how to use trailer brake package?

[cjz28]

not sure if this is the correct forum, but I am not having much luck on search.

 

can someone explain how to utilize the trailer brake package. I understand it allows you to set the gain (pressure?) on the electronic brakes on the trailer.

 

how do I find the exact setting I need to use? I found a Gm video on youtube but am hoping for more detailed guidance...

 

 

thanks!

 

CJ

[LongrangeLauber]

Well obviously the trailer has to have brakes on it first in order for them to work lol

 

Jokes aside, with the trailer hooked up, start at a gain of 3.0 or so, and while rolling on an open road doing about 30 hold the slide lever all the way down (max force) and it should feel like someone is tugging your collar from behind. If it feels like it is barely grabbing go ahead and bump the number up and keep trying until it feels right. Then when you come to a complete stop using your foot brake it should basically feel like it's an empty truck coming to a stop, I always make the trailer brakes pull (or in this case, stop lol) their weight

[LongrangeLauber]

I usually bounce between a 4.0 for an empty trailer to as high as a 6.0 for a loaded utility trailer (around 6k pounds)

[Chevor]

The higher trailer gain number the more the trailer brakes grab.

[muddkatt]

Set it when you first hook up the trailer, before getting out on the road. Get up to about 5 mph and apply the brakes. If the truck is doing the stopping and you cant feel the trailer doing the braking, increase the gain. If the trailer is trying to lock the tires, decrease the gain. I set mine so that I can feel the trailer slowing down the truck, without locking up the trailer tires.

[Chevor]

I gotta be at 10 on pretty much all these new campers. The more the brakes get worked results in better grab and me lowering the trailer gain number.

[Debra in Cali]

Do you have the built in system that comes with the truck or is it an aftermarket ? It is dependant on many factors including the trailer that you are pulling, weight is a huge factor, tongue weight, etc. Sometimes you have to back them off after they have warmed up, ie been used for a few miles, had stop and go traffic or had to hit them hard a few times. The system in my previous vehicle was much more sensitive to those issues, but it was an aftermarket. So far I haven't have any of those issues with the new Silverado. I set my gain at the middle level (which is 4, I think) and have left it there. You need to test it every time you hook up to ensure that the brakes are working and don't have too much gain.

Do you have the built in system that comes with the truck or is it an aftermarket ? It is dependant on many factors including the trailer that you are pulling, weight is a huge factor, tongue weight, etc. Sometimes you have to back them off after they have warmed up, ie been used for a few miles, had stop and go traffic or had to hit them hard a few times. The system in my previous vehicle was much more sensitive to those issues, but it was an aftermarket. So far I haven't have any of those issues with the new Silverado. I set my gain at the middle level (which is 4, I think) and have left it there. You need to test it every time you hook up to ensure that the brakes are working and don't have too much gain.

[blwright]

I start at about 6, roll to 35 mph, let off the accelerator, and peg the slider. I adjust until the trailer barks the tires. Then i back off .5 to 1 depending on the trailer load.