Towing with trailer brakes

[jasman]

I have a 2 for badlands I tow a camping trailer with. GRVW is 2500, so well with capacity.

When I brake, I can feel the trailer braking. The wheels aren't locking up or anything like that, but I can feel a slight tug from behind (hopefully that makes sense).

I have my brake controller set to it's lowest setting. This is my first trailer I've towed, so I am just curious if this is normal? I appreciate any input from those trailer veterans out there.

Picture of my setup for interest

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[DoubleADuster]

I know the exact feeling and that is not right I feel it when my controller is at a bout a 5 and found my sweet spot between 4 and 5 setting. I’m not sure how to fix it yours is all the way down but I am sure it can be very annoying when towing even if it’s not terrible.

 

[Oldhippie]

It is normal...ya want the trailer brakes to "brake" the trailer, not the bronco brakes.

 

[DBOU]

A tug is normal, since the focus is on the trailer slowing you down more than your own vehicle. Just got my first camper last fall and found it to be alot different than my open 8x10 cargo trailer that doesn't have brakes. To me, my camper brake pressure seems to be more aggressive than my normal vehicle brakes are. So, when towing my 2200lb camper, I'm learning to brake earlier than normal and lay a bit off the brakes to alleviate the extreme drag feeling.

 

[BroncoDave24]

Do you have the Ford brake controller version or an aftermarket setup?
Is it in auto mode or manual?

 

[jasman]

Do you have the Ford brake controller version or an aftermarket setup?
Is it in auto mode or manual?

It's an aftermarket draw tite controller. I ran it in auto sync, and dialed the power down as I felt the "tug."

 

[SuperDave150]

It's an aftermarket draw tite controller. I ran it in auto sync, and dialed the power down as I felt the "tug."

Firstly, yes, some “tug” is normal. The idea is for the trailer brakes to help, yet not lock up and slide.

Secondly, exactly which Draw Tite controller?

 

[jasman]

Firstly, yes, some “tug” is normal. The idea is for the trailer brakes to help, yet not lock up and slide.

Secondly, exactly which Draw Tite controller?

That makes me feel better. Like I said, this is my first trailer.

This is the controller I have: https://www.draw-tite.com/product/8507120_trailer-brake-control-timed

 

[SuperDave150]

That makes me feel better. Like I said, this is my first trailer.

This is the controller I have: https://www.draw-tite.com/product/8507120_trailer-brake-control-timed

Gotcha. The details help shed light on the situation. The company literature says “When you hit the brakes in your tow vehicle, it generates an output signal that ramps up, or increases over a period of time,…”
This differs from a Proportional system (I.e. Prodigy), with a simpler approach & a lower price. However the Time based approach will always feel a little odd as you‘ve alluded to. Still works, just a little artificial feeling.

Having towed for decades, I’ve often fiddled with the settings depending upon situation. I don’t want trailer brakes to lock up, causing tire flat spots & possibly the trailer to slide out of control. In rainy conditions I tone it down even further. But in city traffic like L.A. I crank it way up because I want everything I can get if some idiot pulls a stunt in front of me on the freeway.

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