Control Settings

[BogeyBoyNevada]

Generally speaking, what should my brake controller settings be set at? I have tried different one resulting in everything from trailer brakes nearly slamming to a stop to feeling nothing on the brake drag. Is there a test procedure when we are stopped. I have manually slid the lever to see how much grab the brakes have
Thanks

[NB Canada]

My Integrated controller in my GMC is set at 6
I had a panic stop situation going down a 10 percent grade and stopped without issue
But I get my brakes adjusted on the coach every spring
Likely your issue is poor brake adjustment on your trailer unless you have recently done this and can rule it out

[Gronk1]

Take it to an empty parking lot with a hard surface loaded for travel. Take it up to (I think) 15mph and stop it with trailer brakes only. I'd start with the controller on 5. It should stop without skidding.
I would get it to skid, then back off the controller till it doesn't.
This has worked for me on all my trailers.
If you don't have forward self-adjusting brakes, they need to be adjusted for this.

[Second Chance]

You don't say which truck, trailer or type of brakes you have... settings can vary widely. Many modern trucks have settings in the built-in controllers where you select "Electric," "Electric-Over-Hydraulic," etc. If you have drum brakes from the factory, they are electric. If you have factory or aftermarket disc brakes, they are electric-over-hydraulic. Make sure your controller is set properly.

You're probably not going to get brakes to lock/skid on a paved surface in a parking lot - I can't, and I have EOH disc brakes on the trailer. You might be able to on a sandy surface. Basically, if your trailer brakes are adjusted properly, you want to have your controller set so the trailer is not pushing the truck during a stop and its brakes are doing the work of stopping the trailer. As suggested, start with checking the trailer brake adjustment and work forward from there.

BTW - You can create a signature block with your RV and tow vehicle information (see mine below). That way you won't have to repeat that information whenever you post or ask a question - and others won't have to ask. You can create a signature by going to:

Forum Actions (on menu bar) -> Edit Profile -> Edit Signature (under My Settings on the left)

Rob

[stroguy]

I’m with Rob. I adjust so the trailer isn’t pushing me during a normal stop. I run 4.5 to 5 on a Ram 2500 with about 7000 pounds of dual axle trailer behind. Seems to work and feels good for me.