Brake gain Tekonsha P3 and Basecamp 20X

[chrispe]

Hi there,

I am looking for some folks who use a Tekonsha P3 with their Basecamp 20X.
Can you share what gain you have set on the controller from basically 0 to 14?

Before someone says this is TV dependent, no it is not following Tekonsha’s instructions as it is purely about the trailers breaking behavior.

Just curious what people set the P3 to compared to my setting (which is 4.2 currently).

Thanks for input and happy thanksgiving!
Cheers, Chris

[SteveBeck]

I ended up at 6.5. I was attempting to follow their instructions, but I was in the airstream dealership parking lot and couldn’t quite get up to 25 mph so I will mess with it some more come spring. BTW, my TV is a Honda Ridgeline

[Mollysdad]

I don't have a Basecamp, so I can't offer a number, but I set my P-3 so I feel the brakes but not so much the wheels lock up in a gravel parking lot or back road.

[Rolind]

I was unable to lockup the wheels on my Basecamp 16x. Maybe you are having the same issue. I currently run about 6, but adjust based on how the trailer feels based on how the truck and the trailer is loaded. Obviously this is very subjective, but since my TV is my daily driver, I have a very good feel for when the trailer is pushing or pulling. I use one on the boost setting. Again, I am towing a 16x with a Tacoma. Good luck.

[richard5933]

If you're having trouble getting the trailer brakes to lock up my first thought would be to check the brakes and make sure they are properly adjusted. If they are set too loose that would be the first thing to remedy before trying to set the brake controller.

[chrispe]

@Rolind
I am having the same issue, followed the instructions, warmed up the brakes and then played around and tried to lock the wheels, but no success…
I am using 4.4 right now, as that feels kind of okay and doesn’t pull too much from the trailer especially on lower speeds.

It’s weird as our brakes are brand new but at the same time got quite some work out then trying to set the controller up properly.

[GCinSC2]

chrispe,

Are you sure that the brakes are correctly adjusted?

I'm betting that you have manual adjusting brakes. If they need adjusted that could account for most of your symptoms etc. Also procedure might be in owners manual or at Dexter website.

Gary

[richard5933]

Originally Posted by chrispe

...



It’s weird as our brakes are brand new but at the same time got quite some work out then trying to set the controller up properly.

Brand new brakes often need adjustment to function properly. Have you checked this yet?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by chrispe

@Rolind
I am having the same issue, followed the instructions, warmed up the brakes and then played around and tried to lock the wheels, but no success…
I am using 4.4 right now, as that feels kind of okay and doesn’t pull too much from the trailer especially on lower speeds.

It’s weird as our brakes are brand new but at the same time got quite some work out then trying to set the controller up properly.

You may have little suxcess adjusting controller gain on new brake shoes that haven't 'Set In' after a bit of use. (less so pads)

BTW...The same needs to be done when starting every AS trip.
Professionally it's referred to as the 'lot rot' drag the brakes drive.

Bob
🇺🇸