trailer brake gain tips

[mjoekingz28]

Maybe the lockup is just a visual clue as to how to adjust them.

 

Maybe you should focus on actual braking performance. Like, go down a hill with a loaded trailer and adjust the brakes until they feel right and don't push the trailer downhill.

[redwngr]

It sounds like he's testing the correct way -- at slow speed on level ground.

 

Here's the (owner's manual) recommended procedure for the ITBC:

 

Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure

Trailer Gain should be set for a specific trailering condition and must be adjusted anytime vehicle loading, trailer loading, or road surface conditions change.

{Warning Trailer brakes that are over-gained or under-gained may not stop the vehicle and the trailer as intended and can result in a crash. Always follow the instructions to set the Trailer Gain for the proper trailer stopping performance.

Use the following to adjust Trailer Gain for each towing condition:

1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road surface representative of the towing condition and free of traffic at about 32 to 40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) and fully apply the Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever.

Adjusting Trailer Gain at speeds lower than 32 to 40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) may result in an incorrect gain setting.

2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain Adjustment Buttons, to just below the point of trailer wheel lock-up, indicated by trailer wheel squeal or tire smoke when a trailer wheel locks.

Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if towing a heavily loaded trailer. In this case, adjust the Trailer Gain to the highest allowable setting for the towing condition.

3. Readjust Trailer Gain anytime vehicle loading, trailer loading, or road surface conditions change or if trailer wheel lock-up is noticed at any time while towing.

Sorry, I can't help with a procedure to test the output of the ITBC, but since the controller in the van will lock the brakes on the trailer, it would seem that the controller on the truck should be tested.

Gives an idea of the itbc signals the tech will be able to see:

http://sandyblogs.com/techlink/?p=5057

Be sure the trailer plug is in all the way and that the pins connections on the truck plug are clean.

[volrus]

Sorry, need to clear something up. The van locked up the wheels on our old pop up camper, about half the weight of the camper I'm pulling behind my truck. Yes, I have followed the instructions directly as suggested by the manual. It does say lock up may not happen with a heavily loaded trailer, I just don't know what they consider a heavily loaded trailer lol.

[mjoekingz28]

So many factors to determine a locked wheel.

 

To name a few:

 

Tire grade (name brand, retread, all seasons, etc)

Road conditions (pavement grade quality, sand on road, rain or dry, hot or cold)

 

 

 

It goes on from there.

 

 

It isn't just about weight.

 

 

 

I think brake strength was already mentioned. Maybe the box on the trailer has programming differences and/or the brakes are big discs with strong calipers or little drums with old and cheap shoes.

 

 

Forgive the ignorance, I am not well versed in electric trailer brakes.

[j-ten-ner]

As a side note...make sure that your trailer is level.

When you dial back the trailer gain because the front wheels of your trailer lock up, you'll end up with less braking power than you could have when the trailer is level.

 

so long

j-ten-ner