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03-06-2010, 01:54 PM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Three Rivers
Posts: 8
M.O.C. #9754
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Correct way to adjust brake controller?
I'm towing a 3400RL, with a 2010, F-350. The Ford manual states that the correct way to adjust the built-in brake controller is to go about 20-25 MPH then manually apply full brake control. If the brakes on the towed vehicle don't lock up apply more gain until they do, then back off until they don't lock up. It also states that heavy trailers may not lock up.
I've adjusted my gain to the maximum, a setting of "10" and still can't lock up the Monty. Should I operate it at 10.
I'd like to hear how others adjust their brake controller. Do you adjust it differently for different road conditions?
Thanks
Bill
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03-06-2010, 06:14 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: merced
Posts: 983
M.O.C. #6171
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Bill
I just installed anew P3 controller, they stated the same thing, start a 6 and go up till it locks up the brakes. I also had no luck in locking them up. I also installed all new brakes shoes, still no luck.
I also was wondering if it was just my unit.
Mark
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03-07-2010, 02:29 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas City
Posts: 5,736
M.O.C. #7673
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I'm thinking "ABS."
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03-07-2010, 03:36 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,361
M.O.C. #6433
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Mine will not lock on pavement either. Will on gravel. I think mine is set on 9.0 right now. I try to remember to lower it when on wet pavement, but often forget. Would not want the tires to lock up on a wet road and try to come around on me..
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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03-07-2010, 03:42 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Grand Blanc
Posts: 2,508
M.O.C. #5965
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This has been a very interesting thread for me. Since we got our new (to us) 2005 Ford, I was not sure about mine either. Never could lock them up so set at 10. Knocking it down in wet weather as suggested by Bill sounds like a good idea to me.
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03-07-2010, 06:01 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Brownsburg
Posts: 1,186
M.O.C. #5634
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On a nice level streach of road I will get to rolling at a steady 30MPH, take my foot off the gas and apply full manual control and I expect the unit to come to a complete stop in a reasonable amount of space and keep adjusting up till I get there. I have never been able to lock my trailer wheels either.
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03-08-2010, 05:48 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
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As far as whether to run the controller at 10, I'd suggest not that high. The very first time we had our brakes checked, back around 2002, our dealer told me I had the controller set too high. He said there were stress cracks in the brake linings. I backed the controller to around 7.5 or so. I don't recall the exact number but it was comfortable braking, and we've had no more stress cracks in the linings. I run the current controller, a Tekonsha P3, at 7.2 but that's just what works on our rig. Indy Roadrunner's method of adjustment is pretty much how I do it, too.
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03-08-2010, 05:13 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Land O Lakes
Posts: 932
M.O.C. #9053
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Using the stock controller on my F 350 I consistently lock the wheels when set at 6.0.
__________________
Walt and Carol Ashley, with fond memories of Bailey the Chesapeake! Land O Lakes, FL
2009 Big Sky 365REQ 10th Anniversary Edition
2008 Ford F350 King Ranch Super Duty
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03-09-2010, 06:25 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Rapid City
Posts: 739
M.O.C. #77
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I like to use the method describe for the Tekonsha Prodigy. I go on a gravel or dirt road. I keep increasing the response until the wheels just lock at 8 to 10 miles per hour. This usually takes several tries starting at 6 volts and increasing .5 for each try. I am currently at 8.5 and feel quite comfortable with that setting.
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03-10-2010, 03:50 PM
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#10
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Libby
Posts: 98
M.O.C. #9080
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With my built in Ford controller, I set it to 6.5. I can feel the trailer braking slightly more than the truck under normal circumstances. I have locked up the trailer in a panic stop with this setting.
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07-28-2010, 03:09 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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I followed the setting instructions on my Prodigy Tekonsha controller that says to adjust till just before lockup. I can't get the Monty to lock up even at the maximum voltage. The instructions also talk about setting the boost on 3 for 5th wheels. I think if you run the boost, you need to test for lockup when you are at the boost level you normally use. Reducing voltage or boost during other than dry road travel is a good idea. All you have to do is remember to do it.
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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07-28-2010, 06:29 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Santa Fe Springs
Posts: 4,189
M.O.C. #639
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On my P3 I have the voltage set at 10.4 volts per Tekonsha instructions and the boost to level 3. I also have new brakes on the monty so I know everything is OK at that end of the controler.
Kick your voltage up. even if you have it up to 11 or 12 volts it will only apply the voltage needed unless it's a panic stop then you get the full load.
__________________
Pulling a 2004, 2980 RL an oldie but goodie.
Tow vehicle is a 2009 RED RAM 3500 DRW.
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