Trailer brake problems
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4
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From: Anacortes, WA.
Trailer brake problems
I have a 99 F350 SD crew 4x4 that I used to tow a 35ft fifthwheel rv with dexter axles with heavy duty brakes. I have had a intermitant pull to the left when braking at highway speed. I adjust the trailer brakes as part of the routine maintenance before an extended trip. In the process of checking the brakes I discovered that, using a volt meter, I only got 3.7 volts to the trailer brake wire while pressing the peddle, but got 11.7 volts while activating the hand lever on the controller. What kind of a problem do I have? Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,007
Likes: 4
From: Central Florida
What kind of controller are you using? Some controllers will gradually increase the voltage upto your preset limit, some jump right to the level you limit, some have a sensor in them that adjust the voltage to how hard you are braking.
Of the next Riffraff East
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 2
From: Concord NC
Try turning the brake aggression **** up and see if the voltage increases. ReAX is correct about the voltage increase. Check your trailer brakes for rust on the weak side. Check and make sure the right side is indeed braking. A bad wire could cause no brakes on that side which will cause the left side to do all the braking and pull. Lastly, are you sure it's your trailer brakes and not your truck.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Anacortes, WA.
I have a Prodigy controller. I have the gain all the way up to 11 volts on b3. I get 12 volts at the cold side of the peddle but only 3.7 volts at the trailer plug on the truck when pressing the peddle but get 11 volts at the plug when activating the lever on the controller. I think that the problem, if there is one, is in the truck or the controller. As for the pulling, I have never checked the voltage at the wheels. That will be next. Thanks
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New User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Anacortes, WA.
Thanks. The Prodigy works but it has been difficult to get it set for the different speeds. I set it at B3 for highway speeds & usually set it at B1 for slower street speeds with the gain at about 7 but the brakes sometimes get grabby at the slower speeds. I am going to have the controller checked at a rv shop. Thanks again to all.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
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From: Stephensville WI
Check all of your wiring for damage or corrosion.
How are things in Anacortes these days? My wife used to live on Guemes Island, decades ago.
How are things in Anacortes these days? My wife used to live on Guemes Island, decades ago.
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,398
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From: Whittier, CA
Okay, I'll go out on a limb and say there is nothing wrong with your controller. It's an inertial controller, and it won't put out full voltage when you are sitting still. In fact, the Prodigy, if you stop at a light with your foot on the brake, it reduces the voltage output to a "holding" voltage, just enough to keep the rig from rolling.
If you want to check the unit to see if it's working properly you will have to rig up a voltage check while acutally stopping the load.
Your pull to the side while braking is something with your truck brakes, not the Prodigy.
Bill
If you want to check the unit to see if it's working properly you will have to rig up a voltage check while acutally stopping the load.
Your pull to the side while braking is something with your truck brakes, not the Prodigy.
Bill
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Stephensville WI
Does your truck pull to the right when braking without the trailer?
I suspect you have issues with the trailer wiring. The controller does not supply a left and right braking signal, it's just one signal, which is split to a left and right side in the trailer harness.
I suspect you have issues with the trailer wiring. The controller does not supply a left and right braking signal, it's just one signal, which is split to a left and right side in the trailer harness.