Trailer Brakes - Event Date: 27 Apr 2017

McCarter , would you be so kind as to expand a bit on how you set up the brake controller.
What do you mean you increase the braking until the idle no longer pulls the pod.
Do you increase the power output of the controller while holding the manual lever at maximum braking level - or something else?
I too can not lock up the brake on pavement, it will lock on gravel though.

Hey malkbean,

I have a Tekonsha brake controller, they recommend you set it to 6, roll at 20MPH, apply the manual override and if trailer locks, reduce the brake setting. On a hard , flat surface. I prefer to put the tow vehicle in drive and idle forward, again using the manual override I increase brake setting until idle no longer moves the trailer forward, NOTE I'm not using the TV brakes. The drag from trailer brake is slowing the tow vehicle at idle. I never adjust for lock up, that creates a lot of heat especially on downhill descents. I look for a balanced braking system, not a TT stopping hard or too soft. Over the years I've found the idle adjust method provides a balanced system, where the trailer is not hard stopping but is assisting the TV to slow the whole rig down.

My guess would be YES. It is a constant adjustment as long as the cable and lever can turn the star wheel. If it gets to the point it can't, the brake is adjusted until next time lever can adjust star.

Mcarter
Thanks for your input