Why Is My Draw-Tite IV Time Delayed Brake Controller Locking up My Trailer Brakes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The Draw-Tite Activator IV Brake Controller, part # 5504, is a time delayed brake controller that uses user settings to determine how much and how fast the brakes get applied.

It sounds to me like you have the output control and the sync control turned up to high and the brake controller is sending too much power too quickly to the brakes of your trailer.

The wheel on the left side of the display that has a (+) and a (-) on it controls how much braking power gets sent to the trailer brakes. The settings will go from 0 to 10, with 0 being the lowest setting and 10 being the highest. It sounds like you currently have too high of a setting.

To find the right output setting I recommend you find an open area such as a parking lot, drive forward and apply the trailer brakes using the manual control lever. If the brakes are weak adjust the output control up, and if they are too strong adjust them down.

Repeat this process until firm braking is felt without jerking or lockup.

The next setting you will want to adjust is the sync control that is on the left side of the brake controller, this adjusts from 1o to 9o with 1o being the lowest and 9o the highest. This adjusts how aggressive the braking will be. Or in other words, how fast the trailer will reach full the full power you set with the output control.

Now, you will want to drive forward again in an open area and test the brakes again. If the stop seems slow and more aggressive braking is desired, move the sync control away from you while holding the brake pedal.

If the stop seems to aggressive adjust the sync control rearward while holding the brake pedal.

Make several stops at several speed and adjust the sync control until the stops are smooth and firm.

I attached installation instructions for this product in a link below for you to check out as well as an FAQ article on brake controllers.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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