prodigy controller and braking

[ctrocks]

I have a 2006 3475rl 5th wheel. I feel that the braking on the trailer is too weak from when the camper was new.
At 70 mph if I move the controller all the way to the left (numbers 12 +)I just slow down much less effectively than if I just touch the truck brakes lightly.
Talking with construction people they tell me I should be able to lock or nearly lock the trailer brakes.
The brakes have been inspected and adjusted.
Can some one fill me in on what I should expect from a braking standpoint.
Prodigy electronic controller
Thanks in advance

[maximo]

70 mph, lower the flaps and release the parachute.

[davidaf]

I finally got rid of my Prodigy after 10 years of ownership. Felt like the truck was doing more breaking than the trailer until i cranked it all the way up then it felt like the trailer was going to rip out of the hitch. Just couldn't get it dialed in comfortably. I finally junked the Prodigy in favor of a Direclink brake controller. Once I got that dialed in breaking has been much better. Can't say DirecLink will fix your issue just that I also had an issue with my Prodigy setup.

[scattershot]

I had an old Prodigy (very old) and it was a PITA to get adjusted, and it wouldn't stay that way. Got one f the new digital ones, amd all is well.

[old turbo]

I have the same problem with my 10 year old Prodigy. It will not adjust to properly stop the trailer at any speed. I live on a back road and have tried to adjust it and the truck is doing all the work. When it was new it would work properly, but now it just looks good with its lights flashing. I have a Mountaineer 5vr and a new 21' travel trailer and it will not work on the tt. It has power and tested back to the 5vr and the tt but will not stop the trailers.

[CORattler]

You should be able to adjust it so that it locks up the RV wheels on loose gravel.
The higher the boost, the more the RV brakes are applied.
I have a digital 5 year old Prodigy and it works great with my rig.
Don't expect your RV brakes to lock up on dry pavement.
I had grease contaminated brake shoes and drums on 3 of 4 wheels and the symptoms were as you describe. Once corrected, all worked as designed.

[rames14]

I agree with Jay. Did they actually pull the wheels to inspect. I had new brakes put on after the rally last year. No brakes. I thought it was my Ram's integrated controller. Had it inspected on the road at a trailer place and they said it wasn't getting enough voltage. Had it repaired before our Alaska trip. It turns out it was over greased when they did the brake job. Works fine after that was corrected.

[kiltedpig]

I had a Prodigy for my 30' TT but it just didn't seem to operate as well as I wanted. Since I am migrating to a large 5th what controllers should I investigate?

[CORattler]

I can't recommend other than the Prodigy... mine has been trouble free for 5 years on both a 26ft pull behind travel trailer and my current Montana.

quote:Originally posted by kiltedpig

I had a Prodigy for my 30' TT but it just didn't seem to operate as well as I wanted. Since I am migrating to a large 5th what controllers should I investigate?

[WaltBennett]

I had a Prodigy with our old TT and it worked fine. The Ford we've got now has an integrated controller. X2 on locking brakes on gravel. Don't expect them to lock on dry pavement at any speed as you've too much weight. The brakes on your unit may be the problem.

[rmthelen]

Have had my Prodigy for 8 years and it has worked flawlessly alsol

[Trailer Trash 2]

I have had the P3 when it first came out, I can lock up the wheels in water and gravel, and I have never been able to do that on the road or at slow speeds. I have my voltage at 11.7 and the boost at B3. my brakes have been inspected and adjusted 2 times the second time has made it much better still wont lock the wheels but when I apply the brakes I feel the trailer brakes start to apply and I use less truck brakes to stop the train. my assessment is the brakes are too small for these heavy trailers, I am looking into disk brakes for the Monty instead of new brakes in the near future.

[rames14]

I have had good luck with the Chevy and Ram integrated controller and the Prodigy. Before the integrated controllers, most everyone I talked to at the MOC rally were running Prodigy. As the older trucks get replaced, the integrated controllers will take over, IMHO. Good luck finding the best solution that works for you.

[mindspinguy]

I have a 3475RL and just switched out the drum brakes for the Kodiak disc brake hit. It's supposed to cut braking distance by 50%.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1i4rDFXVe0

[Art-n-Marge]

Walt, I believe the Ford integrated controller is provided from Prodigy *with some custom mods to suit Ford".

I was getting weak braking, but then I adjusted the trailer brakes myself and things are now better. I went from the 10 setting down to 7. But since the OP has mentioned they've had the brakes checked, I'm out of guesses.

I hope you figure this one out. Let us know.