Initial trailer brake controller setup
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Dundas, Ontario, Canada
Initial trailer brake controller setup
We are getting a 34 foot TT weighing around 8000lbs. We will get the trailer demo etc., get hooked up and be on our way. I just want to make sure that I get the trailer brake controller set up sufficiently. There will be no time to experiment as it will be highway driving immediately after leaving he dealer. TV is an F150 Eco with Max tow, HD payload and LT tires. Using a Centerline hitch.
Is there a quick checklist or a guide for newcomers?
Recommendations or "make sure I dos" for this first time experience?
Is there a quick checklist or a guide for newcomers?
Recommendations or "make sure I dos" for this first time experience?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 186
Likes: 31
From: Edmonton, AB
We are getting a 34 foot TT weighing around 8000lbs. We will get the trailer demo etc., get hooked up and be on our way. I just want to make sure that I get the trailer brake controller set up sufficiently. There will be no time to experiment as it will be highway driving immediately after leaving he dealer. TV is an F150 Eco with Max tow, HD payload and LT tires. Using a Centerline hitch.
Is there a quick checklist or a guide for newcomers?
Recommendations or "make sure I dos" for this first time experience?
Is there a quick checklist or a guide for newcomers?
Recommendations or "make sure I dos" for this first time experience?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 347
Likes: 39
From: Tomball/Spring/The Woodlands, TX
We are getting a 34 foot TT weighing around 8000lbs. We will get the trailer demo etc., get hooked up and be on our way. I just want to make sure that I get the trailer brake controller set up sufficiently. There will be no time to experiment as it will be highway driving immediately after leaving he dealer. TV is an F150 Eco with Max tow, HD payload and LT tires. Using a Centerline hitch.
Is there a quick checklist or a guide for newcomers?
Recommendations or "make sure I dos" for this first time experience?
Is there a quick checklist or a guide for newcomers?
Recommendations or "make sure I dos" for this first time experience?
As far as set up, the manual really has the best instructions on how to set it up. My trailer is a good 3000 lbs lighter than yours. I have the gain at 7.2 cold, but drop it to 6.8 once the brake get some heat in them. You will know when it is too high, the trailer will jerk the truck pretty good.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
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Likes: 40
You shouldn't be able to lock up the brakes with a trailer that heavy. I would start around 8.0 at a slow speed. You will be able to tell pretty quick if you have too much. Better to be a little heavy than a little light.
You don't say it in so many words, but I assume this is your first tow with this heavy a load. It sounds a little scary, but it really isn't.
And, after testing at slow speed, there is no reason you can't test at highway speed. As long as you don't try to come to a complete stop and create a traffic problem. While you are cruising at about 60 MPH, pump the brakes once or twice and see how she reacts. If you don't get much reaction from the trailer, add a little. If you get a sudden jerk, back it off a little.
Rinse, repeat, until it feels good.
EDIT - And if I would read your whole message, I would have seen that this is your first time with this heavy a load.
You don't say it in so many words, but I assume this is your first tow with this heavy a load. It sounds a little scary, but it really isn't.
And, after testing at slow speed, there is no reason you can't test at highway speed. As long as you don't try to come to a complete stop and create a traffic problem. While you are cruising at about 60 MPH, pump the brakes once or twice and see how she reacts. If you don't get much reaction from the trailer, add a little. If you get a sudden jerk, back it off a little.
Rinse, repeat, until it feels good.
EDIT - And if I would read your whole message, I would have seen that this is your first time with this heavy a load.
Last edited by humblerb; Mar 14, 2013 at 05:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Dundas, Ontario, Canada
You shouldn't be able to lock up the brakes with a trailer that heavy. I would start around 8.0 at a slow speed. You will be able to tell pretty quick if you have too much. Better to be a little heavy than a little light.
You don't say it in so many words, but I assume this is your first tow with this heavy a load. It sounds a little scary, but it really isn't.
And, after testing at slow speed, there is no reason you can't test at highway speed. As long as you don't try to come to a complete stop and create a traffic problem. While you are cruising at about 60 MPH, pump the brakes once or twice and see how she reacts. If you don't get much reaction from the trailer, add a little. If you get a sudden jerk, back it off a little.
Rinse, repeat, until it feels good.
EDIT - And if I would read your whole message, I would have seen that this is your first time with this heavy a load.
You don't say it in so many words, but I assume this is your first tow with this heavy a load. It sounds a little scary, but it really isn't.
And, after testing at slow speed, there is no reason you can't test at highway speed. As long as you don't try to come to a complete stop and create a traffic problem. While you are cruising at about 60 MPH, pump the brakes once or twice and see how she reacts. If you don't get much reaction from the trailer, add a little. If you get a sudden jerk, back it off a little.
Rinse, repeat, until it feels good.
EDIT - And if I would read your whole message, I would have seen that this is your first time with this heavy a load.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 118
Likes: 28
Okay, roger that. Most I've towed before is 3000lbs. The new trailer is around 7,200 dry and probably a little more with the options we ordered. We may hit 8000 plus or minus a bit. Think I've got a good sense for what to expect now. The first bit of highway is good and straight and not a lot of traffic. Thanks again!
We had a 2009 Rockwood (The sister of the Flagstaff) and really liked it.
