Brake controller question

[Sandy Swede]

We are relative newbies to towing our TT. The RV dealer initialized the brake controller settings and installed the Reese WD hitch. When slowing to a stop using the TV brakes, say less than 10 mph, the trailer brakes lock up and the tires skid. I can use the slider to engage the trailer brakes alone to avoid the lock up, but that doesn't seem optimal. The instructions for the brake controller advise that you should "slightly reduce power by adjusting the power knob." If I do that, do I run the risk of backing off too much and overtax the TV brakes? With the current setting, would my TT brakes be locking up without me being aware at higher speeds, which of course, would not be good either?

Thank you for whatever wisdom and experience you may choose to share.

[Dcsdiver]

Sandy,

The instructions are correct. Based on your experience of locking up the TT brakes at such low speeds is indicative of the brake controller sensitivity set too high. I would suggest lowering the power/sensitivity of the brake controller in small minute increments until you don't get TT wheel lockup when braking.

[Javi]

Generally the controller is adjusted by applying the slide bar on the controller only; at a speed of about 5 mph. If the trailer brakes lock when the slide is activated then back off on the controller adjustment one notch and repeat until the brakes do not lock but stop the trailer and tow vehicle easily at 5-10 mph.

The trailer brakes should never lock with the application of the tow vehicle's brake pedal.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

[Ken / Claudia]

Tell us what controller you have. I found mine has a boost function after owning/towing for awhile. I tried the all levels and about lost my teeth on the steering wheel at highest level.

[Sandy Swede]

Tell us what controller you have. I found mine has a boost function after owning/towing for awhile. I tried the all levels and about lost my teeth on the steering wheel at highest level.

It is a Tekonsha Primus IQ

[smokeyfl]

It will take some adjustment to get it just right. The setting will also need to be readjusted depending on the trailer weight. An empty trailer's brakes will lock up quicker than a loaded trailer. The dealer should have given you the instructions for the controller.

[sourdough]

This is a little late and I hope you have your controller set. I have the Primus IQ and the above recommendations are right. I believe the instructions say to pull the trailer up to about 20-25 mph and push the manual bar until the tires lock and then back it (the adjustment wheel) down so that the tires will not lock up. You need to do this if you reload/unload etc. because your weight changes. You also have the b1, b2 settings for an initial boost when braking. I use b1 as anything above that really gives you a jolt when you first hit the brakes. Hope that helps.

[Dblhack]

This is a little late and I hope you have your controller set. I have the Primus IQ and the above recommendations are right. I believe the instructions say to pull the trailer up to about 20-25 mph and push the manual bar until the tires lock and then back it (the adjustment wheel) down so that the tires will not lock up. You need to do this if you reload/unload etc. because your weight changes. You also have the b1, b2 settings for an initial boost when braking. I use b1 as anything above that really gives you a jolt when you first hit the brakes. Hope that helps.
Hi sourdough, I have the Primus IQ as well and being new to RVing and pulling trailers I am haviing some doubts about setting the gain. I was told to set it to 6 by the dealer and adjust it, but to be honest, I can't seem to feel if the trailer is skidding. I currently have it set to 9 on the gain and the trailer stops when I use the manual bar, but I can't help but feel that I am wrong. Is there a way to tell if you are skidding?

[flybouy]

Hi sourdough, I have the Primus IQ as well and being new to RVing and pulling trailers I am haviing some doubts about setting the gain. I was told to set it to 6 by the dealer and adjust it, but to be honest, I can't seem to feel if the trailer is skidding. I currently have it set to 9 on the gain and the trailer stops when I use the manual bar, but I can't help but feel that I am wrong. Is there a way to tell if you are skidding?

Look in your mirrors. Smoke at the trailer tires = locking up. No smoke = not locking up.

[Dblhack]

Look in your mirrors. Smoke at the trailer tires = locking up. No smoke = not locking up.
The tires will smoke if you get to 20mph?

[flybouy]

The tires will smoke if you get to 20mph?Any time a wheel loks up and you drag the rubber tread across asphalt or concrete youll burn the rubber. Obviously not as much as at hogher speed. ZIf you roll down the windows you should hear the tires as well. If your still unsure go to a large parking lot and test then get out and see if there are black tire marks on the pavement.

[Dblhack]

Any time a wheel loks up and you drag the rubber tread across asphalt or concrete youll burn the rubber. Obviously not as much as at hogher speed. ZIf you roll down the windows you should hear the tires as well. If your still unsure go to a large parking lot and test then get out and see if there are black tire marks on the pavement.
Good idea. I can have my wife outside and she can watch.

[rjrelander]

Good idea. I can have my wife outside and she can watch.
Also, if she is in the TV with you, make sure to warn her before doing brake tests.

Not that anyone ever forgot to do that ... just sayin' ... :whistling: