PRODIGY Brake Controller FYI

[jackel1959]

I have always had a problem with brake grab and excessive jerking with my Prodigy when towing at slow speed, stop & go traffic, etc. So the other day when I was at my local repair facility for a different repair I mentioned this and asked them to check the brakes on the trailer to make sure they were functioning properly. When the tech asked me why and I explained why he jumped in the truck and looked at what the voltage on the brake controller was set at and said "here's your problem". I had it set at 12 (as I had set according to the directions that come with the controller) he backed it off to 6 volts and set my boost level at 3 and it works great. No more jerking at slow speeds and plenty of nice even braking power for stopping. Even had to do a panic stop not long ago and everthing worked like it should. Why in the world the instructions tell you to adjust the voltage to just before brake lock up (which I could never achieve) are beyond me. I told the tech I had adjusted it according to the instructions and he said "you try this and see if it doesn't work better"....and it does. Now after I hook up I check and make sure that I am set at 6-7 volts before starting off. Just an FYI.

Jack

[gpats]

I have had the same problem----thanks for the info---I will set it as you have mentioned--

[MAMalody]

I have the same unit and my instructions told me to set the controller at 6 and go from there. I have my boost set at 3 and the controller at 6.3. Works for me.

[JimF]

my instructions also said set at 6 volt and boost at 3, works just fine, had to up the voltage to 7 to be perfect.

[jackel1959]

I went and looked again at my instructions today and sure enough it does say to start with the voltage set at 6.0 but then goes on further to say to adjust the voltage to just below wheel lock up using the manual slide. I guess that what I get for reading the instructions I never could get the wheels to lock up on the trailer either. I'm just glad that all is working as it should now.
Jack

[Andy]

Well, I have the same issues so I’m pleased for the post, and I will be checking mine.

Thanks,
Andy

[Trailer Trash 2]

I had the same problems with mine, so when I get in town driving I always turn the boost down. but when I get back on the freeway it goes up all the way. I want to stop quick if needed.

[brenkco]

Jack,
Thanks for the post, I had the same problem and followed the same path. I called Prodigy and they explained that with a larger 5er, the brakes would not lock up. They suggested using the level 1 setting in town and level 3 on the highway. Frankly, I like your solution better!

Ken

[jackel1959]

Don, Georgia and Smokey,
I used to have to change my boost settings in town or at slow speeds as well. Since I have been using the setup I outlined, I no longer have to do that and have nice firm even braking at all speeds. I always check the voltage setting after I hook up just in case the knob got moved inadvertently. 6-7 volts (usually 6.5-6.7) boost level 3 works great for my rig and tow vehicle. You may need to "fine tune" the voltage settings a bit to get the braking that feels right for you. Good luck.
Jack

quote:Originally posted by Trailer Trash 2

I had the same problems with mine, so when I get in town driving I always turn the boost down. but when I get back on the freeway it goes up all the way. I want to stop quick if needed.

[sreigle]

We never adjust ours, either. Not on this P3 (a Prodigy plus some other things) or on the Prodigy we used to have. Once set correctly it should be set and forget. If not, either the controller is set incorrectly or is defective or there's a problem with the brakes.