Electric Brakes

[twc88]

Here is my problem. I can not lock up my trailer brakes using the manual lever as per controller instructions when adjusting (setting -up) controller. I have used two different controllers (Senital, Prodigy); I have checked the amperage draw at all trailer wheels (2.7 - 3.0 amps per wheel), 11.4 amps at truck/trailer connecter, and 11.3 amps at back of controller. I have adjusted all the brakes. Brakes work fine when driving and never give me the feeling that there is not enough braking even under hard braking. Just with the manual lever are the brakes very weak. I do have the gain set all the way up.

The controller instructions say to set controller gain just before brakes lock up with manual lever fully activated. I can not even get close to accomplishing this. What am I missing here? Trailer is not that old that the brakes/magnets should be worn out. I also had the same thing happening on my last trailer.

Tom

[twc88]

Here is my problem. I can not lock up my trailer brakes using the manual lever as per controller instructions when adjusting (setting -up) controller. I have used two different controllers (Senital, Prodigy); I have checked the amperage draw at all trailer wheels (2.7 - 3.0 amps per wheel), 11.4 amps at truck/trailer connecter, and 11.3 amps at back of controller. I have adjusted all the brakes. Brakes work fine when driving and never give me the feeling that there is not enough braking even under hard braking. Just with the manual lever are the brakes very weak. I do have the gain set all the way up.

The controller instructions say to set controller gain just before brakes lock up with manual lever fully activated. I can not even get close to accomplishing this. What am I missing here? Trailer is not that old that the brakes/magnets should be worn out. I also had the same thing happening on my last trailer.

Tom

[Alan554]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by twc88:
Here is my problem. I can not lock up my trailer brakes using the manual lever as per controller instructions when adjusting (setting -up) controller. I have used two different controllers (Senital, Prodigy); I have checked the amperage draw at all trailer wheels (2.7 - 3.0 amps per wheel), 11.4 amps at truck/trailer connecter, and 11.3 amps at back of controller. I have adjusted all the brakes. Brakes work fine when driving and never give me the feeling that there is not enough braking even under hard braking. Just with the manual lever are the brakes very weak. I do have the gain set all the way up.

The controller instructions say to set controller gain just before brakes lock up with manual lever fully activated. I can not even get close to accomplishing this. What am I missing here? Trailer is not that old that the brakes/magnets should be worn out. I also had the same thing happening on my last trailer.

Tom </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am on my first TT and am subsequently new to electric brakes. I haven't spent a lot of time trying to lock the trailer brakes up when adjusting them, just that they will slow the truck/trailer combo down aggressively. I do make sure that I have warmed the brakes up before setting the adjustment.

[SuperGewl]

Your TT/5VR brakes may NOT lockup. As long as you can tell that they are working properly other than that then it's OK. It also states that the brakes must be warmed up prior to dong the brake adjustments also. I have found that without doing this properly they may NOT lock up.

[Hitchhiker]

FWIW, mine don't lock up unless I'm moving slow on gravel, grass, dirt, etc. However, when I'm going 40 - 50 and step on the brakes aggressively I can feel the trailer initially holding back during it's initial lead period.

I keep my Prodigy boost setting on '3' unless I'm in slow moving heavy traffic. Then I'll drop it to '2' or '1' to reduce the lead a little. Otherwise, it goes back into 'lead' each time foot is lifted from brake pedal then reapplied.

Some folks may prefer to have them to lock up but I don't think you should be too concerned if yours don't. Actually, I prefer mine not to do that. As long as the wheels are rolling they'll have better directional stability.

There's a different comfort level with these braking adjustment that varies based on the individual's preferences. Set yours to how you feel comfortable with the stopping ability of the rig and enjoy your trips.

[twc88]

Thanks guys, as I said brakes are working fine except the manual lever would not work as directions state. I called Tekonsha plus from what you guys are saying it all seems normal. I was just trying to follow the direction.

Tom

[charliez]

Part of your braking ability has to do with wire size. If it's too small or has bad connections, it can't carry sufficent current.

Personally, I don't want my brakes to lock. Why drag life off of your tires? But I do want them strong enough to do thejob when called upon. The instructions will take you so far, then you need to fine tune for your own comfort feel. i also don't want it to feel like it's going to jerk the hitch out of the truck.