Forum Discussion

Jebby14's avatar
Jebby14
Explorer
May 30, 2015

setting trailer brakes

hey everyone. just curious. when you are dialing in your trailer brakes how do you go about doing this. was playing with it in the local mall parking lot last night. I had the controller set so you felt the trailer brakes when you hit the brakes in the tv then I dialed them back 1 unit at a time until the trailer didn't feel like it was stopping me instead the other way around. seems good now. just towing slow (idol speeds) you can hear/feel the traile brakes early and I think that's because I am not using enough brake force in the tv. if u brake a bit harder the tv brakes first. any suggestions for a new guys like me?

10 Replies

  • philh's avatar
    philh
    Explorer II
    Jun 01, 2015
    Bipeflier wrote:
    Why not just follow the manufacturer's directions?

    Since I didn't know any better, that's exactly what I did, and dang if the brakes are a seamless integration to the vehicle. Haven't had any panic stops, but on every other situation they work fantastic.
  • C-Bears's avatar
    C-Bears
    Explorer
    May 31, 2015
    This is what I have learned from pulling utility trailers, construction trailers, boat trailers, and now fivers.

    I start by using a gravel road and going about 10mph. I lock the trailer brakes and if they all lock up at that speed I back off until I find the lowest setting that they will still lock up at.

    Once out on the road, especially with a fiver, you won't have a lot of chucking when stopping if they are set right.

    I also may dial down a half a number in heavy rain conditions.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    Biker1mike wrote:
    Just my opinion after reading the web link page.

    Do as the directions say.
    Then pull the unit out and get a proportional unit. Will make a big difference in your tow.


    Agree, lose the time based "controller" as they cannot be adjusted to match your tow vehicle brakes.
  • Biker1mike's avatar
    Biker1mike
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    Just my opinion after reading the web link page.

    Do as the directions say.
    Then pull the unit out and get a proportional unit. Will make a big difference in your tow.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    The braking system should feel seamless, once it's dialed in. There's little need to start from a locked-wheel situation.

    My method: With a Prodigy P2 controller, it will display the voltage to the trailer (notes it is working). I pull the trailer at around 20 mph and apply the manual slider to engage the trailer's brake system. If it slows the combination to a gradual stop, that is the starting point. I can then increase or decrease the trailer force by adjusting the trailer's brakes, depending on the towing situation (Interstate, city traffic, hills, etc.). I've found that once I have a sweet spot, I don't fiddle with it at all.

    BTW, my trailer brakes have been rewired with a parallel wire to each axle end and brakes adjusted for proper contact.
  • Jebby14's avatar
    Jebby14
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/brake-force-trade-time-based-led-4-brake-controller/A-p8023523e this is my controller
  • K_Charles's avatar
    K_Charles
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    There are different ways to set it because there are different kinds of controllers. What kind do you have?
  • Jebby14's avatar
    Jebby14
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    chances are you know more than me. im sure the regulars will chime in soon
  • kohai's avatar
    kohai
    Explorer
    May 30, 2015
    I thought the proper technique was to find the setting where the trailer will skid when braking hard at 10-15 mph and then back it off.

    I'm newbie so I'm just throwing this out there.

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