Setting Brake Bias on Truck/Trailer

[Piperflyer]

I have a 2015 Chevy Silverado 3500 HD Dually and am pulling a 16000 lb 5th wheel. My question is that I can set the brake bias in the truck to have either more brake on the trailer or more on the truck when I apply the brakes. What ratio do you experienced 5th wheel towers use?

Thanks

 

[Lynn1130]

There should be instructions, probably with the truck, about how to set the tow brakes. As a general rule find a straight bit of roadway (with the trailer hitched) where you will have no traffic. With the brakes warm get the rig up to 25 MPH and apply the brakes. If the trailer brakes lock up adjust them down until they brake but do not lockup. If they do not lock dial them up until the do and then back them off until the do not.

The disclaimer is that instructions may vary by model but that is the general process for adjustment.

 

[Bob&Patty]

I have my 3500HD set at 2.5. Works good for me. It all depends on how the trailer brakes are adjusted. I would start at 4 and see how well the trailer stops using the slide lever on the brake controller. Then adjust the setting up or down from there. To answer your question directly...you always want more trailer braking than truck braking. If you don't...in a panic stop, the trailer will be pushing the truck and could jack knife or worse.