Prodigy Brake Controller

[prosperity]

Well, I'm finally graduating to a 16' trailer for my new 30hp tractor.
I've never towed a trailer with electric brakes before, but I have pulled plenty of trailers with air brakes for sure (tractor-trailer).

So, after tons of research, I ordered and received the new Prodigy P3 controller. I will be hooking it up this weekend (thanks for the trailer package Ford...).

I always like to look at and read everything before starting out. Installation looks very straight forward. But as I read the directions, and watched the included DVD (pretty cool), I have a question.

I will be pulling the 16' trailer both empty and loaded with the tractor. I understand the initial setup instructions adjusting the output so the brakes just barely don't lock up. So, if I have it set that way when the trailer is empty, what should I do when I am loaded.

Looks like I have 2 options:

1 - reset the adjustment for no wheel lockup
2 - use the boost feature

Just wondering if that is what the boost feature is for.
Which is the better way to go between an empty trailer and loaded?

Thanks

 

[AlanB]

You will need to come up with 2 numbers, a full and empty # basicly, or maybe loaded and unloaded.

On my dump trailer, we run down about a max setting of 4V empty, (2,000 lbs) and run upwards around 11 when loaded (12,000 lbs)

You will know when you hit the brakes and have the V up high.....

The nice thing about the prodigy (to me) is that it lets you see actual numbers to gauge your output while stopped, so if you know about your weight, you can get it dialed in before you move.

I forget what the boost does, we do not use it regularly, mine had a little pocket sheet I keep in the glovebox, that gave the scenario's when needed if I remember right, but it has been a while. Maybe I am missing the use of a feature of what I have. I will have too look at that again this evening.

 

[Builder]

The BOOST button allows you to preset a "boost" in brake output when the boost button is applied. There's "off" and 3 levels B-1, B-2, B-3.

1st press on the button displays the current setting. It is advanced to the next level by continuing to press the boost button.

With boost off- during a braking event, the brake power starts at ZERO, then increases with deceleration.

With boost on level ONE (b-1)- during a braking event, braking power starts at 13% and increases with deceleration.

With boost on level TWO or THREE (b-2 & b-3)-during a braking event, braking power starts out at 25% and increases with deceleration.

 

[prosperity]

Well that is what I am trying to figure out...

Setting up for the empty trailer is easy.

Loaded trailer - then should I set the controller for just about wheel lock-up, plus use the boost feature?

 

[Builder]

Well that is what I am trying to figure out...

Setting up for the empty trailer is easy.

Loaded trailer - then should I set the controller for just about wheel lock-up, plus use the boost feature?

Yes, you should set your trailer for near lock-up, then set your boost to add additional braking power at the onset.

The "boost" feature is sort of a temporary feature. So if your trailer is empty, set the boost feature to "0" or "off".

If you have hooked up to a 8K trailer, and you want the brakes to come on "stronger" in the beginning, then maybe try "b.1".

Now let's say you're hooked up to a 12K dump trailer, you might want to switch to "b.2"

last case scenario: Let's say you're hooked up to a 16K wedge 5th wheel with 3 cars on it. Then you'll want MAx boost, so you'd set it to "b.3"

Caution: There's no other way to make sure you have the right settings other than to test the settings before you hit the road, like in a parking lot. So you need to test the settings to make sure you like them above reading a manual or taking my advice.

 

[Willl]

I set my Prodigy up like you all did with the trailer empty. Approx 7.2 w/ No boost.

When loaded, I increased my boost till I could 'feel' the trailer brakes helping me come to a stop and left it at that. (B2)

Did not feel comfortable doing a panic stop test w/ loaded trailer.

 

[prosperity]

Thanks for the input guys.

I guess there are 2 different ways to do it.

When reading the manual about the boost feature, I thought that would be used for loaded vs. empty.

I think I will try just the boost feature first without adjusting the controller when loaded - then try it with adjusting.

I see your point Willl - I don't have a parking lot or open area near me, and certainly don't want to try to lock up the trailer wheels when loaded on the road. That, I assumed, is what the boost feature was for.

 

[Builder]

All the boost feature does is increase the current that initially goes to the brakes. the higher the boost is set the stronger and sooner they come on.

 

[prosperity]

All the boost feature does is increase the current that initially goes to the brakes. the higher the boost is set the stronger and sooner they come on.

OK - understand it now

Thanks.