Brake Question

[mgreene]

So we have the new Springdale TT and purchase a used 13 Chevy 2500 with the integrated brake controller. In my prior TT with add on controls, I have been able to lock the brakes up when set on max or by completely maxing out the slide bar at slower speeds. That doesn’t happen with this setup. I keep the output on 10 in my truck and the brakes are working, but I haven’t locked a wheel up on the TT yet? Does this sound normal. Since this is the only trailer I have pulled with brakes with my new rig, if I have an issue, I have no clue if it’s with the trailer or truck? Is there a way to test the output power from my truck to see if it’s working right or is it possible the stock integration could be getting weak?” Any ideas? Thanks

[Terry W.]

Here is just my personal opinion. My truck came a F250 came with a factory brake controller that never seemed to work correctly. I changed it out with and after market controller and much happier.

[Brantlyj]

At least in Fords case the integrated controllers try very hard to not lock up the brakes.
To set mine I keep increasing until I can feel the trailer pulling down the truck when I brake at normal levels, then turn it down one.

[mgreene]

I can feel the brakes working in normal braking conditions but since I have the system at max, I’m not sure? Hoping to head to the mountains near the end of the month and really want to be sure this is right!

[Terry W.]

Again in my opinion use tow/haul it will help slow or hold back the down hill forces

[mgreene]

Of course Terry, I always use the tow/haul option even if I’m only pulling my 12’ open trailer without brakes! I’m a little reluctant just because I’ve only had both a few months and haven’t had this rig in the hills unloaded, much less with a 35’ sled behind it!

[wiredgeorge]

Originally Posted by Terry W.

Here is just my personal opinion. My truck came a F250 came with a factory brake controller that never seemed to work correctly. I changed it out with and after market controller and much happier.

If you stop buy a Ford truck forum like Fordtrucks.com or powerstroke.org you will see many posts on folks fixing the controller. Some solder is involved. There are actually guys who fix them for a buck on CL. Mine works as it should after being fixed (previous owner did some soldering). Mine brakes will lock if I have the controller set too high. Keep it at 5 or so.

[mgreene]

Have you seen any information concerning a 2500 Chevrolet like I have? I have looked but all the trouble I have found is with them quitting and not doing anything which is not my situation??

[JimJan]

My 2011 Chevy 2500 with integrated controller would lock up my trailer brakes and skid the tires. However when I pulled my daughters trailer the braking was very weak.

First check that the brake shoes are properly adjusted.
If they are good and no grease has contaminated the shoes then try what I did.
I took the camper down a country road with no traffic at about 25 mph, with controller set at 10. I quickly moved the manual controller to maximum braking. For the first 4 or 5 tries there was minimal drag but eventually the braking became better and better. After about a dozen I was skidding the tires.

If you have a friend with a trailer, and known good braking, you could hook up and confirm your truck is working correctly also.

[mgreene]

I was hoping there was some way of testing the truck without having to borrow a camper with the intention of trying to drag his tires down the road! I understand this is probably the easiest and may be my only way to really identify if I have a problem and which unit it is!

[ChuckS]

With the newer trucks with IBC most won’t lock up the RV brakes if sitting still and manually engaging brakes

The IBC needs to detect motion and feedback from the vehicles anti skid system and computer management systems

I’d also lighten up that IBC setting to around 5 to 6 max...

If you have a MM, the skill sets, you can test the output of the IBC at 7 way plug on your truck

There are many articles out there with info on how to test and what measurements you should read

[Sarge2]

My Ram 1500 did not come with the factory brake controller.. I purchased this one from etrailer..Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional... bought the harness to fit my Ram pickup...I could tell it was working from the day I installed it..
Works extremely well and I have no real settings per se... it has g force sensor and a lot of built in features that eliminate a lot of hassle...kind of plug and play I know it will lock up the brakes as I had a rather close call on I475 in Flint Michigan.. came around a bend in the road at 55mph and there was a enclosed trailer sitting in the middle of my lane without a vehicle attached...
Didn't even have to touch the manual control..when I hit the truck brakes that controller applied the trailer brakes hard like locked and actually seemed to cycle them too... hauled the truck and trailer down so quickly I was shocked.. I kept waiting for the thud of someone running into me but it didn't happen.. thank God...

[mgreene]

The times I have tested with the manual slide control I was running 20 plus mph and would fully operate the slide to the max position. It slows the trailer pretty good but no wheel lock. I will check the brake adjustment this weekend as well as look for some test procedures for the 7 pin and see what I find!

[mgreene]

I had a similar controller on my 01 1/2 ton and never had any issues. I’ll do a little testing before ditching the factory stuff and adding my own controller!

[08quadram]

My Ram has the ability for several settings for trailer size, type of break, etc. Don't know if that is an option on Chebby in 2013, but if so, settings may need adjusted. This is assuming your trailer breaks are properly adjusted.

[travelin texans]

If you, or previous owner, ever used the EZ lube system to grease the wheel bearings then I'd pull the drums & be sure they aren't full of grease. Greasing the brakes is a maintenance item I would recommend not doing, LOL!
I would recommend NEVER use the EZ lube system! When bearings need packed hand packing only is your best option as it gives the opportunity to check the entire brake system, bearings, races & all other suspension components.

[mgreene]

It doesn’t have the lubing hubs so unless grease got there from the factory, they should be fine but I’m planning to look at them this weekend. Haven’t really found a good test procedure without the proper tool, so I guess I’ll just try to do some voltage test this weekend as well. I know full braking should be 12volts or slightly above so I’ll see what I have??

[Hblick48]

I don't know about the Chevy brake controller, but the Ford one does not send any voltage to the trailer brakes unless you are going at least 5 mph. I thought mine was broken until I read about this on one of the forums.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by mgreene

It doesn’t have the lubing hubs so unless grease got there from the factory, they should be fine but I’m planning to look at them this weekend. Haven’t really found a good test procedure without the proper tool, so I guess I’ll just try to do some voltage test this weekend as well. I know full braking should be 12volts or slightly above so I’ll see what I have??

One of the "standard construction features" listed on the Keystone website and in the 2021 Springdale brochure is Dexter® E-Z Lube® axles.

The center spindle cover usually has a removeable disc at the end of the cover that is removeable.

I'm surprised that your trailer doesn't have the Dexter® E-Z Lube system.

[mgreene]

I may have spoken to soon?? I know I haven’t add them and didn’t realize they were putting these on new units from the factory. I will definitely check that tomorrow and update!!