Trailer Braking
I just installed a new brake controller. No matter how I set it the trailer brakes seem to apply first and too abruptly. The dealer said that is just the way they are and that makes no sense to me. Th...
Forum Discussion
Given that this is "The Beginners Forum", I think an appropriate response is, "Yes, electric brakes (run by electronic controllers):
1) Do operate in a fairly grabby manner."
And:
2) Generally require that you avoid extended light braking (which does cause your trailer do more that it's fair share of braking and can result in real wear and tear), and instead, try more to "brake moderately in surges" (making your tow vehicle do it's fair share), and then let off the brakes.
(These are general rules and must be done with a good dose of common sense).
Newer, fancier trucks with the factory-installed, integral brake controller do a nicer job of picking up how hard/far you press the pedal.
Electronic controllers rely on secondary mechanism of sensing deceleration.
Indeed you need to do some adjustments and get things right, but if you turn them down to where you don't feel much, you may lack full braking power for an emergency stop.
Electric brakes and electronic controllers do have a grabby feel to them.
1) Do operate in a fairly grabby manner."
And:
2) Generally require that you avoid extended light braking (which does cause your trailer do more that it's fair share of braking and can result in real wear and tear), and instead, try more to "brake moderately in surges" (making your tow vehicle do it's fair share), and then let off the brakes.
(These are general rules and must be done with a good dose of common sense).
Newer, fancier trucks with the factory-installed, integral brake controller do a nicer job of picking up how hard/far you press the pedal.
Electronic controllers rely on secondary mechanism of sensing deceleration.
Indeed you need to do some adjustments and get things right, but if you turn them down to where you don't feel much, you may lack full braking power for an emergency stop.
Electric brakes and electronic controllers do have a grabby feel to them.
