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schl44's avatar
schl44
Explorer
Aug 07, 2014

How to set up trailer breaks

Yet another question. My F350 has the dash display that shows the trailer gain when its hooked up to the truck. I will be traveling some steep mountain passes. Right now my gain reads 4.5. My Ford owners manual suggests to to start at 6 setting and drive 20mph, then apply breaks. Then adjust gain from there. So would you set the gain just below the point where the trailer tires would skid. Please advise on how to set this up. My 297SE Keystone Rapture weight is listed at 11,070 empty. I have 700 lb atv and aprox 500 more lbs of gear in

14 Replies

  • frankdamp's avatar
    frankdamp
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    Why would you want to set up your trailer to "break"? Maybe you meant "brakes" - there is a difference!
  • WeBeFulltimers's avatar
    WeBeFulltimers
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    4x4Bob wrote:
    schl44:
    Before you get your controller dialed in you should adjust the brake shoes on each wheel. If you have never done this or have not done this for awhile it should be done before your trip. Electric trailer brakes are not self adjusting like your tow vehicle. Because you do not want one wheel grabbing harder then the others.

    If not sure how to do this simple task, check U-Tube. There are several video's showing how.

    Then work on dialing in the controller.

    Bob


    Many trailer brakes are now self adjusting...mine are.
  • Allworth's avatar
    Allworth
    Explorer II
    Aug 08, 2014
    Break - Verb - To render into two or more pieces

    Brake - Noun - A device which stops a vehicle or machine.

    You really do not want your trailer to break.
  • 4x4Bob's avatar
    4x4Bob
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    schl44:
    Before you get your controller dialed in you should adjust the brake shoes on each wheel. If you have never done this or have not done this for awhile it should be done before your trip. Electric trailer brakes are not self adjusting like your tow vehicle. Because you do not want one wheel grabbing harder then the others.

    If not sure how to do this simple task, check U-Tube. There are several video's showing how.

    Then work on dialing in the controller.

    Bob
  • Turbo_Diesel_Du's avatar
    Turbo_Diesel_Du
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    Thanks Westend. Some of us here seem to have "target fixation" and can't plug their brain to visualize a common mistake between the "N and M". Finger was faster than brain. LOL Diesel Dude.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    nomad297 wrote:
    Turbo Diesel Dude wrote:
    You adjust your "breaks" Actually brakes, just as you said. Increasing by 1 each time,until you're satisfied with the results. JNHO


    What does "JNHO" mean.

    Bruce

    It means the typist has inadvertently shifted their hand on the keyboard, lol. "I" and "N" are adjacent to "J" and "M".

    Or.....it could be "Just 'Nother Honest Opinion" :W
  • lakeside013104's avatar
    lakeside013104
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    I also have an F-350 with the factory installed brake controller on the dash. Mine is set at 8.5. In 6,000 miles of traveling, this setting has worked for me. I use the brakes very little for the engine brake works flawlessly if you plan ahead, plus this method will save on early replacement of trailer/truck brake parts. Experiment with the setting in a controlled environment. You will find the # that works for you.




    Lakeside
  • nomad297's avatar
    nomad297
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    Turbo Diesel Dude wrote:
    You adjust your "breaks" Actually brakes, just as you said. Increasing by 1 each time,until you're satisfied with the results. JNHO


    What does "JNHO" mean.

    Bruce
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    I pull trailer to level road with loose gravel on side and put one set of wheels on gravel. About 5 mph or so I use manual override to apply brakes. If they skid,I turn them down until they don't, then turn them back up just a bit.
  • grampscamper's avatar
    grampscamper
    Explorer
    Aug 08, 2014
    schl44 wrote:
    So would you set them just short of skidding the tires?

    I would. Mine is set at 7.0 and won't skid at 20 but will slow the truck to a stop when manually applied. My last 5th wheel was set at 6.0.

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