tekonsha had to keep a few things for themselves. Instead of looking for a retrofit, you would probably be able to get a better and cheaper controller with the Tekonsha Prodigy. It might not look as factory, but it will do the job.

Again, I'm going off of memory here and I could be wrong. If so, I'm sure someone will be able to jump in here and correct me.

Regards,

Tim

GeneD14 · Dec 2, 2005

( . Still, I don't believe the 'OEM' controller is as good as the Tekonsha Prodigy.
)

The Prodigy is a good controller. With all due respect the Ford Tow Command is linked into the trucks ABS system so the truck and trailer do a better job of functioning as one. It is also covered by the trucks 3/36,000 warranty. Here is a direct quote from the Ford website:

"The available integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC) is integrated with the anti-lock brake system and synchronizes the vehicle and trailer brakes for seamless braking while towing even the heaviest loads. It’s also factory-installed, so there are no extra holes in the dash, no clumsy boxes at your knees and no aftermarket worries."

Please explain how the Prodigy is "better"

FaC · Dec 3, 2005

Hunterridgefarm,

I know where you are talking about - I think at one time they were a Featherlite dealer. I have been by there many times but the only dealing that I have had with them was when I bought my Pop-Up GN hitch. I thought that the price was fair and the floor staff were ok. It was just a walk in and buy for the hitch so I don't know what the trailer sales staff is like...

FWIW - Frank

tjkadar · Dec 4, 2005

Gene,

After refreshing my memory, it looks like you are right. Tekonsha did help design the brake system, however the system is more along the line of the BrakeSmart controller then a more standard electric brake controller. It looks like it might be difficult to retrofit a truck as you need to swap out the master cylinder, wiring, controller, dash and a few other odds and ends. Probably cost around $1,000 to do a retrofit.

As with any new device a few people have been having some minor issues (not enough voltage to lock up the wheels at 0 mph in order to disengage a 5th wheel, warning bell dinging at odd times, etc.) with the brake controller, but on the whole most folks love them.

And remember, just because the controller is integrated with the truck's ABS does not give your trailer ABS.

thatguy · Dec 4, 2005

I work for the Virginia DMV and when I bought my Dodge 2500 (mfg gw of 8,600 lbs), I asked the guys that write the overweight tickets what would be best weight to register my truck for my situation (occasionally hauling compact tractor on tandem axle trailer and popup camper). They said go for 7,500 lbs (which is the highest rating on a 'passenger car' tag), otherwise I was going to have to register the truck with a combined weight which covered the truck AND loaded trailer. As long as each was under the registered weight I would be OK..

At 7,500 lbs if I was stopped, they would weigh the truck and trailer separately (not as a 'combined'unit). They normally do not bother with the smaller vehicles, but you never know.

Just what I was told..

Brian

QRTRHRS · Dec 5, 2005

( I work for the Virginia DMV and when I bought my Dodge 2500 (mfg gw of 8,600 lbs), I asked the guys that write the overweight tickets what would be best weight to register my truck for my situation (occasionally hauling compact tractor on tandem axle trailer and popup camper). They said go for 7,500 lbs (which is the highest rating on a 'passenger car' tag), otherwise I was going to have to register the truck with a combined weight which covered the truck AND loaded trailer. As long as each was under the registered weight I would be OK..

At 7,500 lbs if I was stopped, they would weigh the truck and trailer separately (not as a 'combined'unit). They normally do not bother with the smaller vehicles, but you never know.

Just what I was told..

Brian )Ever weighed your truck empty? Been awhile since I hung out on the TDR (vehicle weight is a common topic), but if you have the Cummins engine, you may not have much leeway on the truck.