F250/350 TowCommand

You should be able to get an Owners Guide from one of the following links:

In the 2006 F250/350/450 Owner's Guide, the Tow Command System is referred to as the "Integrated trailer brake controller." Here are the instruction for this device (I cannot post the pictures here, go get the manual to see them - page 157):

Integrated trailer brake controller (if equipped)

Your vehicle may be equipped with a fully integrated electronic Trailer Brake Controller (TBC). When used properly, the TBC helps ensure smooth and effective trailer braking by powering the trailer's electric brakes with a proportional output based on the towing vehicle's brake pressure.

The Ford TBC can only be used with trailers having electric-actuated drum brakes (one to four axles) and not hydraulic surge or electric-over-hydraulic types. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the trailer brakes are adjusted appropriately, functioning normally and all electric connections are properly made.

The TBC user interface consists of the following:

1. +/- (GAIN adjustment buttons): Pressing these buttons will adjust the TBC's power output to the trailer brakes (in 0.5 increments). The GAIN setting can be increased to a maximum of 10.0 or decreased to a minimum of 0 (no trailer braking). Pressing and holding a button will raise or lower the setting continuously.
2. Trailer connection indicator: This lamp indicates trailer electrical connection status. . When a successful trailer connection is detected, the indicator will be green. . If the electrical connection is lost, the indicator will flash red. If the connection is lost while the vehicle is stationary, the indicator will turn off after 30 seconds. If the connection is lost while the vehicle is moving, the indicator will flash until the ignition is turned off, then on again. . If no electrical connection is detected after the ignition is turned on, pressing a GAIN adjustment button will display the GAIN setting. Sliding the manual control will display the GAIN setting, OUTPUT bar graph and light the trailer indicator red.
3. GAIN setting display: Shows the current GAIN setting. This will illuminate when a trailer is connected, flash if the trailer becomes disconnected, or remain off if no trailer is connected.
4. OUTPUT bar graph: When the vehicle's brake pedal is pushed, or when the manual control is activated, green bar indicators will illuminate to indicate the amount of power going to the trailer brakes relative to the brake pedal or manual control input.
5. Manual control lever: Slide the control lever to the left to activate power to the trailer's electric brakes independent of the tow vehicle's brakes (see the following Procedure for adjusting GAIN section for instructions on proper use of this feature). If the manual control is activated while the brake is also applied, the greater of the two inputs determines the power sent to the trailer brakes. . Stop Lamps: Activating the TBC manual control lever will illuminate both the trailer brake lamps and the tow vehicle brake lamps (presuming proper trailer electrical connection). Pressing the vehicle brake pedal will also illuminate both trailer and vehicle brake lamps.

GAIN

The GAIN setting is used to set the TBC for the specific towing condition and should be changed as towing conditions change. Changes to towing conditions include trailer load, vehicle load, road conditions and weather. The GAIN should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking assistance while ensuring the trailer wheels do not lock when braking. Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.

Procedure for adjusting GAIN:

Note: This should only be performed in a traffic free environment at speeds of approximately 20 - 25 mph (30 - 40 km/h).

1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition, functioning normally, and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if necessary.
2. Hook-up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to the trailer manufacturer's instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric brakes is plugged in, the trailer connection indicator will illuminate green on the TBC and the GAIN setting display will illuminate.
4. Use the GAIN adjustment (+/-) buttons to increase or decrease the GAIN setting to the desired starting point. (A GAIN setting of 6.0 is a good starting point for heavier loads.)
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at a speed of 20 - 25 mph (30 - 40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control lever completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock-up (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN setting. Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the GAIN setting is at a point just below trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup may not be attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.

