LML OEM Trailer Brake controller vs Aftermarket?

[JakeBrakeIH]

How does everyone like their "built in" brake controllers from the factory? I had it in my LMM, and my LML as well. I also had a Prodigy P3 in my LB7 which I liked as well.

I feel the OEM controller does a good job, but I feel the need to have the gain very high? Naturally one would think my trailer brakes are on their way out, but even on an empty alum stock trailer I'm at ~6 or so gain. My 25+5 tandem dual trailer with a decent load I am around a ~9. Sometimes I feel like its just unpredictable and didn't know if it was just me being picky?

Is there a ground that can be improved? Way to increase voltage to the trailer? Thanks!

 

[ikeG]

Sub'd for this one

 

[Ron Nielson]

Is there a ground that can be improved? Way to increase voltage to the trailer? Thanks!

Increasing the gain does just that, increases voltage. You can check all the connections between the truck's main wiring harness at the back connection to your 7-way receptacle, the receptacle itself, the 7 way on your trailer, and all the connections there. Make sure all are bright and shiny, maybe apply some contact cleaner like Deoxit, and then some dielectric grease to keep it all in good shape.

Certainly, there is a difference between what is needed on an empty trailer and a loaded trailer - it's just the nature of the beast - more weight requires more braking and more braking requires more voltage. If you have to set you loaded trailer on 9 to get it to brake properly, that's perfectly fine. Don't need another controller because you have it set on 9. Just drive it. Now if you don't think 9 works, something's wrong. May be in the truck, more likely in the trailer, but you'll just have to check to see what it is. Some people claim that by using a #10 wire for the brakes, they work better. It may be - brand new connections, brand new wire, no corrosion, etc. Ought to be dammed good. You can try adding a separate ground from trailer to truck, just make sure it's a good one. Let us know how it all works out.