Towing in slick conditions

Twistedlarch wrote:

All I could afford wrote:
You may need to adjust brake controller settings. It can be tough to modulate gently to avoid lockup on slick surface

This is one of my concerns, should I adjust controller to where I don't feel the trailer brakes? It is a relatively light trailer at just 3800 lbs.

I usually just lock the truck into a low gear and coast to avoid breaking all together.

Brian

Gotta be careful with this one.

Obviously you don't want the trailer brakes locking up and going for a slide...

However, you must maintain braking action in the trailer to slow the rig as a unit.

If you back off the brakes too much, the trailer will be wanting to push the tow vehicle, especially if you need to slow down in a hurry. The tow vehicle will be slowing while the trailer wants to keep going. This action will promote jackknifing. It's important to have both units slow down together without one taking the lions share of the braking.

You have to be the most careful braking in a corner. This is where you have the most potential to jackknife on slick roads. Slow down well before the corner.

If you drop a gear or 2 to avoid braking altogether, it is the same action as applying the brakes in the truck only. Great for dry roads but not for slick conditions. The trailer must be able to participate in the slowing down action.