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Old 07-15-2013, 12:08 PM   #1
jamjrks
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Brake Controller Gain Adjustment

My 2008 Silverado 3500 HD has an integrated brake controller. Each time I hook up my 2011 3400RL, I test the trailer brakes by manually applying them with the brake controller. I can feel the trailer brakes activate, but I can never get them to lock up, even at maximum gain on the brake controller. Should I be able to lock up the trailer brakes when I set the gain at maximum? My Keystone dealer told me that it was normal to not get a brake lock up at a low speed. Fact or mularky? Thanks
 
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Old 07-15-2013, 12:51 PM   #2
8.1al
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Fact according to Dexter. You may be able to get a little skid on loose gravel
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Old 07-15-2013, 01:27 PM   #3
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What's your definition of "low speed"? You'll not lock them up in the 15-20 mph range ... your trailer weighs too much. Like said ... you'll get a skid at very low speeds on sand or gravel. You don't want them to lock up anyways ... a 38' fiver trying to pass your truck sideways would be damned scary. Now if you had a much lighter 18' trailer ... this would be a whole different conversation.
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Old 07-15-2013, 03:32 PM   #4
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Don't totally count on them not locking up however. Snow, ice and a newly wet road with the oil dropped on the road still floating on it can still cause you to lock them up and as Diesel Guy says it's more excitement than you want.
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Old 07-16-2013, 10:56 AM   #5
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Whoa, going down the highway sideways is no fun!
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Old 07-16-2013, 12:57 PM   #6
jamjrks
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Guess I'm confused as to how to set the gain on my brake controller. Thought the process was to set the gain just below the gain at which the trailer brakes would lock up at 20-25 mph. And since at that low speed, and at maximum gain set on the controller, the brakes on my trailer do not lock up, I thought there may be a problem. Based upon these responses, there is no problem. It's normal operation. Thanks for the feedback.
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Old 07-16-2013, 04:18 PM   #7
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Most of us like to feel a very slight tug from the fiver when we apply the brakes in a normal fashion at say 45 - 50 mph. We set the gain on our controller to what ever number that corresponds with.
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Old 07-17-2013, 12:29 AM   #8
Phil P
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Hi

If you want to know your brakes are working properly do the following.

At a seed of 5 MPH or less and rolling in a straight line full apply the electronic trailer brake controller by hand without using the TV brake. The rig should stop abruptly. If it doesn’t you need to find out why.

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Old 07-18-2013, 06:01 AM   #9
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I set mine at level 3 for highway and level 1 for in town coming up to a stop or creeping, with the thing cranked up to 13 volts. Higher than level 1 at a stop sign and creaping will jerk like crazy, but at highway speeds even at level 3 you hardly feel a tug. (Prodigy Controller)
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Old 07-18-2013, 06:22 AM   #10
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01RAMer ... that's the reason that I left years of loyal Prodigy ownership for Max Brake ... no more messing with the gain dependent upon tow speeds.
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Old 07-20-2013, 06:35 AM   #11
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I agree that these Monte's are too heavy to pull through a parking lot at 20mph and attempt a lock-up just to see if your controller is set right. When I hook up I do one final "pull test" that tells me I am getting brake power. After the slides are in, hitch is locked, power cord put away, landing gear up, I hold the manual button on controller and put truck in drive. This tells me that my fifth wheel is indeed locked in and the Monte is getting good juice to the brakes. After that it is just "feeling" for the right setting for the load you are pulling. It is important for all the brakes (trailer and TV) to work the same for that instance in the pouring rain when some idiot pulls out in front of you.
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