Trailer brake settings?
08-13-2016, 09:47 AM
#3
I assume you are talking about electric brakes. The inertial controller (Drawtite Prodigy clone) I have has a variable **** and four "levels" b, b0, b1 and b2.
Setting it up is pretty simple. I adjust the variable **** on level b with the trailer unloaded. Given it's an open aluminum, it doesn't take much to lock up the trailer tires. I adjust it to below lockup even on a fairly firm stop. That set, with the trailer loaded, I up the level until I can feel the trailer tugging on the hitch during a firm stop, which is level b2. It didn't take much adjusting to get it right and I haven't touched it in a while, I just flip it between b and b2 depending on if the trailer is loaded.
The result is in normal towing, the tow vehicle brakes just about the same as it does without the trailer. When I need to get it whoa-ed up quick, the thing stops.
-Mike
Setting it up is pretty simple. I adjust the variable **** on level b with the trailer unloaded. Given it's an open aluminum, it doesn't take much to lock up the trailer tires. I adjust it to below lockup even on a fairly firm stop. That set, with the trailer loaded, I up the level until I can feel the trailer tugging on the hitch during a firm stop, which is level b2. It didn't take much adjusting to get it right and I haven't touched it in a while, I just flip it between b and b2 depending on if the trailer is loaded.
The result is in normal towing, the tow vehicle brakes just about the same as it does without the trailer. When I need to get it whoa-ed up quick, the thing stops.
-Mike
08-13-2016, 10:59 PM
#4
WRONGLY ACCUSED!
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Connecticut Valley Region
Posts: 14,449
Received 3,241 Likes
on
1,576 Posts
Here is something from my experience - it can be annoying in stop and go traffic for the trailer to start pulling on your tow vehicle every time you have to stop. Accordingly, you may be tempted to lower the setting on your brake controller so that it brakes less. Resist this urge.
I did this, and then when I got out of traffic going full speed, only to have to stop short again, I almost drove through a brand new Chevy Camaro because the trailer barely had any brakes dialed in.
Bottom line, keep your brakes on as tight as possible without locking up your rear wheels or feeling like it is really pulling the tow vehicle every time you tap the brakes. More brakes is better than less brakes.
I did this, and then when I got out of traffic going full speed, only to have to stop short again, I almost drove through a brand new Chevy Camaro because the trailer barely had any brakes dialed in.
Bottom line, keep your brakes on as tight as possible without locking up your rear wheels or feeling like it is really pulling the tow vehicle every time you tap the brakes. More brakes is better than less brakes.
08-15-2016, 10:04 AM
#5
Former Vendor
I assume you are talking about electric brakes. The inertial controller (Drawtite Prodigy clone) I have has a variable **** and four "levels" b, b0, b1 and b2.
Setting it up is pretty simple. I adjust the variable **** on level b with the trailer unloaded. Given it's an open aluminum, it doesn't take much to lock up the trailer tires. I adjust it to below lockup even on a fairly firm stop. That set, with the trailer loaded, I up the level until I can feel the trailer tugging on the hitch during a firm stop, which is level b2. It didn't take much adjusting to get it right and I haven't touched it in a while, I just flip it between b and b2 depending on if the trailer is loaded.
The result is in normal towing, the tow vehicle brakes just about the same as it does without the trailer. When I need to get it whoa-ed up quick, the thing stops.
-Mike
Setting it up is pretty simple. I adjust the variable **** on level b with the trailer unloaded. Given it's an open aluminum, it doesn't take much to lock up the trailer tires. I adjust it to below lockup even on a fairly firm stop. That set, with the trailer loaded, I up the level until I can feel the trailer tugging on the hitch during a firm stop, which is level b2. It didn't take much adjusting to get it right and I haven't touched it in a while, I just flip it between b and b2 depending on if the trailer is loaded.
The result is in normal towing, the tow vehicle brakes just about the same as it does without the trailer. When I need to get it whoa-ed up quick, the thing stops.
-Mike
- Matt @ TOEC
Trending Topics
08-16-2016, 08:52 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
^^ +1. If I ran the same setting with the car unloaded as I do with the car loaded. I'd be out of tires after 4 traffic lights as they lock very easy with no load on the (open alum) trailer.