Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure

Trailer Gain should be set for a specific trailering condition and must be adjusted any time vehicle loading, trailer loading, or road surface conditions change.

Setting the Trailer Gain properly is needed for the best trailer stopping performance. A trailer that is over-gained may result in locked trailer brakes. A trailer that is under-gained may result in not enough trailer braking. Both of these conditions may result in poorer stopping and stability of the vehicle and trailer.

Use the following procedure to correctly adjust Trailer Gain for each towing condition:

1. Make sure the trailer brakes are in proper working condition.

2. Connect a properly loaded trailer to the vehicle and make all necessary mechanical and electrical connections. See Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑17 for more information.

3. After the electrical connection is made to a trailer equipped with electric brakes:

• A TRAILER CONNECTED message will be briefly displayed on the DIC.

• The Trailer Brake Display Page will appear on the DIC showing TRAILER GAIN and TRAILER OUTPUT.

• In the Trailer Output display on the DIC, “- - - - - -” will disappear if there is no error present. Connecting a trailer without electric brakes will not clear the six dashed lines.

4. Adjust the Trailer Gain by using the gain adjustment (+ / -) buttons on the Trailer Brake Control Panel.

5. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road surface representative of the towing condition and free of traffic at about 32 to 40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) and fully apply the Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever.

Adjusting trailer gain at speeds lower than 32 to 40 km/h (20 to 25 mph) may result in an incorrect gain setting.

6. Adjust the Trailer Gain to just below the point of trailer wheel lock-up, indicated by trailer wheel squeal or tire smoke when a trailer wheel locks.

Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if towing a heavily loaded trailer. In this case, adjust the Trailer Gain to the highest allowable setting for the towing condition.

7. Re-adjust Trailer Gain any time vehicle loading, trailer loading or road surface conditions change or if trailer wheel lock-up is noticed at any time while towing.

    See also:

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