Prodigy Controller Question

[PSDStu]

Getting ready to install a Prodigy controller and wanted to ask a question. I understand the process for doing the inital setup and fine tuning....but wondered if you need to do this twice.... one setup for when the trailer is empty...and then one when it's loaded.... how do y'all handle the 2 different setups?

Thanks!

 

[familyman]

There's a boost function (you'll find it in the manual) that's only activated when you push the blue button: press once = B1, twice =B2, thrice = B3. I'm towing a 2,500 lb. trailer carrying 5,000 to 6,000 lbs. of equipment and am using the B2 boost setting when loaded. I use the standard setting (no boost) when the trailer is empty.

 

[prosperity]

I just went through this, and also asked that same question here before I did the installation.

My application is a 16' tandem trailer - just installed the Prodigy P3.

I found that I had to calibrate for both empty and loaded. I did the "skid" test method when empty, and found 5.5 with no boost to be pretty good.

When hauling my tractor, which weighs around 3000 pounds I guess, I did not try the skid test. I just kept trying different numbers until it "felt" right. I ended up with a 10.0 with the boost on B1. Boost on B2 gave me a little too much jerk when first applying the brakes.

So, yes, I calibrated differently for both empty and loaded. You really can't just add boost for your loaded trailer without changing your basic setting also.

 

[DirtHauler]

I pull a 16' tandum w/4 wheel brakes and haul 3,800 to 4,200 on it and my initial setting is 6.2 and when loaded, depending on terrain, the boost will be either b2 or b3, when empty I just turn the boost off.

 

[prosperity]

I pull a 16' tandum w/4 wheel brakes and haul 3,800 to 4,200 on it and my initial setting is 6.2 and when loaded, depending on terrain, the boost will be either b2 or b3, when empty I just turn the boost off.

I'm going to try your way - it does get to be a pain when I have to change my setting everytime I load/unload.

Edit:
Here is a .PDF on how the boost feature works - I still think that the initial setting needs to be changed when empty or loaded -

http://www.tekonsha.com/instructions/Technical%20Bulletin%20-%2020020062.pdf

 

[AlanB]

To me, Boost, is how quick I push the trailer brake (figurative) pedal, and voltage, or initial setting is how far I push that (figurative) pedal.

The good thing about the prodigy to me, is that your numbers are very easily repeatable. It is a quick and simple thing to say go from 5.8 empty, to 9.4 full, and consistently do that.

If it takes me 5 seconds to change it I would be suprised.

 

[prosperity]

Well, being that this conversation has been brought up a couple times, I thought I would email Tekonsha to get their input.

Here is my question to them -

I have a question about setting my P3 for an empty trailer vs. a loaded trailer. I pull a 16' tandem trailer w/4 brakes that weighs ~2100# empty. When loaded, I haul a tractor that weighs ~3000#.
I understand the instructions for setting the controller, and did so when empty coming out with a setting of 5.5 with no boost. When loaded, I did not do the "skid test", but have come up with a good feel with a setting of 10 with boost at B1.
Now, on a couple forums I frequent, we get into a discussion about this. Some folks keep insisting that all I would need to do for the loaded trailer is simple up the boost to B2 or B3, without changing the initial setting of 5.5.
I want to be sure I am doing my controller settings correctly. I have read the technical bulletin about how the boost works, and feel that the way I am setting my controller for both empty and loaded is the correct way - is this right?

And their response:

Thank you for choosing Tekonsha. The gain setting would have to be changed every time the load changes. The boost just gives a boost of power when the pedal is depressed. You will need to change the amount of voltage sent to the trailer .

 

[ultrarunner]

Is a Prodigy Brake Controller compatible for a 1991 Chevrolet Silverado Pickup? I've e-mailed Prodigy and waiting for a reply...

I've installed dozens of Kelsy Hayes Brake Controllers in the 70's that tapped into the vehicle's Master Brake Cylinder without issue for folks with Horse Trailers. I probably still have one or two kicking around here somewhere.

Any reason to buy a Prodigy over using one of the Old Style Kelsy Hayes since I don't have to worry about the truck being under warranty ;-)

 

[Bird]

Kelsy Hayes Brake Controllers in the 70's that tapped into the vehicle's Master Brake Cylinder

I, too, used those same Kelsy Hayes controllers in the '70s, but not in my '88 and '89 Chevrolet pickups. I've heard some say they can be used with no ill effects while others say no way with pickups that have anti-lock brakes on the rear. So I don't really know for sure, but anyway in the late '80s, I changed to a Tekonsha controller and was quite happy with it.