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Trailer brake setting...

Jay_and_KatJay_and_Kat Member Posts: 242
in Trailer & Towing
How vital is it to have your trailer brake controller configured exactly?  What I mean is, right now ours, when using the manual lever (Tekonsha P3 proportional) does not lock the wheels up, but it does (somewhat) slow us down.

According to a youtube video from Tekonsha, we should set it, get up to 25mph, manually activate it, and if it locks the wheels, back off a couple notches on the setting, basically get it so when it's max braking it's *JUST* shy of lock up.

But how important is that?  Or, are we risking life and limb and camper and tow vehicle and we should get that puppy dialed in better ASAP?
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Jay and Kat
Tow vehicle:  2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport S + tow package
Camper:  2022 T@B 400 Boondock w/Norcold 3-way fridge
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Comments

  • Denny16Denny16 Member Posts: 5,431
    With the Jeep Gladiator, I would increase the braking up a bit more so that at 20-25mph, the trailer brakes will stop the Jeep and TaB, at or just shy of max braking, without locking up the wheels.  At higher speeds, you will need the extra braking to help control the rig.  The trailer brakes are set to engaged just a bit more than the TV brakes, to keep the trailer in tension (not rolling back into the TV when slowing down).  

    You want the brakes set to maintain control of the trailer snd TV combo, especially at highway speeds, or a quick emergency braking situation.  For running around town or down back roads at 35mm hot less, not so critical, as the Jeep will stop the TaB, as it weighs more than the TaB, and has oversized brakes on it.
     Cheers 
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
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  • Jay_and_KatJay_and_Kat Member Posts: 242
    Sounds like it's time to borrow some of the long, straight lanes of the storage lot and do some brake tweaking.
    ----------------------------------------------------------
    Jay and Kat
    Tow vehicle:  2022 Jeep Gladiator Sport S + tow package
    Camper:  2022 T@B 400 Boondock w/Norcold 3-way fridge
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  • webers3webers3 Member Posts: 415
    It is vital and you should configure your brake controller as the manufacturer suggests. You certainly don’t want to lockup the trailer brakes every time you use the brake but you want to be sure the trailer’s brake are applied in helping to slow down the TV trailer combination. As a part of the departure checklist I always check the trailer brakes as the manufacturer suggest and make adjustments when necessary. Even while on the road I pay attention to the trailer behavior when applying the brakes and make adjustments. 
    2017 T@B 320S   2019 Jeep Cherokee - Southern Connecticut
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  • Denny16Denny16 Member Posts: 5,431
    Yes, this is part of towing a trailer, paying attention to the trailer’s behavior, braking, checking hitch, chains, and axle hubs for overheating.  There is nothing automatic about towing any trailer, especially a larger RV type trailer.  Today’s proportional electric braking works great, and it some situations, better than trailer surge type brakes.
     Cheers 
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
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  • webers3webers3 Member Posts: 415
    Keep in mind, it’s not set it and forget it. 
    2017 T@B 320S   2019 Jeep Cherokee - Southern Connecticut
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