E brakes problem

mtaylor42 · 07-29-2014, 06:55 PM

When I'm just releasing my foot from the brake pedal, at the last second, I get what feels like a bump from behind.

It's worse when trailer braking adjustment is set for higher braking voltage setting.

This happens on level ground / freeways / traffic, but not when going up hill.

If I manually apply trailer brakes when lifting my foot off the brake and then ease trailer brake off more gradually, then it doesn't happen.

It seems like the trailer brakes should be timed to turn off just after the TV brakes are off, for a smoother transition.

If I never fully take my foot off the TV brake (minimal braking possible) or if I only use the trailer brakes, it's smooth.

Is this normal behavior?

Do I need a better brake controller?

Thanks

Uncle Buck · 07-29-2014, 07:33 PM

I get the "bump" too. I guess I just expect it???

Trevor43 · 07-30-2014, 03:03 AM

Back off your settings just a tad.

BigBaron · 07-30-2014, 03:23 AM

Your hitch receiver may be loose, allowing the bar with the ball on it to wiggle. I have a bolt threaded into my receiver that acts like a set screw. Without it, I get "the bump" too.

BigBaron · 07-30-2014, 03:24 AM

Also, the couple on the tongue of your trailer may be loose. Some can be adjusted. I'm going to check mine right now.

mtaylor42 · 07-30-2014, 03:35 AM

I'll check that. It's all band new gear, but loose fit between the bar and the hitch receiver seems likely. Is it really so simple or do I really need a proportional brake controller like Tekonsha 90195 P3?

mtaylor42 · 07-30-2014, 03:37 AM

How big is the bolt? I'm not sure I can hand drill and tap into the hitch receiver and I'm not qualified to remove it and replace it.

f5moab · 07-30-2014, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBaron

Your hitch receiver may be loose, allowing the bar with the ball on it to wiggle. I have a bolt threaded into my receiver that acts like a set screw. Without it, I get "the bump" too.

This^^^^^^^^^

Brother Les · 07-30-2014, 07:58 AM

Your truck is slowing down faster than your trailer (bump)...... check everything in the receiver/ball/tongue area for any slop. There should be an adjustment on the tongue to tighten the tongue more to the ball. Don't make it too tight where you have trouble getting the tongue on/off the ball. We all have a slight jarring when the trailers catch up to the tow vehicle, some is not noticeable at all. Is the trailer tossing the tow vehicle around when it 'hits'? How 'big' is your trailer in comparison to the size of your tow vehicle?

mtaylor42 · 07-30-2014, 09:04 PM

TV is 2015 Tahoe LT. GVWR 7300.
TT is HW276. GVWR 3779.
WD Hitch is Ultra-fab 1400 lb.

RTBabich · 09-21-2014, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBaron

Your hitch receiver may be loose, allowing the bar with the ball on it to wiggle. I have a bolt threaded into my receiver that acts like a set screw. Without it, I get "the bump" too.

I bought an '85 Winnebago class C to pull a boat. The first few times out we sometimes had an annoying nudge or bump when first taking off from a stop or ending a stop. The boat trailer has hydraulic disc brakes. After inspection of the receiver/ball mount I found a 1/2" nut welded to the bottom of the receiver tube. After putting a bolt in the nut which goes thru the receiver tube to tighten against the ball mount tube the bump is completely gone. If I forget to tighten the bolt after changing the ball mount the bump comes back.

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