Community Forums

robledjl · 10-17-2018, 06:10 PM

Once again I've looked at other forums with minimal information. According to the instructions you have to set it up to a setting of 6 and watch for locking up of the trailer tires.. I'm not sure if they meant a regular uhaul trailer because my 26' TT does not lock up even if I set it to the max of 14. Does anyone have this controller with the proper settings? I also heard I have to adjust my trailer's brakes which I haven't done. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

robledjl · 10-17-2018, 07:21 PM

I'm not sure if someone knows how to move it to the travel trailer forum? Sorry

Edit;
It’s been moved for you.

**Spdracr39** · 10-17-2018, 07:54 PM

Your TT brakes probably need adjusting but there are a number of other issues that could cause that issue. I would recommend taking it to a trailer shop ( not an rv dealer ) and having them inspect the brakes and magnets to make sure everything is in proper working order.

CecilD · 10-17-2018, 08:11 PM

I just changed from a Primus to the P3 and can immediately tell the difference in performance. Make sure your electrical cord connectors, both trailer side and truck side are clean and shiny. Adjust your brakes, drive till warm, then try to adjust your voltage. Have someone apply the emergency lever while you listen at each wheel, you should hear the magnets as a simple test to make sure they are all working. I've read some trailer brakes just will not lock up.

robledjl · 10-17-2018, 08:13 PM

Yea, I've heard some won't lock up too. It's a brand new trailer so I wasn't sure if adjustments to the brakes would be needed.

**JohnRR** · 10-17-2018, 08:18 PM

FYI
you can request a thread move or other action by clicking the red triangle at the lower left of the post (Report Post)

Bob_C · 10-17-2018, 08:32 PM

Do you have the P3 manual?

robledjl · 10-17-2018, 08:33 PM

Yes I do which I followed

Bob_C · 10-17-2018, 08:40 PM

My fiver required a whole lot of messing with as far as the controller settings......then I switched to disc brakes, and had to back it way off.....play some with the trailer weight setting

T Money · 10-21-2018, 09:32 PM

I have a P3 and I wondered the same thing with my new trailer. The trailer has self-adjusting brakes and after a few trips they seem to be fine. Originally at 14 it the brakes wouldn't lock. Now they lock at 8 or 9 depending on if I'm hauling water.

skiles · 10-22-2018, 09:42 AM

As others have said, there can be several things other than your controller. That being said, I had a P3 set up in my last truck and was very happy with it. I also take our trailer to a dedicated trailer shop for a bearing repack and brake service. Have you tried using it on another trailer with brakes? I'm not clear if you used it on a Uhaul trailer or not. That could help narrow down if it's your truck or the trailer.

Bill111 · 10-25-2018, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robledjl

It's a brand new trailer so I wasn't sure if adjustments to the brakes would be needed.

Brakes don't work well initially on new trailers because the pads/shoes haven't been bedded in (mated/seated) to the drums.

I did RV transport for a few years and all trailers I picked up had light braking action when I left the factory. They got slightly better as the trip progressed.

There is no end all/be all setting for brake controllers. It varies form truck to truck, trailer to trailer. You just need to follow the instructions in the controller manual for setting up the initial adjustment setting

CecilD · 10-25-2018, 06:20 PM

You may find the following information useful for a new trailer with new brakes. I followed a similar procedure when I replaced my brakes and found the braking performance greatly improved. You will have to readjust the brakes after break-in.

The break-in period is a typical phenomenon with drum brakes and especially electric drum brakes. Electric drum brakes will require a break-in period to achieve full performance. This break-in period applies for new axles and any time new brake shoes and/or magnets are installed as part of regular maintenance.
Lippert Components has found through extensive brake testing that the break-in period for our drum brakes can range from 20 to 50 brake applications. Brakes can be seated in by applying approximately 8-10 volts to the trailer brakes at an initial speed of 40 mph and allowing the truck/trailer combination to slow down to 20 or 25 mph. For best results do not use truck brakes during this procedure. The trailer brakes will seat -in faster by using them to stop both the truck and trailer. The easiest method is to apply the trailer brakes using the manual activation lever located on the in-cab brake controller. Care must be taken to not overheat the lining material, therefore brake applications conducted at one mile intervals will suffice.

The driver should feel a noticeable difference in the brake performance during this period, sometimes in as few as 10 applications. After 50 applications, the brake lining material will be fully cured from the heat and develop close to 100% contact with the brake drum surface. This break in period not only seats the shoe lining material but also seats in the brake electro-magnets. During the break-in period, the linings will wear at a faster rate than they do after they are seated in.

abby8242 · 10-28-2018, 01:22 PM

We just upgraded from the Prodigy 2 to the Prodigy 3. I just wanted to add a comment I have not seen in this thread thus far. Have you used the boost settings? When we use the boost setting "1" we notice a tremendous difference in braking action. But per the instructions "you will first set the power to the brakes before setting any boost setting".

We found the "Q & A" portion of etrailer's website to be very helpful pertaining to all towing issues.

After premature wear of brake drums and $400 of unnecessary expense we take the time to get it right from now on.