Adjusting the Settings on a Tekonsha P2 Trailer Brake Controller on a 2005 GMC Topkick 6500

Question:

JUST INSTALLED NEW BRAKES ON TRAILER, AND HAD THE P2 INSTALLED AND IT DOES NOT SEEM TO STOP FAST ENOUGH. i HAVE HAD NORMAL BRAKE CONTROLLERS WERE YOU ADJUST FOR QUICK STOPS AND LOAD. DO YOU HAVE SOME SUGGESTIONS, AND WERE I CAN GET MANUAL OR OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

asked by: JOHN W

Expert Reply:

The P2, # 90885, is a proportional controller that applies the trailer brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. The braking on the trailer can be adjusted by adjusting the gain up or down as needed and by setting boost to the appropriate level based on the weight of the trailer.

It sounds like you either need to adjust the power higher, set the boost on or higher, or both. In order to do any of these, I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view. The first thing I would do is follow the initial set up instructions titled Adjusting the Power to the Trailer Brakes (Prior to Setting Boost). And then use the boost chart to determine if boost is needed.

The boost works by increasing the sensitivity of the inertial sensor in the controller which increases the amount of braking by the trailer.

Since the brakes are new you may need to adjust them if you have not done so already. New brakes, even Nev-r-Adjust brake, need at least an initial adjustment. I have linked a video in which our installer shows how to adjust the brakes. At about the 4:24 mark, our installer adjusts the brakes. They should be adjusted so that they drag lightly but constantly when you spin the wheel.

expert reply by: Michael H