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  1. #1
    Fireside Member Jerry & Barbara's Avatar
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    A different brake question

    This is geared towards anyone with a F-250 (diesel) and a Reflection 303rls. I do not feel I have adequate braking. It has been about 25 years since I owned my last 5th wheel trailer. As I recall, when I used the brake controller set on high, and full application, it would lock up, or nearly lock up the trailer wheels. However with my new set up, 2016 F-250, and 2017 Reflection 303rls it is different. With the controller set on high output, and full manual application of the controller, I feel the brakes engage, but I do not feel a significant slowing of the vehicle, certainly nothing close to locking up the wheels. The truck owners manual says to increase the controller until the trailer brakes lock, then back it off to have maximum braking available. I have had the brakes checked twice, once before I took delivery, and again when it was recently in the shop, as I was still not happy with the braking force. I am not 100% trusting of the job the dealership has done with the brake issue, and want to see what others have experienced. I am considering having the truck inspected at the dealership, to ensure the brake controller is functioning properly. Can anyone give me any input as to the kind of braking force you are receiving from a similar setup?

  2. #2
    Big Traveler
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry & Barbara View Post
    This is geared towards anyone with a F-250 (diesel) and a Reflection 303rls. I do not feel I have adequate braking. It has been about 25 years since I owned my last 5th wheel trailer. As I recall, when I used the brake controller set on high, and full application, it would lock up, or nearly lock up the trailer wheels. However with my new set up, 2016 F-250, and 2017 Reflection 303rls it is different. With the controller set on high output, and full manual application of the controller, I feel the brakes engage, but I do not feel a significant slowing of the vehicle, certainly nothing close to locking up the wheels. The truck owners manual says to increase the controller until the trailer brakes lock, then back it off to have maximum braking available. I have had the brakes checked twice, once before I took delivery, and again when it was recently in the shop, as I was still not happy with the braking force. I am not 100% trusting of the job the dealership has done with the brake issue, and want to see what others have experienced. I am considering having the truck inspected at the dealership, to ensure the brake controller is functioning properly. Can anyone give me any input as to the kind of braking force you are receiving from a similar setup?
    2017 F350 set on 10 with mid level setting and only 1 wheel will lock up. No grease on brakes. I only get about 10v out of the truck with brakes fully on.
    2017 F350 Bronze Fire XLT short bed SuperCab, SRW power stroke Diesel, 3.31 rear end, 18" AT tires
    Demco hijacker autoslide hitch
    2018 303RLS VIN#: 573FR3329J3313328. Built 4/2017. Dual AC's, freestanding table/chairs
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  3. #3
    Paid my dues 😁 FT4NOW's Avatar
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    If your trailer has forward self adjusting brakes, it's possible they weren't initially set correctly. If you dont have self adjusting brakes, it could also need adjusting. They do take some time to properly seat, but the drive from factory to dealership usually covers that.

    Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
    2023 Momentum 398M-R
    2023 Ford F-450

    SOLD - 2021 Reflection 311BHS
    SOLD - 2017 Momentum 399TH

  4. #4
    Seasoned Camper Likes to tow's Avatar
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    This sounds like you have the old common grease on brake shoes problem so common on these trailers. There are significant posts on this and other forums about leaking seals, thin runny grease and massive intrusion of grease due to improper maintenance with the easy lube zert on the axle. I had this exact experience on a previous 5th wheel I bought used. The previous owner had pumped so much grease inside that all the brake shoe surface and drum surface were covered in grease. The only repair for this is brake replacement as the grease in brake shoes can never be totally removed by soaking or cleaning. My brakes on my 2017 Reflection will lock up at low speeds if I turn my controller to high. Yes I had the brakes replaced on it because my trailer was part of this problem from Lippert. The new brakes are awsome!!

  5. #5
    Site Sponsor
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    Make sure you're getting a good connection between the trailer plug and the truck. I sometimes had to plug it in and out 3 or 4 times before my brakes would work good.

    Red
    Location - Wherever the road takes us...Full-timers
    2015 Momentum 380
    2019 Ram Dually

  6. #6
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    Jerry:

    Step 1: Check for any grease on any of the brakes (sounds like you have already done this)
    Step 2: Check amperage draw of the trailer brake system (should be 13 to 16 amps for four brakes)
    Step 3: Adjust brakes (even if they are auto adjust) so that you know shoes are snug to drums.
    Step 4: . . . Disc Brakes .

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  7. #7
    Fireside Member Jerry & Barbara's Avatar
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    The dealer told me they inspected the brakes when it was recently in the shop. They said no grease on the brakes. When I originally took delivery I watched as the tech adjusted the brakes. I thought they were a little too tight, as the wheels would not spin more than about a half rotation, and I could clearly hear the brakes dragging. They checked the voltage at the wheels and everything was normal (I guess). I am still not satisfied with the braking force.

  8. #8
    Site Sponsor Cate&Rob's Avatar
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    You can bypass the truck apply system by pulling the trailer break-away switch. You should not be able to move the trailer (other than by dragging the trailer tires) from a standing start on dry pavement with the break-away switch pulled. If you then can't apply this amount of braking with the truck controller, this might point to a truck problem (or maybe just a different trailer brake system selection in the truck menu?)

    Rob
    Cate & Rob
    2015 Reflection 303RLS

  9. #9
    Seasoned Camper
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    I have a 2011 2500HD. felt the same way that the trailer didn't brake very good. had my brakes changed out to disc. Now on setting of 7, is almost too much. Only towed an hour to storage after the job but very happy with the new brakes. One wheel had grease, and one had a wire almost worn through.
    Ron & Sue
    2016 Reflection 337 RLS
    2011 Chevy 2500 HD Duramax

  10. #10
    Site Team Second Chance's Avatar
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    I have read that some of the newer Ford SDs have settings in the IBC for different types of brakes (electric, electric-over-hydraulic, etc.). Have you gone through the brake controller settings in the truck (the DIC/display) to see what is there and how things are set?

    Rob
    U.S. Army Retired
    2012 F350 DRW CC LB Lariat PS 6.7
    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, MORryde IS, disc brakes,
    Sailun LRG tires, solar, DP windows, W/D
    (Previously in a Reflection 337RLS)
    Full time since 08/2015

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