F-250 Trailer Brake Gain Setting - Dutchmen Owners
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Old 08-05-2015, 06:19 PM   #1
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F-250 Trailer Brake Gain Setting

Just wanted to see what setting Ford owners set for the factory brake gain on their 250 or 350 trucks. The RV dealer recommended 6.5. I can feel it help when I brake but am not sure if it is an ideal setting.
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Mike
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Old 08-05-2015, 06:35 PM   #2
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A lot of it depends on how much weight you're trying to control...

My rig is right at 16,500 when loaded, and I run mine at 8.5. If the roads are wet, I back that down to either 7.5 or 8.0, depending on conditions.
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Old 08-05-2015, 07:43 PM   #3
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A lot of it depends on how much weight you're trying to control...
I'll have to also add how well the brakes on you RV are adjusted.
Electric drum brakes work okay on lighter trailers. On the 2 axle Voltage and my 2 axle Teton I need to set mine at 10.
Once it cools down I need to adjust the brakes on the RV again.
Would love to have electric over hyd. disc brakes on my Voltage. Those stop it, drums just slow it down.
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Old 08-05-2015, 08:07 PM   #4
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I started at about 3.5 empty and run about 5.5 fully loaded or darn near. I have 3 axle 3990 and I'm pulling with my '15 250 (which by the way is the same drivetrain as 350 and up) I have the overload spring package, 4" block and automatic airbags on my truck with really good tires rated to 4150lbs ea. tire. I can happily say that I feel very safe and comfortable driving this configuration. The exhaust brake does all the work with towing down hill. Drove through NC in Asheville from Greenville SC and am now in Nasheville TN. I have had no problems with up or down hills. Highest temperature I recorded for the oil was 246 and that was 100º day on a long climb and passing big trucks. Hope all that helps and maybe its too much info. But let the exhaust brake do the work if you have one... and always check your brakes.
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Old 08-05-2015, 08:15 PM   #5
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I am running a 10 with my 3605.
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Old 08-06-2015, 12:35 AM   #6
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I too am running at 10. Any less and the pin box slide comes forward and when I take off there is a clunk, meaning the trailer is being stopped by TV more than by itself.
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Old 08-06-2015, 01:11 AM   #7
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I read somewhere (truck owner's manual??) that you test your settings by driving about 5 mph and coast, squeeze the paddles on controller without hitting truck brakes, and it should stop both TV and camper smoothly but relatively short distance. On my 350 I find 10 works within that description but my 3950 is pretty heavy.
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Old 08-06-2015, 03:59 AM   #8
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I read somewhere (truck owner's manual??) that you test your settings by driving about 5 mph and coast, squeeze the paddles on controller without hitting truck brakes, and it should stop both TV and camper smoothly but relatively short distance. On my 350 I find 10 works within that description but my 3950 is pretty heavy.
X2!!!
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Old 08-06-2015, 03:02 PM   #9
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X3 and not lock up the trailer tires.
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Old 08-06-2015, 04:55 PM   #10
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I set mine to 8.5. Any higher than that and I start to notice one of the trailer brakes pulling to the side. I need to get that brake adjusted.
Just got back from a two-month 7500 mile adventure. Brakes were never a problem even going downhill in heavy rain.
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