how do i adjust the trailer brake controler: the gain and the level?

Answer 1

The easiest thing I have found is first to set the gain about halfway so you can set the level. Be sure you are on level ground when setting the level control. Once you have done this, press and hold the brake pedal and then adjust the level so that the light on the controller barely cuts on (you must have the brake pedal pressed to activate the controller so you can set the level). Now you have the level set. Once the level is set you shouldn't need to reset it unless you bump the control or the level knob or adjust the mounting position of the controller. You need to adjust the gain according to the load on the trailer. You want the trailer brakes to come on as strong as possible under hard braking (on level ground) without skidding the trailer tires. Just have to get out and try it to see where that is. Take note of the load on the trailer and the gain setting and as you haul different loads make adjustments. With a flat bed trailer the loads will vary a whole lot and require resetting the gain with every load while a camper you may never really need to make much adjustments. Keep in mind that stopping while going down hill the trailer brakes will come on really strong (depending on the steepness of the grade) and going up hill they won't come on quite as quickly or strong - but stopping going up hill gravity is on your side. If you have a problem with the trailer swaying, you can gently apply the trailer brakes to stop the swaying and as soon as it is safe, pull over and shift some of the trailer weight forward toward the hitch. If there is enough weight on the front of the trailer the trailer will not sway, but if too much weight is on the rear of the trailer it will sway like crazy.