POD Series Brake Controller Settings on a 2017 Toyota Tacoma for a Hilly Terrain

Question:

I recently bought a trailer , I am a first time trailer owner and I had a pod pro series electric trailer brake control 80500 installed in my 2017 Toyota tacoma. My question is while Im towing the lights go from green to orange to red. What is the best placement for the setting I was told orange is that true? Because Im getting ready to go camping again but this time the roads have a lot of downhill grade ,andi just wana make sure I am on the best setting. Thank you

asked by: James S

Expert Reply:

When towing a trailer with your 2017 Toyota Tacoma, the POD series' lights are designed to indicate the amount of power going to the brakes. A green light indicates simply that the controller is hooked up and there is signal. The light will go more toward red (yellow, orange, dark orange, etc.) when more power is put on the brakes.

Depending on the gain setting on the power knob, this light will be darker when the brakes are pressed. With the gain set higher (the knob scrolled down), more power will be sent to the brakes, and the light will be darker orange or even fully red when applying brakes.

I've linked to a video review that goes into detail of part # 39523 that demonstrates how this works. I've also linked to the installation instructions that can give even more detail on how these lights function.

It is recommended that with a more hilly terrain, the gain should be set higher. If there is a lot of downhill grade on your journey, then you need to set the gain closer to maximum (if not all the way up) depending just how steep those hills are.

expert reply by: Kef G