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Trailer brake setting

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Old 01-10-2014, 11:47 AM
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Default Trailer brake setting

Just wondering what number you are using for your ITBC setting . I am towing a new TT , weight about 5500 lbs when camping. After a little testing last spring , I set the ITBC at "7" out of 10. Would this be about normal ?

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Old 01-10-2014, 12:06 PM
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Yup. My 5th is around 8-8.5. Enclosed trailer around 6.5ish. Get the best braking without locking the trailer tires.
Old 01-10-2014, 01:59 PM
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You should really undergo the proper setting procedure to arrive at the right number. Pull your loaded trailer on a flat surface at approximately 25mph and grab the manual brake override on the TBC moving it all the way to full power (without engaging the tow vehicle brakes). If the trailer tires lock up lower the number, if they don't raise the number. Ideally you want just enough power where you're just below tire lock-up at full brake.

One thing sweet with the touch based platform with the trailer app (or whatever it's called) is that you can go in and save those settings on a per-trailer basis, then just recall them once that trailer is connected again. Works well if you have multiple trailers or load settings (aka loaded car-hauler vs empty).

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Old 01-10-2014, 02:07 PM
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That's basically what I did to set the ITBC. I was curious what setting other drivers were arriving at.

Thanks for the replies!
Old 01-10-2014, 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by xcntrk

One thing sweet with the touch based platform with the trailer app (or whatever it's called) is that you can go in and save those settings on a per-trailer basis, then just recall them once that trailer is connected again. Works well if you have multiple trailers or load settings (aka loaded car-hauler vs empty).

I have to look to see if I'm doing something wrong. Because it seems that it doesn't save the brake settings for my different trailers. Glad you mentioned that.
Old 01-10-2014, 05:36 PM
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I've got my built-in brake controller cranked up all the way.

Not sure why but have never got the trailer tires to lock up. Definitely drags truck+trailer to a quick stop though so they're working.

Because the trailer is 7500# ?
Old 01-11-2014, 06:57 AM
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4.5/5 gain with #6000+ loaded
Old 01-11-2014, 09:39 AM
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Originally Posted by brulaz
I've got my built-in brake controller cranked up all the way. Not sure why but have never got the trailer tires to lock up. Definitely drags truck+trailer to a quick stop though so they're working. Because the trailer is 7500# ?
Something is wrong if you have the gain at 10 with that trailer. We have a 29 foot cargo trailer that we use for quading. When loaded it's about 8500lbs and we have locked the trailer tires up before on gain 6.5.
Old 01-11-2014, 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by disturbed3003
Something is wrong if you have the gain at 10 with that trailer. We have a 29 foot cargo trailer that we use for quading. When loaded it's about 8500lbs and we have locked the trailer tires up before on gain 6.5.
Was that on pavement? I can lock mine up on gravel, but not on pavement.

Think a lot depends upon the trailer brakes, make/brand, how tight they are adjusted, tires, and so on. It can't just be trailer weight.

I'll be adjusting the brakes this spring and re-test the controller. Maybe I can lock them up then.
Old 01-11-2014, 10:46 AM
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Originally Posted by brulaz
I've got my built-in brake controller cranked up all the way.

Not sure why but have never got the trailer tires to lock up. Definitely drags truck+trailer to a quick stop though so they're working.

Because the trailer is 7500# ?
Probably just the electric brakes wearing, might want to check the pad, hub, and pickup wear. If the trailer is still stopping well at full-power, I'd continue to use it without concern. Just know a brake job is likely in your near future.


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