Setting the Power Output and Boost Settings on a Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller

Updated 10/11/2024 | Published 06/23/2011

Question:

I bought a rapid-hitch ball hitch, locking pins and a P3 Trailer Brake controller from you guys. I love the hitch. It works great and looks great. I have a question on how to set up the TBC. I had it installed and I have trailered light loads with it once or twice. I am going to be towing around 7500 LBS. How do I set the boost or power correctly. Dont I want the wheels to be just before lock up? Thanks for any help

asked by: Tucker M

Expert Reply:

You are correct. When you set up the brake controller for the first time, you set the power to 6 with no boost, drive the vehicle and trailer on a flat surface at 25 mph, then fully apply the manual override. Adjust the power as needed to reach a point just before wheel lock up.

When you go up to a heavier load, you will want to adjust the power/boost settings accordingly. Once you have the initial set up complete, you can adjust the boost. To turn the boost on, just press the boost button, B1 will appear at the top of the display along with a little icon of a truck towing a trailer. Push it again to go to boost level 2, and press it again to go to boost level 3.

The different levels should be used for different size loads. The installation details I have linked for you explain under what circumstances each boost setting is recommended. The procedure for adjusting the controller is also included in the installation details.

expert reply by: Michael H

Paul

10/11/2024

What is the trailer 1 for on my Tekonsha P3, 90195? It has trailer 1, trailer2, and trailer 3. Thank you

Kyle S.

10/11/2024

@Paul Trailer 1 on the P3 # 90195 is for the storable settings for the trailer. You can save the settings with a different number of trailers, which is why you see different options. This is on page 8 of the instructions (linked below).