Difference Between Gain and Load Settings on the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/08/2024

Question:

I have 2024 Tacoma which had to be hardwired in big issue with Toyota, but thats history, and not an issue with me anymore. curt triflex 51146 is the brake controller. Now I am trying to distinguish between the GAIN and LOAD modes and effectively use them. ???? How should they be set? Could the settings be calculated based on the Vehicle and trailer weight? Thank you.

asked by: Del

Expert Reply:

Hey Del, thanks for reaching out!

The GAIN setting on the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller # C24VV has to do with the max "strength" of the brakes, while the LOAD setting is how aggressive the brakes get to that GAIN setting.

So, to simplify things, GAIN is the braking strength while LOAD is how quickly the brakes get there.

Since everyone has different preferences in how their trailer brakes perform there aren't any hard and fast settings for different truck/trailer combinations. The best rule of thumb to go by is to put the settings in the middle and then drive around an empty parking lot to test how the trailer brakes perform and adjust them to your liking.

expert reply by: Jon G

Jerred H.

12/22/2025

Hey Del, how did your testing go with the GAIN and LOAD settings on the Curt TriFlex brake controller? Were you able to find a balance that felt right for your Tacoma and trailer? Your feedback could really help others dialing in their own setups.