brake controller

[sequoyausa]

I'm headed out tomorrow on my maiden voyage with my Pup. Had a Prodigy brake controller installed and I can't make heads or tails out of the instructions. I moved the "C" switch and then the button on the right that is supposed to start low and move up. It always starts at 6.1 which might lock up my trailer brakes. According to the instructions, it should start low, like 5.6, and then can be adjusted from there. I'm really nervous about this thing and have the electrical power to it turned off. Am I reading the instructions wrong? I want to be safe, but also don't want to ruin my brake system. Thanks!

[Monterey]

I'm going by memory here but as I remember it, to set up my Prodigy I first had to set a certain value by using the wheel on the left side while pressing the brake pedal. Turning the wheel will adjust the value in the display up or down to where the instructions say it should be.  Then a slow drive and use the lever underneath to get it to the point where the brakes locked.  I think they say to do this at 25 mph.  Then back off the wheel so you get maximum braking without lockup.

As a note, I never did get the brakes on our trailer to lock up during set up, but when I hit the brakes, I can really feel the trailer brakes kicking in.  It doen give  a nice sense of security.

[AustinBoston]

Monterey's description just about has it right.

Start by using the thumbwheel on the left to set a starting value, then adjust it while travelling at a slow speed (use an empty parking lot for this) to just before lockup (a.k.a. skid).

The button on the right controls how much (if any) the trailer brakes "lead" the tow vehicle brakes.  Push it to change between (I think) three settings depending on how you like ithe "feel".  We don't use any boost on ours.

Monterey - As far as not getting your brakes to lock up, three things.  First, the brakes themselves may need adjustment.  If you tow in stop & go traffic or down mountains, they may wear enough to need adjustment.  The manufacturers generally reccomend once a year or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.  Second, electric trailer brakes seem to need to "warm up" before they reach full effectiveness.  I have experienced this myself and had others describe it.  Try adjusting for lockup after driving for 15 miles...you might get a different result.  Third, lockup is dependent on a number of factors, including foad surface, tire conditon and age, and actual trailer axle weight.  What would not lock up on new dry pavement will easily lock up on a gravel road.

Austin