Alyssab94
Junior Member
We have a 2011 Dodge 1500 Sport with the factory tow package. We recently picked up an all aluminum 2 horse trailer that has a GVW of less than 3,000. When we first picked it up we didn't like how aggressive the braking was tried reducing the gain without it changing much. We then assumed that the trailer brakes needed to be adjusted. We did this and it did not resolve the issue. The trailer has been given a thorough inspection and hauled behind other trucks without this aggressive braking issue. Then we looked to the truck...
When the trailer is attached to the truck and you very lightly even touch the brake the controller shows it jumping to 30% applied and does not exceed 30% nor does it go any less than 30%. So then this would be why the trailer was braking so aggressively. I took the truck to the dealership with the trailer, they scanned the truck/brake controller and found an update. They did the update but didn't change anything.
If you use the handbrake on the controller and slide it all the way through it shows that it goes property through the percentages - 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, etc.
So I tried using the handbrake on the controller while simultaneously applying the foot brake in the truck while coming to stop signs/lights/etc so we werent skidding the tires and ruining those getting the unit home from the dealer. At our last stop sign before home I forgot about using the handbrake while applying the footbrake and low and behold the controller went through the property percentages with just the foot brake - 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, etc. Thought it was bizarre so went for an extra spin around the neighborhood.... it was braking as it should! Thought great its just some weird defect with the truck. I turned the truck off and then back on and then we were back to it only going to 30%. Did the same thing... drove and used the foot brake and hand brake together and it went back to working as it should.
Its so weird! Is this normal? Is this how its supposed to work? Is this brake controller perhaps in need of a replacement. Havent been able to find anything online of anyone else having the same issue.
When the trailer is attached to the truck and you very lightly even touch the brake the controller shows it jumping to 30% applied and does not exceed 30% nor does it go any less than 30%. So then this would be why the trailer was braking so aggressively. I took the truck to the dealership with the trailer, they scanned the truck/brake controller and found an update. They did the update but didn't change anything.
If you use the handbrake on the controller and slide it all the way through it shows that it goes property through the percentages - 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, etc.
So I tried using the handbrake on the controller while simultaneously applying the foot brake in the truck while coming to stop signs/lights/etc so we werent skidding the tires and ruining those getting the unit home from the dealer. At our last stop sign before home I forgot about using the handbrake while applying the footbrake and low and behold the controller went through the property percentages with just the foot brake - 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, etc. Thought it was bizarre so went for an extra spin around the neighborhood.... it was braking as it should! Thought great its just some weird defect with the truck. I turned the truck off and then back on and then we were back to it only going to 30%. Did the same thing... drove and used the foot brake and hand brake together and it went back to working as it should.
Its so weird! Is this normal? Is this how its supposed to work? Is this brake controller perhaps in need of a replacement. Havent been able to find anything online of anyone else having the same issue.
