cedarcamper
Cedar City, UT
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Joined: 09/20/2007
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We pull a 2000 lb tent trailer with our minivan. I recently installed a brake controller. It was the cheapest one available because I figured that we have a small trailer and didn't need anything expensive. Now, when I'm pulling, I'm completely annnoyed. It seems to go either all-on or all-off and this gets really bad when I'm going slow speeds. It causes lurching or the wheels on the trailer will lock up and skid while I really just want to move along slowly. Is this because I bought the cheapest controller or is it something I just need to get used to? I'm not dying to buy another brake controller and I certainly don't want to put a lot of money into it, but this is really bad. Help!
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hemlox
Western Illinois
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Joined: 05/21/2007
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That's the difference between a "cheap" one and a "good" one. Get a Prodigy, you won't have the jerkyness that the cheaper ones tend to give you. The price difference is not huge. You can adjust it so the wheels won't lock up on you, but it will still be jerky at low speeds. Good luck.
25 ft. Gulfstream Conquest
Chevrolet Suburban 4x4
Reese Dual Cam WD Hitch
Prodigy Brake Controller
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Phils
Paradise, CA
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Joined: 07/23/2001
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Try turning the "gain" down. There should be two adjustments, one for compensation of the unit's installed angle and the other for how much electricity is sent to the trailer (gain). If the "angle" adjustment isn't correct it can also cause problems like you are experiencing.
In short, play with the adjustments. You should be able to find a setting that provides some braking (you don't need much for that trailer) and too much braking.
Phil
'03 F250 deezle and '01 Komfort 27FS
Off the grid and outta sight at home
Go camping to have neighbors and amenities
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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can you get your money back on the cheap one, more than likely not, but you should have gotten a prodigy in the first place, they can be bought for $98 on the web, you just have to look around for them.
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hemlox
Western Illinois
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I paid $109 at my local U-Haul for my Prodigy.
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BlackSilver
East of Heaven, North of Hell
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Joined: 12/18/2003
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Brake controllers are one area where you REALLY DO seem to "get what you pay for".
The cheap models are nothing more than a timer which ramps up braking power based on how long you hold the brake pedal, not how hard you hold it.
The good models, like BrakeSmart sense your pedal pressure and give a proportional amount of braking to your trailer.
The middle products, like Prodigy, sense second-hand how hard your braking by how fast you truck is slowing and attempt to match that to the trailer. Not the best, but much better than what you have.
Hans, KØHB & Colleen, KØCKB
Master Chief Radioman, US Navy
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'04 Prairie Schooner 34FBR Platinum XL Camping Trailer
'08 3500HD Silverado Big Dooley LTZ Go-power by Max & Allie
My rig (Click)
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jbarry
California
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Joined: 11/04/2006
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I have two Brakesmart Controllers...one on the Expedition and the other on the MH. I've been through the cheap ones and had the same experience as the OP. You really do get what you pay for when you buy a brake controller.
How much is your rig worth to you? How much is your family worth to you. Get the best.
2004 Minnie Winnie 24F
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cedarcamper
Cedar City, UT
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Good info. I certainly wish I had gone with the Prodigy, but it was $100 more at the store. I may have to try online if I can't monkey with the dials.
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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You can purchase a GOOD Proportional "Voyager" break controller for a bit over $50.00 from PPL Parts department. I've used mine for over 80,000 towing miles with my last two trailers. Good luck / Skip
PPL Parts
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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Phils
Paradise, CA
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Joined: 07/23/2001
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If you don't get yours adjusted any better, you can have my old Voyager for shipping if you want. I finally changed it out for a Prodigy last year. I can't throw ANYTHING away so it's just sitting in the garage but I'll never use it again.
And yes, PPL motorhomes usually has great prices and service but I've found their online ordering cumbersome, so I just use their site as a catalog then call in my orders.
Phil
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