PineKap
So Cal.
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Joined: 04/22/2007
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I just purchased a Prodigy brake controller. I have also just read the installation instructions. Wiring is not a problem. Setup of the controller is where the problem comes in.
According the to instructions i need to set the controller at .6 and then drive on LEVEL ground at 25mph, Hit breaks and adjust accordingly.
Well the level part is the problem. I live in the mountains and there is no level place for 20miles.
I tow a Colman UTAH Tralier (Tent Trailer) Approx 3200lbs. With a Chevy 1500 4x4 1998.
Anyone got any advice on the best way for me to go about setting up the controller on hills? I really hate to go down some of the inclines just to get out of my area with the trailer without the controller relatively set up.
Kevin
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wcjeep
Tacoma, Wa
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Joined: 04/11/2008
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With previous generation brake controller, Prodigy and now Prodigy P3, I adjust the brakes so I fell a little tug from the trailer when slowing. I plan to wear out the trailer brakes sooner than the tow vehicle. Also, the Prodigy has a panic "boost". If it detects an emergency slow down it will up the power significantly to the trailer. I've had the emergency boost happen once. It does work. Be sure to place the controller somewhere you can reach in an emergency. Do not install on the knee bolster. If you or wife hit the brake controller with your knee in an accident prepare to need a cane for life at minimum. It may not look like contact is possible, but, watch some of those NHTSA dummies in an accident. They flail about at 45mph.
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JFG
TN
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Joined: 07/01/2007
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No need for flat surface... in fact find a parking lot with a down hill grade. Set controller with trailer brakes off. Allow TV to get up to about 4 mph. Apply barkes firmly. You'll feel the TV nose down when barkes are applied. now set trailer brakes on max. Get to 4 mph again and apply brakes again. It should feel like someone has grabbed the back bumper and is stopping the tv. Adjust wheel until you find the sweet spot... no nose dive.. no grabbing from behind.
Fred
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rcchallenger
La Mirada, California
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Joined: 04/04/2005
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PineKap wrote:I just purchased a Prodigy brake controller. I have also just read the installation instructions. Wiring is not a problem. Setup of the controller is where the problem comes in.
According the to instructions i need to set the controller at .6 and then drive on LEVEL ground at 25mph, Hit breaks and adjust accordingly.
Well the level part is the problem. I live in the mountains and there is no level place for 20miles.
I tow a Colman UTAH Tralier (Tent Trailer) Approx 3200lbs. With a Chevy 1500 4x4 1998.
Anyone got any advice on the best way for me to go about setting up the controller on hills? I really hate to go down some of the inclines just to get out of my area with the trailer without the controller relatively set up.
Kevin
I never performed the second step. I simply hold the emergency slide and set output to 6.0. Normally, that is fine. If it doesn't feel right I would adjust it accordingly. However, 6.0 seems to work perfectly for my trailer.
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got2go
Middleburgh, NY
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All of the above tell you to use some judgement and set it to YOUR vehicle and trailer. I would bet that almost all of us would tell you the same thing. Even the weather will change how it "feels", are the trailer brakes damp... adjust til you're comfortable...
I have two trailers... I have to adjust every time I hook up. I just adjust the gain until it feels right for the load (one trailer is a 14K dump) and things go smoothly. I also think the idea the wcjeep mentioned is OK.. I also put just a touch too much brake into the trailer. Not too much thou, if you lock up the trailer brakes in a panic, you'll have more excitement than you want.
Ed
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I_rv2
Illinois
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Joined: 01/13/2008
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Find a gravel parking lot ... adjust the gain so that when you hit the trailer brake manually (don't step on your tv brakes) the wheels lock and skid on the gravel ... back it down a little and you are good to go.
One word of advise. You say you live in the mountains. Well, I'm often in the mountains ... and the most important thing you have to remember is that you don't "set it and forget it" .... you have to regularly test and adjust your gain to reflect the driving conditions
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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Contary to the way wc likes his controller, I like mine to be transparent. I don't want to feel the trailer either push nor pull the truck when I'm braking, especially in the mountains. I do not want the trailer trying to pull me straight when I'm on a downhill curve. Try to fine the one adjustment that feels just right to you.
I wonder if I_rv2 has one of those terrible time-based controllers that increase the braking effort the longer the foot is on the brakes. If so, do consider changing to a proportional controller. You'll like it. There is no good reason to take your attention away from the road and traffic to fiddle with a controller.
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Terryallan
NC
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Joined: 06/28/2004
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I set mine by pushing the lever over, and adjusting till it feels the way i want it to. As mentioned. Do not use the foot brake while adjusting the controler. I set mine to a point where I can't feel it working. That it the great thing about a Prodigy. It is real smooth. Can't feel it working. Just know it does. If I feel it. It is too grabby. I back off. Mostly I set it and forget it. I do check it at the start of every trip.
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Chuck&Gail
In the Colorado Mountains
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Joined: 06/16/2004
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I live in the Colorado Rockies. Once my Prodigy is set, I forget it. That is one of the things I love about the prodigy, set it and forget it.
Chuck
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PineKap
So Cal.
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Joined: 04/22/2007
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Thanks for the replies.
BTW i do have a controller hooked up already, It is one of those timed style andn i hate it. I can never get it set up where i like it, specially in the mountain (was just in yosemite). So i hope the prodigy treats me better.
Kevin
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