Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Causes Trailer Brakes to Lock-Up at Low Speed But Not High Speed

Updated 09/17/2019 | Published 09/15/2019

Question:

On my 5th wheel, I have my p3 adjusted to 11 and works great at cruising speeds but when moving around 30mph or lower it hammers the brakes to make them slide. I noticed the voltage then will be 4 volts or so. How do I adjust the unit for lower speeds?

asked by: Thomas D

Expert Reply:

The most common issue we see with the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 causing the brakes to grab at slow speed is due to either the boost setting being too high or an error in the initial setup. Therefore, I recommend you turn down the boost but if this does not work then repeat the initial setup for the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 which I have attached for you below.

1) Connect trailer to tow vehicle.
2) With engine running set power (with Power Buttons) to indicate 6.0
3) Drive tow vehicle and trailer on a dry level paved surface at 25 mph and fully apply Manual Knob.
- If trailer brakes lock up then turn power down using Power Buttons.
- If braking was not sufficient then turn power up using Power Buttons.
4) Repeat Step (3) until power has been set to a point just below wheel lock up or at a sufficient force as to achieve maximum braking power.
5) Using the brake pedal, make a few low speed stops to check the power setting. Trailer braking is initiated and terminated via the stoplight switch. When the brake pedal is released, trailer braking will cease.

If the brakes on your trailer are still grabbing at low speed and you have manual adjust braking assemblies then you will want to turn the adjuster wheel in the back of the braking assembly until you get a slight drag on the drums.