Brake Control Setting?

Cleon · 08-29-2011, 08:57 AM

We have a 1990 T170 Starray and Tow it with an '05 Sport Trac. My question is, what are some of the Brake control output settings being used out there? I have a Blackbird brake controller # 32812. At the moment I have it set at 8.0 which to me seems high considering 9.9 is the max. Just replaced bearings on all 4 wheels and cleaned any grease/contamination from the drum and magnet surfaces. I should have had the drums machined for better adjustment results and may still do so. All 4 magnets are working. Am I right to question the high controller setting. I understand different controller brands, trailer weights etc will come into play just taking a poll so to speak.

pwb01 · 08-30-2011, 05:09 AM

I would think that each manufacturer has it's own scale for the settings whatever the number actually represents. I have a Prodigy and it came with instructions for making the settings and then testing the system on the road. Your controller should have similiar instructions or you may find the manual on the internet if you don't have it.

Only once in 4 years I had to test the brakes with an emergency stop from 55 and the trailer didn't push me and stayed in a straight line on a wet road. I can trust the procedure for making the settings and have a respect for following them correctly now. No room for guess work here.

Steve Collins · 08-30-2011, 05:59 AM

Brake adjustment plays a part in that, too. If the brakes are not properly adjusted, the controller may have to let more juice through to fully engage them.

Our Prodigy's have a boost setting. I turn it off when in towns and villages with 40 MPH or slower speed zones as it will lock up the brakes on a low speed stop.

45 MPH zones get B1 which is a bit of boost. 55 MPH and above get B3 boost which gives max stopping power.

Plunkit · 08-30-2011, 01:47 PM

I wouldn't accept a number anyway. Take it out and drive it around to adjust it to your particular vehicular setup.

mainah · 08-30-2011, 06:48 PM

Every TV and TT are different I adjust mine to just shy of locking up (if it locks the wheels back it up and try again) with the controller manually held to max at about 25 mph with out TV breaking and do it again when it's loaded for a trip. And as Steve said brake adjustment is paramount.