Setting the Trailer Brake Controller

[ugeesta]

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

[Cummins12V98]

Properly setup you should feel like you are driving the TV solo.

[BenK]

Todd...x2...I like the trailer to lead the TV in braking

[memtb]

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

[Grit_dog]

Well, the last part is a silver lining for sure.

[ugeesta]

Yes they are drum brakes. I did drop the gain down to 6 and seemed to be doing fine. Took the trailer on a trip and checked the drum temps and 3 of the 4 were around 150 and the 4th drum was closer to 170 degrees.

All 4 brakes were changed out. Drums and all. Jayco replaced them under warranty and I had a Camping World do the work. It was a very good Camping World experience.

[Cummins12V98]

"setting gain way too high will work the H out of new magnets"

Where does he say they are drum brakes???

[Lynnmor]

Grit dog wrote:

Lynnmor wrote:
You should not feel much difference between trailer being towed on not towing. If you have been towing and feeling a tug, that is way too high. Since the trailer brakes have been abused, better check them.

Sounds like he already replaced them.

I know, but setting gain way too high will work the H out of new magnets that haven't had a chance to seat. I'm sure that you have seen badly grooved armatures on almost new brakes.

[Cummins12V98]

Disk or drum brakes???

[time2roll]

ugeesta wrote:
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.

I would go lower until you feel a push then go up one to be close to neutral or very slight pull. Easy to dial in too much trailer brakes when all is working well as it gives a good easy braking feel. Or accept the brakes will need replaced more often. Best stopping distance is about neutral.

[Grit_dog]

As said, you should not feel the trailer pulling the truck back.
Your level of braking effort by the truck with the trailer attached should "feel" similar to the braking effort required when running bobtail.

Couple things to consider.
1. You show you're in Denver, so presuming most of the miles are in the mountains?
2. Brand new trailer, can you confirm that the brakes weren't dragging? Did all 4? brakes wear out. How bad were they? Presume you saw them?
3. I'd start out low and dial them up as needed. Or something was wrong. Presume you have some experience towing and weren't riding the brakes down every pass.

In my experience, one has to put alot of miles on the wear out trailer brakes. One of our work trailers, pulled by....everyone, overloaded enough to flatten the springs in 2 years is still on orig brakes. Personal trailers over the years, way more miles than what you got and plenty of mountain driving, I havent replaced a set of brakes yet.
Something is amiss.

[Grit_dog]

Lynnmor wrote:
You should not feel much difference between trailer being towed on not towing. If you have been towing and feeling a tug, that is way too high. Since the trailer brakes have been abused, better check them.

Sounds like he already replaced them.

[Lynnmor]

You should not feel much difference between trailer being towed on not towing. If you have been towing and feeling a tug, that is way too high. Since the trailer brakes have been abused, better check them.

[Dave_H_M]

I mess with my adjustment until I feel the trailer is not pushing or pulling on the truck.

[Dick_B]

Way back when my dealer tested the setting on a gravel driveway. If the controller is set too high the wheels will drag on the gravel. We ended up with a setting of 6.5 which has worked since.