Trailer Brake Control Gain
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3
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Trailer Brake Control Gain
I have a new F150 s-crew 4X4 5.4 3 valve 3.55 gear with factory tow package. I'm new to Ford brake controller. Haven't towed with it yet. My camper weighs about 5500 loaded. Can anyone give me an idea where to set the gain? Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 19
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0 is off, 10 is max gain. Start low and work your way up, in an open place you would feel safe towing the trailer out without the extra brakes 
And the extra "hi amp" fuse in your door / glove box is easily installed under the hood if you have a battery to charge on the camper through the 7-pin harness out back
And the extra "hi amp" fuse in your door / glove box is easily installed under the hood if you have a battery to charge on the camper through the 7-pin harness out back
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 137
From: Sandhills, NC
Yes, your owner's manual can do that, see page 265:
not be attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.
Happy reading!
The GAIN should be set to provide the maximum trailer braking
assistance while ensuring the trailer wheels do not lock when braking.
Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
assistance while ensuring the trailer wheels do not lock when braking.
Locked trailer wheels may lead to trailer instability.
Note:
This should only be performed in a traffic free environment at
speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition,
functioning normally, and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if
necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to
the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric brakes is plugged in, the TRAILER
CONNECTED message will display in the instrument cluster message
center.
4. Use the GAIN adjustment (+/-) buttons to increase or decrease
the GAIN setting to the desired starting point. A GAIN setting of 6.0 is a
good starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at
a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control
lever completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock-up (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the
GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the GAIN setting is at a point just below
trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup may
speeds of approximately 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h).
1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working condition,
functioning normally, and properly adjusted. See your trailer dealer if
necessary.
2. Hook up the trailer and make the electrical connections according to
the trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
3. When a trailer with electric brakes is plugged in, the TRAILER
CONNECTED message will display in the instrument cluster message
center.
4. Use the GAIN adjustment (+/-) buttons to increase or decrease
the GAIN setting to the desired starting point. A GAIN setting of 6.0 is a
good starting point for heavier loads.
5. In a traffic-free environment, tow the trailer on a dry, level surface at
a speed of 20–25 mph (30–40 km/h) and squeeze the manual control
lever completely.
6. If the trailer wheels lock-up (indicated by squealing tires), reduce the
GAIN setting; if the trailer wheels turn freely, increase the GAIN setting.
Repeat Steps 5 and 6 until the GAIN setting is at a point just below
trailer wheel lock-up. If towing a heavier trailer, trailer wheel lockup may
not be attainable even with the maximum GAIN setting of 10.
Happy reading!
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 171
From: North East Texas
add one tidbit
the trailer brakes should be ADJUSTED correctly
all teh gain wont make up for slop in the shoes.
the tbc in 350 worked fantastic.
havent towed yet with the 150. but i am sure ts just as good
the trailer brakes should be ADJUSTED correctly
all teh gain wont make up for slop in the shoes.
the tbc in 350 worked fantastic.
havent towed yet with the 150. but i am sure ts just as good
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: Langley B.C. Canada
Just towed mine for the first time yesterday. 24ft. weighs around 6500lbs loaded, I ended up setting the gain @ 6. My last truck was a F350cc with a v10 and I was a little nervous as to how this truck would perform, but now I can say what an enjoyable truck to tow with, ample power, climbs hills like a goat and feels great doing it. Can't wait for a real road trip!
CHEERS!
CHEERS!
