After my first tow I have a few things to point out and a few questions about braking. I have been towing the same 5th wheel for over 4 years. I had new brakes installed last year and the brakes are good. I have the factory TBC set to 10.0. In the gravel lot where I store it, the brakes will not lock up on 10.0. If I use the manual slider, I can stop the trailer and truck with just the trailer brakes so I know the trailer brakes are working properly. It just seems like the new truck doesn't have enough braking power. I found this in the manual but apparently it only applies to the 2015: Trailer Brake Effort Setting
The trailer brake controller allows the user to customize how aggressively the trailer brakes engage. The default value is "Low" and is the recommended setting for most trailers. If your trailer’s brakes require more initial voltage, or if you prefer more aggressive trailer braking, then select either the "Medium" or the "High" settings. Then I found this: The trailer brake controller is equipped with a feature that reduces output at vehicle speeds below 11 mph (18 km/h) so trailer and vehicle braking is not jerky or harsh. This feature is only available when applying the brakes using your vehicle's brake pedal, not the controller. So I guess maybe this is how the brakes should feel? I just feel like the trailer is pushing the truck and not getting enough power to the brakes. Is this just how the factory brake controller feels? For people towing in the 13k -15k range, how are your brakes working?

 

My brakes work exactly like yours are acting. At slow speeds there's not much braking power to the trailer. The system works perfectly at highway speeds, I'm always amazed how seamlessly the system works to make quick stops, especially if you're using the tow/haul setting and exhaust brake.

 

I think it will just take time to get the feel of it. When exiting the interstate I barely need to use the brakes at all to slow down to ramp speed. The tow haul is a lot better than the old 5 speed on the 6.0.

 

On my 2015,I can manually actuate the brakes via the slide switch on dash and the brakes lock so i can test to make sure the hitch is locked on the 5r.

I believe some others have stated the brake system is a variable sensitivity related to speed. While in the Rocky Mountains last Sept i had no problems with the trailer not braking enough to slow me down.

 

Just to verify, have some one activate the manual slider while stopped. Then go around to each trailer wheel and listen for the buzz at each drum.


Perhaps you have one that is not working.


Otherwise change the setting.


The brakes on the trailer may need adjusting as well.

 

Brake output is proportional to pedal effort.
The 6.7 TBC uses a pressure transducer in the hydraulic system.
Since output gain is proportional to pedal effort, it may be nothing more then the system "works" differently. Since many aftermarket controllers have some type of boost or gain adjustment, and you may be coming off that type of controller, it may very well feel different until you just get used to it.

The typical aftermarket controller may have a higher output voltage at first application. Doesn't make it better, but it might make it more noticeable.

And, that perception may be the reason for the low-medium-high setting this year.
I could see where that may help those of us with electric over hydraulic disc brakes.
Higher initial output would help the pump spool up faster.

 

I found this in going to Florida this past week. I do not hear the fifth wheel clunk when applying the brakes like it did on our old tow vehicle and feel the fifth wheel brakes. In the 15 truck it seems to be seamless like what was said before it is proportional. The harder I braked the more power it put to brakes on fifth wheel. Had to do a few hard stops in the Atlanta area due to idiots on the road and it performed as it is was supposed to. I have the setting to 8.

 

From the replies and the way it feels, I think it is working like it should. I just wanted to see how others perceived the braking power.