Brake controller setup for car hauler trailer with DP

[slemnah]

I just purchased a 23' car hauler to tow behind the motorhome. It has a 10k lb rating. How do I set the controller? I can't let the trailer stop the motorhome like I would with the trailer behind a pickup truck. What do you guys with trailers do? Do you even use a brake controller? I have a 42ft with a tag axle, 2 speed Jake.
Steve

[rgvtexan]

I have a tilt-bed open car hauler, and set the brakes just below lock-up. Have a Prodigy controller.

[Gearhead383]

Steve,
I would think the best answer to your question is… as per manufactures instructions.
Example:
1.Drive tow vehicle and trailer on a dry level paved surface at 25 mph and fully apply manual Knob
2. If trailer brakes lock up: Turn power down using Power Buttons.
3 If braking was not sufficient:Turn power up using Power Buttons.
4. Repeat Step (1) until power has been set to a point just below wheel lock up or at a sufficient force as to achieve maximum braking power.

This is the procedure I use whether it's the pickup truck or motor home pulling the trailer. Good Luck

[tankcj]

Originally Posted by rgvtexan

I have a tilt-bed open car hauler, and set the brakes just below lock-up. Have a Prodigy controller.

I do the same. (OP) Be sure to test when loaded. Your controller instructions should tell you to roll out at about 15-20mph and apply the brake controller lever (override) to the full amount. When it locks up the brakes, adjust the bias back a bit.

[Dr4Film]

YIKES, YES!

You definitely need an electric brake controller if the trailer indeed has electric brakes NOT surge brakes.

Any trailer over a certain combined weight needs brakes whether they are surge or electric.

I just recently switch from a Prodigy P2 to a Prodigy P3. Either one is good but the P3 has some distinct advantages over the P2.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[slemnah]

Does anyone know where the brake light pressure sensor is located on a Monaco S series chassis? Mine is a 2005 Safari. Is there an easier place to tie into to get the brake light signal for the brake controller?
Steve

[Dr4Film]

Originally Posted by slemnah

Does anyone know where the brake light pressure sensor is located on a Monaco S series chassis? Mine is a 2005 Safari. Is there an easier place to tie into to get the brake light signal for the brake controller?
Steve

Unfortunately, Safari probably wired their coaches differently than Monaco I believe.

I have been recently helping a 2006 Beaver Coach owner with his improperly wired Prodigy where every time he activates his Exhaust Brake it also activates the Prodigy Brake Controller. This is NOT good as it will burn up his trailer brakes quickly.

The fix he got from Monaco was to remove a wire from a certain relay which will NOT activate the brakes lights when his Exhaust Brakes are activated. That is also not a good idea based on DOT recommendations.

Steve, I am not that far from you and in fact I go to Santa Clarita a lot for different doctors, dentist appointments plus to do some shopping.

I would be willing to stop and assist you in locating the correct place to hookup your service brake trigger.

If your coach has two boxes in the FRB labeled Monaco Box #1 and Monaco Box #2 then it will be a piece of cake but Safari may have done things differently.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[draboo]

I m getting one of these: Prodigy Wireless Brake Controller

It can be switched between toads and towers easily.

[slemnah]

Richard, here is a picture of my front wiring box.

[tankcj]

Originally Posted by slemnah

Does anyone know where the brake light pressure sensor is located on a Monaco S series chassis? Mine is a 2005 Safari. Is there an easier place to tie into to get the brake light signal for the brake controller?
Steve

Do you know if you have a connector for a trailer brake controller (TBC) somewhere under your dash. I called Monaco and they told me what to look for on mine.

Do you know if the brake lights come on when you use the EB?

If you have a connector for the TBC and your brake lights do not come on when using the EB, this could be easily solved.

[slemnah]

Monaco didn't start running the wires until the 06/07 time period. Will have to run the wire myself.
Steve

[Dr4Film]

Steve,

Upon first look it is nothing like what I have in my 2002 Windsor. But that just means that things have changed since 02 and 05.

I will zoom in on your photo to look around a bit.

Here is my FRB. Monaco Box #2 with the Grey Plug and the Blue wire tap is the brake trigger pickup for the Prodigy.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Dutch Star Don]

Steve.... I started to wire one up for a neighbor with a Monaco, but just about any DP without a prewire is a pain. I think some have had better luck using a wireless system. With that said, I found the Monaco had only about 3-4 volts at the brake pressure sensor when the brakes were applied. I was going to use a relay, wire it to the sensor to trigger 12 volts to the brake controller. The neighbor decided to run without brakes.

[Dr4Film]

Originally Posted by slemnah

Richard, here is a picture of my front wiring box. Attachment 85067

Resolution is too low to see anything when zoomed into the circuit boards.

Good luck with your search!

Dr4Film ----- Richard