Which is Better For Down Hill Braking, a Auto Leveling Proportional Controller or a Manual Level

Updated 02/11/2016 | Published 02/10/2016

Question:

In reading the answer to Question 76454, Im concerned about auto leveling brake controllers. Is it normal for auto leveling controllers to re-auto-level when going downhill? OR should they hold the level position from the moment they are turned on? If the Tekonsha P3 and P2 dynamically change the sensed level position as I drive down the road, then I can see a benefit for me in the Dexter Predator DX2 manual leveling proportional controller. Can you tell me the exact method the Prodigy P2 and P3 controllers use for the auto leveling function? Is it one time at start-up or continuously dynamic?

asked by: Robert K

Expert Reply:

The accelerometer of the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195 is the sensor that can sense changes in inertia and tell the brake controller how much braking power to apply to the trailer's brakes. It can do this on multiple axis and that is why it does not require leveling.

When you introduce hills into the scenario any proportional controller will behave slightly different. A manual level controller will still not sense the deceleration perfectly since the change in incline can't be perfectly compensated for with gravity and everything. Either the braking power will be perfect for level to moderate hills with a proportional controller or it would be better setup for steep hills. The best route would be to set it up for moderate to flat ground.

An auto leveling controller would be better though as it would not require you to manually level the controller as you are travelling down the hill.

expert reply by: Jameson C