Forum Discussion

GlampinLife's avatar
GlampinLife
Explorer
Apr 15, 2016

Best way to tune in trailer brakes

I've got a 2011 Ford F250 Lariat 6.7 Diesel and am new to towing a 5th wheel. My question is what's the best way to adjust my factory brake controller to utilize the trailer brakes but not overuse them. I thought maybe if I set the gain just right, the trailer will hold itself back without the extra pushing/pulling on the hitch. I currently have the setting at 6.5 but wanted to know if there is a good way to figure out what to set it. Example of just coasting at 30mph and using the manual slide on the brake controller to activate the brakes on the trailer.

Just looking for good advice to dial the trailer brakes in.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Apr 15, 2016
    Level parking lot. Accelerate to 25MPH, manually apply trailer brakes. Wheels lock? If yes, back off gain. If no, increase gain. If at maximum gain they won't lock up, adjust brakes and start again.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Apr 15, 2016
    I like to adjust mine so that I can just feel the trailer brakes come on when I engage the truck brakes. Mine is at 6.5 most of the time.

    If I'm headed downhill in traffic I will bump it up to 8 to help out in case the idiot in front of me slams on his brake.

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