Brake controller setup

[Bachstrad]

Newbie here with questions about a brake controller. Our previous trailer was a popup and did not have brakes. We’ve upgraded to a hybrid that does. I have absolutely no experience with trailer brakes, or a trailer this big (23B), but I did get the controller installed and made the first “rough” adjustments. I drove the rig around the neighborhood and was shocked at how powerful and somewhat touchy the brakes are. They bring the trailer, truck and most of the Western Hemisphere to a right now, do not pass go stop. I did some further fine tuning and it seems a lot smoother now but still a very firm stop especially when I’m below 10 mph and coming to a stop. Headed out tomorrow to Petit Jean State Park. Is it okay to just keep tweaking it as I’m driving tomorrow or do I need to do something else? Oh, the controller is a Tekonsha Voyager proportional controller. Thanks for your help!

[dannyabear]

Yep, just keep adjusting til you find 'the' setting; also should drag brakes for a minute to warm them up before making final adjustments

[Midnightmoon]

On your Voyager, you should see the LED turn from green to a yellow orange color under braking. I prefer to have my trailer brakes set a little heavy, so I don't mind feeling the trailer pulling me back to a point.

[Colorado]

You’re controller is proportional so that’s good. Here’s some great information for a newbie, it also includes wiring diagrams for different vehicles: https://www.etrailer.com/faq-brakecontroller.aspx

I had the Voyager a long time ago but upgraded to the P3 and it was worth the upgrade. Finer adjustments, more options, diagnostic ability, the listing I posted includes the new wiring harness too.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F303217696061

GET FAMILIAR WITH YOUR MANUAL ACTUATOR. The manual actuator allows you to actuate the brakes on the camper without touching the brake pedal. I use this if I’ve been driving a long time without using the brakes and I’m starting a long steep descent...I’m in Colorado. This warms up the camper brakes, warm brakes work better than cold brakes.
You can also use the actuator to “feel” how aggressive you have your trailer brakes without the interference of your vehicle. I like the brakes to have a firm enough grab to slow the camper which in turn slows the TV. If you set the brakes too hard, you’ll lock up your trailer brakes BEFORE the TV stops moving. You’ll see flat spots on your camper tires where they were dragged by the TV.

[Bachstrad]

Thanks for the insight and information everyone!