Making Brake Power Adjustments to Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller 5504

Question:

It’s brand new controller and installed by the pros on a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 dbl. cab. My TT is 35ft. long and weighs 7,800lbs. No matter how I seem to adjust it, at low speeds the trailer brakes grab first Please explain “in detail” and also simplify, What the “Gain” does and What the “Sync” does

asked by: Jamie

Expert Reply:

The gain and sync controls on the Draw-Tite Activator Trailer Brake Controller # 5504 adjust the brake output power and the rate at which the controller ramps up to that selected power setting, respectively. Braking will become more aggressive (it will come on faster) as the sync switch is moved toward the front of the tow vehicle.

I suggest you first move the sync control back toward you, so that it is about one-quarter of the way to the + symbol. Once you reduce the overly aggressive braking with the sync control you can also adjust the gain control up or down as needed. It is perfectly normal to need periodic adjustments to the sync and output controls to compensate for changing road conditions, trailer loading, trailer brake wear or simply based on your preference.

If it happens that your trailer is brand new or has brand new brakes installed you may just need to make some tension adjustment on the brake assemblies' star wheel, which is shown in the linked image. This will give you braking force adjustment in addition to the settings on the Activator. You can use a flat blade screwdriver or a brake spoon tool # W80630 to adjust brake shoe pressure.

expert reply by: Adam R