Trailer Braking Question

[jamjrks]

I have a question for which I have previously received conflicting answers. My TV is an 08 Silverado 3500HD Duramax/Allison, DRW and my Monty is a 2011 3400RL. The TV has a factory installed integrated brake controller. In the past with a smaller, lighter fifth wheel (2004 Cougar) and a TV that had an aftermarket brake controller, I set the gain to give me a comfortable braking feeling from the trailer, usually setting it just high enough to lock the trailer brakes on the "gravel test", then backing off a number or so. However, with the IBC in my TV and the heavier Monty, even at the highest IBC gain setting of 10, the trailer brakes do not lock up on the "gravel test". I am getting braking action from the trailer as when I apply the trailer brakes manually through the IBC, I can feel the braking. My dealer told me that it's normal for me to not be able to lock up the trailer brakes. With my TV idling, should the manual application of the trailer brakes keep the TV and trailer from rolling? Thanks

[davidaf]

I don't have an integrated controller but a DirecLink. When I apply the brake manually during my pull test the trailer doesn't move and the truck is held back by the trailer brakes. I imagine that would mean the trailer brakes would keep the truck from moving at idle.

[Tom S.]

Two things are stuck in a back corner of my mind. One is I seem to remember the integrated controller won't lock up the brakes under a certain speed (maybe 20 or 25 mph?). The other is have you checked to see if your trailer brakes are properly adjusted. Even if they come with the 'wiz bang' self adjusters, they may still need to be manually adjusted.

[BB_TX]

I would definitely check the brake adjustment. At the first of this season I noticed that manually actuating my IBC (on my Ford) at a setting of 9.5 it would barely slide tires on gravel. Adjusted the brakes, tried again, and brakes locked instantly. Backed off the setting to 7.5. Still locks on gravel but not on pavement.
Mine are manual adjust brakes, by the way.

[Carl n Susan]

Tom: I believe it was the early Ford 6.0L (2004, 2005) where the integrated brake controller had a minimum speed before it would apply the brakes with force. The OP has a Chevy which I don't recall having that "feature".

[sambam]

I have the same issue with my '07.5. It was fine at 8 with my TT, but I've found I'm maxed out with the Montana. And it doesn't lock up in gravel. Adjusting the brakes may help. Not to hijack this post, but is there an easy way to test the magnets without removing the wheel?j I'd like to ensure all four are working properly. Also, to the OP, my trailer brakes will hold the truck at idle.

[BB_TX]

quote:Originally posted by sambam

............. Not to hijack this post, but is there an easy way to test the magnets without removing the wheel?j I'd like to ensure all four are working properly. .............

At the first of each season I jack a wheel just off the ground, pull the breakaway cable, and turn that wheel to ensure it locks, then reinsert the breakaway switch plug. I lower that wheel, raise another, and repeat until all 4 are checked. That tests the magnets, individual brakes, and breakaway switch.

[Phil P]

X2 for BB_TX

Phil P

[WaltBennett]

X3 for BB_TX!

[dieselguy]

A little more involved, but each magnet draws right at 3 amps ... if you have a multimeter that has an amp clamp similar to my $70 Craftsman ... hook it around the blue wire at the pin box ... you should get around 12 amps when the brakes are applied. You can also check them individually by clamping around one of the wires behind the backing plate.

[TAKPAK]

jamjrks, you have basically the very same setup that we have, or I should say had. We have a 2008 GMC 3500HD, Dura/Ally, but single rear wheels. We HAD a 2011 3400, now have a 2014 3725. I have never bothered to do the gravel test. I set the controller until I can feel the trailer brakes helping to pull the pickup speed down, instead of the pickup being "shoved". Currently, I have my controller set on "8" which is where I've had it for all the fivers we've had. That said, if I manually activate the trailer brakes on our gravel road, they will "skid" a bit. Also, when I activate the trailer brakes, it will keep the vehicle(s) from moving, as it should. However, that is on the level. If you are on a steep hill, and just use the trailer brakes, it may or may not. That's a lot of weight there, to hold with just "partial" braking. Also, Chevy/GMC use an "inertia" type brake controller, which means that the harder or faster you brake, the more braking force that is applied. Basically, when you are at a dead stop, and on level ground, the trailer brakes are for the most part not applied, unless you are doing it manually.