How to Set Trailer Brake Gain on an F-150

Apr 13, 2023

Your Ford F-150 is a truck full of amazing features, including the trailer brake gain. Find out how to maximize the might of your pickup with this handy function

Ford F-150 Trailer Brake Gain Defined

The F-150 embodies the phrase Built Ford Tough. That aluminum alloy body is military strength, as is the equally powerful steel frame. And with added benefits like trailer sway control and standard tow-haul mode, it’s no surprise this beast delivers a bombastic seven-ton towing capacity. The available trailer brake controller provides another powerful boost.

This system helps coordinate and balance the electric trailer brake with the truck brake itself and, in the process, makes slowing down and braking with an attached trailer a cinch. Factors such as vehicle speed, air pressure, ABS, and braking input work in tandem to give you this control, which is managed by the onboard computer and viewable on the digital instrument panel. Gain of trailer brake refers to how much braking force is exerted on the trailer.

Why It’s Important

A higher gain setting results in more braking force being applied. But more force is not always ideal. If the braking force is too much or too little, you run the risk of making your driving experience unsafe or of damaging your truck or trailer. Aside from the weight of your haul, other factors might impact the gain you set, like the duration of your trip or the type of brake on your trailer.

Making routine adjustments to the gain may be necessary, so knowing how to set this function is a useful skill.

The Process

First, the trailer brake wire needs to be plugged into the F-150’s power system in the back. When you return to the driver’s seat, you will find the control for the trailer brake marked on your central console. Both a manual lever and buttons with plus or minus on them are present. You can use either one to set the gain. Pressing and holding the button does allow for a more continuous adjustment.

You can get more information about the controller via the instrument panel’s LCD productivity screen. Pushing the right arrow two times on the Truck Apps screen will bring up the trailer display. When your trailer is connected, you’ll get a message on screen confirming the connection. Pressing OK when this message appears will then take you to the Gain setting. A bar graph will signal how much force is being applied to the brakes.

Test It Out

As mentioned, ensuring you have the right gain for your drive is essential. Taking your trailer controller adjustments for a test drive is the best way to achieve the balance you need. Try to find a flat stretch of road with little to no traffic and take it slow at around 20 miles-per-hour. When you apply the brakes, take note of whether the braking feels too sluggish or whether a lock-up happens.

If it’s the former, turn the gain up. On the other hand, if the brakes lock up, lower the gain. Keep testing until you have your ideal braking capacity.

Now you know how to set the trailer brake gain on an F-150. Looking to purchase a new or used F-150? Visit Boyd Brothers Ford and take a test drive today.

Posted in Trucks | No Comments »

Connect with us

Meta

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license charges. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

This website includes all shared inventory from all Crossroads Automotive Group locations. It is the customer's sole responsibility to verify the location and condition of any vehicle listed. No claims or warranties are made to guarantee the accuracy of vehicle pricing or payments. All prices and payments are on in-stock units, plus state tax, tags & title fees, any dealer installed options (if applicable), $799 dealer administrative fee, $59 electronic filing fee. Manufacturer incentives may vary by state or region and are subject to change. Monthly payments and prices may vary based upon incentives, program eligibility, credit qualifications, residency and fees. It is the customer's sole responsibility to verify the pricing of the vehicle with the dealer. For New and Courtesy Demo pricing you must have a 2015 or newer trade in. For Diesel Super Duty Offers, you must have a 2015 or newer Diesel Trade in. For both offers you must finance with Ford Motor Credit Company at standard rates to receive all discounts. Courtesy Demo vehicles are not transferable. The dealership and website provider are not responsible for misprints on prices or equipment.

Boyd Brothers Ford