Forum Discussion

ugeesta's avatar
ugeesta
Explorer
Sep 27, 2019

Setting the Trailer Brake Controller

When setting the trailer brake controller, how much pull is acceptable on the TV when braking? I ask cause I went through a set of trailer brakes in 1,600 mile, most of which were highway miles. The gain on the factory brake controller was set at 8. During the travels, I felt the trailer pull the truck when braking but ending recall the trailer tires locking up.

With the new brakes, I’ve lowered the gain to 7. In my short travel, I do t feel the tug on the tv when breaking and don’t feel pushed either. Just wondering if I should go lower on the gain.

The trailer is a 40’ 5th wheel toy hauler scaled at 15,000lbs being pulled by a 1 ton srw duramax.

Thanks
  • memtb's avatar
    memtb
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    This obviously is just my opinion. I prefer a “slight” tug on the TV. This way I am certain that in slick ( rain, snow, ice) conditions, the trailer brakes will help keep everything in a “straight line”. If the truck is providing more ( even slightly more) braking, under the previously mentioned conditions, the possibility of a “jackknife” is increased. I’d prefer to replace the trailer brakes a little more often, than find myself in a “jackknife” situation. However, I do want to emphasize......a “slight” tug on the TV! memtb
  • BenK's avatar
    BenK
    Explorer
    Sep 28, 2019
    Todd...x2...I like the trailer to lead the TV in braking

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