Will P2 Brake Controller Apply Trailer Brakes when Going Down Steep Hills

Published 08/04/2014

Question:

I have a new Wells Cargo 24 ft Road Force with a Prodigy 2 brake controller. Only have drive n it 300 miles. I am surprised that this 4000 lb trailer does not force me to gain speed downhill on the same hills that increase my speed with my 3000 lb camper

asked by: Carl

Expert Reply:

The P2 brake controller, # 90885, is a proportional controller that will apply the trailer brakes in proportion to how much the tow vehicle is braking. So if you have your foot on the brake pedal, even a little, it will send voltage back to the trailer brakes.

The controller uses an accelerometer to sense deceleration and will not apply the brakes just because the trailer and vehicle are pointed up or down a hill like what could happen on old pendulum style brake controllers. This is why the P2 can be mounted a full 360 degrees in the direction of travel (so in other words it could be mounted upside down).

If you are having problems with the trailer brakes then you will want to make sure that they are properly adjusted. Even on a new trailer they could be slightly off. You will want to adjust them so that there is a slight but constant drag of the pads on the brake drum when the wheel is turned. I have linked a video that might help. Fast forward to about the 4 minute mark to see our installer adjust the brakes.

expert reply by: Michael H