Gain Setting

BlackSilver · April 7, 2008

Getting ready for our first long pull with the new mule.

Wonder what gain settings you guys are using on the integrated brake controller?

Trailer weighs around 13,000# when 'road ready'.

Bluedog · April 8, 2008

Getting ready for our first long pull with the new mule.

Wonder what gain settings you guys are using on the integrated brake controller?

Trailer weighs around 13,000# when 'road ready'.

Mine is set @ 7 with an 8,000 lb 5th wheel.

I drove around the neighborhood and kept kicking it up until I was able to lock up the trailer at about 40 mph, then backed it off just a bit. The IBC is the best controller I have ever had!

BlackSilver · April 9, 2008

I drove around the neighborhood and kept kicking it up until I was able to lock up the trailer at about 40 mph, then backed it off just a bit. The IBC is the best controller I have ever had!

I just cringed when I read those instructions in the user manual. Can't imagine the stress that puts on the 'dogleg' part of the trailer frame!

I have it set at 5 for starters, and then will adjust based on feel.

Had a BrakeSmart controller on my '03 D/A. Hope this one is half as good as that one was.

txdutt · April 9, 2008

I drove around the neighborhood and kept kicking it up until I was able to lock up the trailer at about 40 mph, then backed it off just a bit. The IBC is the best controller I have ever had!

I just cringed when I read those instructions in the user manual. Can't imagine the stress that puts on the 'dogleg' part of the trailer frame!

I have it set at 5 for starters, and then will adjust based on feel.

Had a BrakeSmart controller on my '03 D/A. Hope this one is half as good as that one was.

I've got mine set at 6.5 for my Eagle, you'll just have to play with it until you feel comfortable with how your trailer is braking...

Bluedog · April 9, 2008

Getting ready for our first long pull with the new mule.

Wonder what gain settings you guys are using on the integrated brake controller?

Trailer weighs around 13,000# when 'road ready'.

Mine is set @ 7 with an 8,000 lb 5th wheel.

I drove around the neighborhood and kept kicking it up until I was able to lock up the trailer at about 40 mph, then backed it off just a bit. The IBC is the best controller I have ever had!

I didn't mean to indicate I drove around and dynamited the brakes til the trailer locked up - I would take it up to about 40mph and manually apply the trailer brakes until they "felt right" and would lock up just as I came to a stop. Then I backed the gain off some. I often adjust the gain depending on the road conditions and how heavy the trailer is.

Also - make sure the truck is turned off before connecting the trailer. If you try to connect it "hot" the controller won't see the trailer until you cycle the key.

lehogie · April 11, 2008

I drove around the neighborhood and kept kicking it up until I was able to lock up the trailer at about 40 mph, then backed it off just a bit. The IBC is the best controller I have ever had!

I just cringed when I read those instructions in the user manual. Can't imagine the stress that puts on the 'dogleg' part of the trailer frame!

I have it set at 5 for starters, and then will adjust based on feel.

Had a BrakeSmart controller on my '03 D/A. Hope this one is half as good as that one was.

I've got mine set at 6.5 for my Eagle, you'll just have to play with it until you feel comfortable with how your trailer is braking...

Chris97K1500 · April 12, 2008

When on the interstate, I put mine up to 9 or so. If I have to slam on my brakes, I want it to stop almost by itself. Otherwise, 5-7 depending on feel. I sure hope I don't have a problem with my IBC when towing and it goes out without me knowing. A little concerned with this. I'll just put a Prodigy P3 if this were to even happen to me though. Chris

BlackSilver · April 21, 2008

As follow up....

The trip is over (2114 miles and 187 gallons of diesel fuel later).

I started the trip with a setting of 6 and tried various settings. Finally settled on 8.0 as the best for my situation (pulling 5th-wheel camper, weight 13,140 this trip).

The controller seems to perform very similar to the BrakeSmart I had on my previous truck. Setting of 8.0 might be just a tad aggressive, but stops "from speed" or just "sneaking up on a traffic light" are both firm but very smooth.

2017HD · April 22, 2008

As with all controllers if you find yourself needing more boost then maybe it is time to adjust the TT brakes - this should be done at least once a year - but it also depends on use.