How Does the Tekonsha P2 Trailer Brake Controller Work and How Is it Operated

Question:

Ive read the instructions, watched the video, and still cant understand how this works. Especially if I need to brake in a hurry, it says I can manually adjust - but doesnt really explain how. Also, it says I can shut it off somehow when backing up for a specified length of time And, finally, exactly what is the lever for underneath? I think your instructions assume that someone knows a little about brake controller where that is not true for me. Im just an old lady whose never towed before and who had it put on because everyone suggested it! Im towing a 17-ft Hi-Lo weighing approx. 3,500 lbs fully loaded. Thanks!

asked by: Margaret

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha P2, # 90885, is what is called a proportional brake controller. What this means is if you brake hard, it applies the trailer brakes hard. If you brake normal, it brakes normal. It will apply the trailer brakes up to a pre-set amount of power that you set. See the Adjusting the Power to the Trailer Brakes section of the linked instructions for initial set up.

If extra power is needed for heavier loads, you can also set the boost. Boost provides extra power to the trailer brakes when the regular setting is not enough. The button on the right side adjusts the boost from Off to Level 3.

For a 3,500 pound trailer, you would be safe with no boost (will display b.) up to level 1 (will display b.1). The first time you press the boost button, it will show your boost setting, press it again to go to the next level up. You know boost is on when there is a second dot on the display on the right hand side.

The wheel on the left is the power setting. This is to set the braking aggressiveness. Rolling it toward the front of the vehicle adjusts the power higher. Rolling towards the back of the vehicle adjusts the power lower.

The lever underneath is the manual override. If you need to activate the brakes manually, slide the lever over, the more you slide it, the more power is sent back to the brakes up to the power level you set.

To go into reverse and not have the trailer brakes engage, you will first step on the brake and hold it and then continuously press the boost button for 5 seconds. The display will change to .r indicating it is in reverse mode and the trailer brakes will not engage for 3 minutes.

I have included a link to an FAQ article that explains a little more about brake controllers.