Explanation of instrument cluster messages: The TBC interacts with the instrument cluster message center. These messages, accompanied by a single chime, will be displayed when the TBC determines a malfunction in the trailer connection, TBC system, or in the trailer. These messages are listed below:

TRAILER DISCONNECTED (if equipped with message center) or CHECK TRAILER (if equipped with mini message center): This message is displayed when a trailer connection was determined and then a disconnection, either intentionally or unintentionally, has been sensed during a given ignition cycle. This message is also displayed during manual activation without a trailer connected. TBC FAULT: This message is displayed in response to faults sensed by the TBC. In the event this message is seen, please take your vehicle to an authorized dealer for diagnosis and repair. The TBC may still function, but performance may be degraded. TRAILER FAULT: The TBC is capable of determining certain faults in the vehicle wiring and trailer wiring/brake system. These faults do not mean there is anything wrong with the TBC. This message is displayed when one of the following faults has occurred: . Short circuit on the electric brake output wire: If the TRAILER FAULT message is displayed with no trailer connected, the problem is with the vehicle wiring from the TBC to the 7-pin connector in the bumper. If the message is only displayed with a trailer connected, the problem is related to the trailer wiring; consult your trailer dealer for assistance. . Trailer brake overload: The trailer's brakes are drawing too much current; consult your trailer dealer for assistance. Note: Your TBC can be diagnosed by your authorized dealer to determine exactly which trailer fault has occurred; however, if the fault is with the trailer this diagnosis is not covered under your Ford warranty.

Points to Remember: . Remember to adjust gain setting before using the TBC for the first time. . Readjust GAIN setting on the TBC (according to procedure above) whenever road, weather and trailer or vehicle loading conditions change from those that existed when the gain was initially set. . The sliding lever on the TBC should be used only for manual activation of trailer brakes to assist with proper adjustment of the GAIN. Misuse, such as application during trailer sway, could cause instability of trailer and/or tow vehicle. . Avoid towing in adverse weather conditions. The TBC does not provide anti-lock control of the trailer wheels. Trailer wheels can lock-up on slippery surfaces, resulting in reduced stability of trailer and tow vehicle. . The TBC interacts with the brake system of the vehicle, including ABS, in order to reduce the likelihood of trailer wheel lockup.Therefore, if these systems are not functioning properly the TBC may not function at full performance. . When the vehicle is turned off, the TBC Output is disabled and the display is shut down. Reactivation of the ignition from 3 (OFF) to 4 (ON) will awaken the TBC module. . The TBC is only a factory or dealer installed item. Ford is not responsible for warranty or performance of the TBC due to misuse or customer installation.

I figured I'd add a note about something I found out in the event anyone is purchasing a 2005 or older SuperDuty with the factory integrated trailer brake controller.

Build dates prior to March 23, 2005 will have a controller that only puts out 0-3 volts when the truck is not moving or under about 15 mph. It will appear that there is no braking of the trailer when stopped or when just starting out, either through normal automatic braking or by using the manual slider.

Build dates of March 23 and after have a controller that, when using the manual slide, will put out 0-10 volts when not moving or moving slowly.

Otherwise, all other functions are the same.

This issue was discovered by users that tow 5th wheel trailers. The normal procedure after hooking up to the trailer is to do a "tug test" whereby you manually engage the trailer brakes with the slider and try to pull the trailer to ensure the pin is properly locked in the fifth wheel. With the older controllers, this could not be accomplished.

Eisboch

Thank you for the helping hand. My DH will enjoy reading this. Such an interest in the manuals. I appreciate your time pulling this together. :-)

Something Eisboch forgot to add or may not know. If you need to replace the TBC for any reason the older part that puts out 0-3v below 20MPH has been discontinued!!! They are being replaced by the 06 TBC part number (fits in the same slot and everything) but when parked you can get 10-12v to your trailer brakes to do the "TUG TEST". Ford got soooo many complaints about not being able to actuate the brakes at a stop, so they changed the strategy in the controller...

Ford Tech

To clear up something that was said about the TowCommand being controlled by the TBC. It is NOT the same thing. The TowCommand strategy for towing and using a loaded truck, is controlled in the PCM calibration. So that when the truck notices that it is using more fuel to go the same speed, it will adjust fuel trim properties and tell the transmission to go to a more aggressive shift pattern to aid in take off speed. Hope this clears up any questions.

Ford Tech