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Old 09-06-2006, 02:37 AM   #1
dsprik
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Brake settings?

I have two settings on my brake. Please refresh my memory on the two settings. I have mine set at 2.0 (front dial) and 9 (side dial) on my Draw Tite II controller. I believe the 2.0 is how hard the trailer brakes grab? If I set them any higher, they REALLY grab and release with a hard jerk.

What is everyone else using for these numbers? I know we did this last year sometime?

 
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Old 09-06-2006, 02:32 PM   #2
sreigle
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I'm not familiar with your controller but, on every aftermarket controller I ever used, the side adjustment determined when the trailer brakes engaged relative to the truck brakes and the front adjustment was for how hard to apply the brakes. Sometimes that side one is described as "setting the level of the controller", but the result is the same.

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Old 09-06-2006, 04:39 PM   #3
Parrothead
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Dave
What do the directions say? Did you read them? On our Prodigy it had a step by step setup. We drove around the block several times to get it set. It is so far superior to the old one we had I can't even believe it. I was ready to quit this RVing until we got the new one. The old one was worse than the worse ride at Disneyland. But we were never given directions, so we didn't know how to set it up. Directions are wonderful.
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Old 09-06-2006, 07:32 PM   #4
Montana Sky
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If you dont have directions, have you looked at Draw Tite's website?? Maybe they offer a download that will answer your questions. Sorry I cant help, I run the Tekonsha Voyager controller.


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Old 09-07-2006, 04:22 AM   #5
dsprik
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The controller came with the truck - no instructions. I just have downloaded and read the adjustment instructions.

"Output Control" is the front knob. "Sync Control" is the side dial.

I will try the setup instructions and see if these help. Seems I tried this before, and still had the jerking. I will give this a try before heading south next Wed. If I can't seem to get rid of this, I have also written down the toll free #. Also, Prodigy controllers don''t cost THAT much, do they?

What does everyone else run on their "output" and "sync" numbers???

Thanks, Steve, Sue, and Dave!

*On Edit~ The initial setup numbers call for a 2.0 for output and a 4o (lower case "o" is correct for this controller) for sync. Doesn't this seem a bit low for our Montanas?

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Old 09-07-2006, 06:54 AM   #6
Dano
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Hey Dave,

I have the same set up as you, The side slide controls how fast it grabs and the top knob is how hard it grabs. I have mine set at side slide #3 And top at#6.5 this seems good for me. But my unit is'nt as heavy as yours, you have to play with it and see what works for you.

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Old 09-07-2006, 07:16 AM   #7
dsprik
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Thanks, Dano. I will try this. I have tried several configurations, but apparently haven't hit the right combination yet. This really should help.

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Old 09-07-2006, 11:29 AM   #8
sreigle
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Dave, when a manual gives you an initial setting it's just a starting point. From there you are supposed to drive up to about 20 or 25 mph, pull the manual brake handle. You adjust the front knob (leave the side one alone once you have it set!) until it just locks the brakes when you do that. However, the Prodigy I had would never lock the Montana brakes so I just got it to where it was braking hard. Then when on the road I adjusted to what I was comfortable with as far as stopping ability. Once I got it set right for us I never had to touch it again. The first critical thing is to get that Sync Control set properly. If that's not right nothing you do with the other knob is going to get the braking right. Pay real close attention to the instructions for setting that side dial.

See another Montana or Mountaineer on the road? Flash lights twice, it might be one of us!
Steve Reigle (pronounced Regal)
Fulltiming since 3/21/03
'07 3400RL
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Old 09-07-2006, 01:35 PM   #9
Charlie
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Dave-
I am using the same brake controller that you are if yours is labeled Activator II. I have had this controller in three TV's and the Montana is the second trailer. The settings for both trailers were about the same. The side is set is set at 6 and the top is 3. This works well when normal stopping. Sometimes when I am maneuvering around trying to get the trailer parked I will lower the top to 2.5 or maybe even down to 2.0 to keep the brakes from grabbing too hard.

Here is a link for the manual to this controller:

http://www.bsaohio.com/instructs/550...ke%20manual%22

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Old 09-07-2006, 02:25 PM   #10
dsprik
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Thanks, Steve! This has been a frustrating learning curve for me. Think it getting ready to smooth out now (pardon the pun).

Charlie, I also have the Activator II. Sounds like your numbers match up pretty good with Dano's settings. I have backed up and hooked up the umbillical and set my controller to these numbers. I will follow the manual that I just downloaded as far as any adjustments that need to be made, but I feel very comfortable the the range of numbers that you guys have given me here to start with.

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