Trailer Brake / Brake Controller Question

bowler1 wrote:

The reason I would like to be able to lock up the camper brakes is because that is how you are supposed to set them. If you read the instruction manual you are supposed to find the point at which they lock up and then dial the brakes back just below that point.

And if you read farther in most of the instructions, it will usually tell you that with heavier trailers the brakes will most likely NOT lock up.

Add to this the fact that I don't get adequate braking power without being on one of the boost modes. That is why I ask the question and wonder if I am getting all the braking power I should.

The boost mode does not increase the amount of braking power. It simply adjusts the maximum power to the boost setting you choose for a few seconds and then the inertia setting takes over. That means if you have it set on boost 1, you will get x percent of max power. If you have it set on boost 2 or 3 you will get x+ percent of max power - and each of these only lasts for a few seconds and then the controller depends on the rate of deceleration to adjust the brake power.

I guess what I am getting at is that using boost mode will not increase the amount of braking you get. The max amount of braking you get will depend on what you have adjusted the controller to give.

I suggest you set up your controller again and don't worry about locking up the brakes. Most stock trailer brakes are not able to do that except on sand or gravel. Adjust them for maximum brake "feel" when using the manual lever and you should be fine.
Barney