Forum Discussion

drillagent's avatar
drillagent
Explorer
Jun 27, 2013

Brake controller question

I've read quite a few posts about brake controllers and came to a horrifying realization. I had always assumed that the brake controller automatically adjusted itself. So now I'm glad to be alive after towing a 20ft rental TT for 1500 + miles to Yellowstone and back without adjusting the controller. My truck probably did all the work. Not good. But this leads me to my question.

Most of the posts that talk about adjusting the controller say to get up to a certain speed and without touching the brake, adjust the controller handles until the trailer stops the vehicle. Once you find that sweet spot, you're good. But is it just me, or does that mean you'll be towing the trailer with the brakes constantally on? Nobody ever says back it off a little to allow for when you step on the truck brake, the trailer brakes will activate. Is that something you have to do? I want to get this right so my family is safe.
Tow Vehicles

7 Replies

  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Jun 27, 2013
    drillagent wrote:
    Sorry that I didn't describe my vehicle. I have a 2012 F250 diesel with the integrated brake controller. Taking the previous reply advice, I googled the controller instructions and found a video. The video said to set the gain at about 6 and then roll the vehicle and move the paddle until the trailer brakes locked. If they didn't lock the first time, then up the gain one until you get the desired effect. And here is where I was confused. The video said that once you are able to lock up the trailer brakes, then back the gain off one. Does that sound correct? You know, contrary to some commercials, not everything on the internet is true. lol


    You want to back it off .5 to 1 (if that`s how a Ford integrated controller works). then you have it set properly.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jun 27, 2013
    Joseph T wrote:
    I am always tweeking my controller and basically do it by feel. If it feels like I am being pushed from behind when I apply the brakes I dial up the brake controller until I lose that sensation. If it feels like I am being pulled back I dial down the braker controller.

    I'm aiming for a neutral sensation when I brake, neither being pushed nor pulled.


    Exactly what I do.
  • Joseph_T1's avatar
    Joseph_T1
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2013
    I am always tweeking my controller and basically do it by feel. If it feels like I am being pushed from behind when I apply the brakes I dial up the brake controller until I lose that sensation. If it feels like I am being pulled back I dial down the braker controller.

    I'm aiming for a neutral sensation when I brake, neither being pushed nor pulled.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 27, 2013
    Sounds about right. But again you have to be careful. This is assuming the trailers brakes are correctly adjusted to start with.
  • drillagent's avatar
    drillagent
    Explorer
    Jun 27, 2013
    Sorry that I didn't describe my vehicle. I have a 2012 F250 diesel with the integrated brake controller. Taking the previous reply advice, I googled the controller instructions and found a video. The video said to set the gain at about 6 and then roll the vehicle and move the paddle until the trailer brakes locked. If they didn't lock the first time, then up the gain one until you get the desired effect. And here is where I was confused. The video said that once you are able to lock up the trailer brakes, then back the gain off one. Does that sound correct? You know, contrary to some commercials, not everything on the internet is true. lol
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jun 27, 2013
    I think you missed a critical step. It says or should say using the controller only, manually apply the trailer brakes. In other words there is a small handle on the brake controller. If you push it all the way, the trailers brakes should lock up or nearly lock up. Of course this all depends on whether the trailers brakes are properly adjusted or not too.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Jun 27, 2013
    What brake controller do you have? Procedures vary with the type of controller.

    No, you don't tow with the trailer brakes on all the time. They're activated electrically only when you press the brake in your tow vehicle. Yes, Brake controllers need to be adjusted for the weight of your trailer. If you don't have it already, download the instructions for your controller and set your controller up right.

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