Adjusting Prodigy Brake Controller For Maximum Braking On a 1500 Pound Camper with a 1999 Ford F-150

Question:

I have a new camper, only 1500 lbs but equipped with brakes so I decided to get a brake controller.Got the Tekonsha Prodigy and the wiring cable for a 1999F150. Instructions for initial set up imply that I should be able to lock the brakes up if the controller is set too high. Ive set the controller all the way to 14, but no lock up. I can detect a slight drag when manually activated and the brakes get hot after use, so Im sure they are working. I dont think Im getting full braking power. Am I misunderstanding the instructions or do the trailer brakes need adjusting? Or something else?

asked by: Howard

Expert Reply:

There are a number of factors to address if you feel that the trailer brakes on your camper are not performing to expectations. The first thing I would check is the mounting and leveling of the brake controller. The Prodigy must be mounted from 0 degrees to 70 degrees nose up but cannot be mounted canted to the right or left. Once mounted correctly the Prodigy, item # 90185, will acquire the level setting and you will need to adjust the power. If you have the power set to full and the trailer brakes will not lock up, I would check the output wire voltage with a multi-meter. You should get 12+ volts. If not there may be a problem with the power input wire, check with tester, or inside the brake controller. If there is a problem in the brake controller, there are no user serviceable parts in the brake controller.

If everything checks out on the vehicle side, which is likely, I would proceed to the trailer. You may need to adjust the trailer brakes. When new, the brakes may have broken in and could require adjustment and this may be the reason for the lack of braking ability. Use a brake adjusting tool and adjust the trailer brakes until the wheel is hard to turn then back off the brakes until there is a slight drag on the drum when the wheel is turned. Doing this should set the brakes in the proper position for maximum braking.

expert reply by: Bob G