Troubleshooting Prodigy P3 Brake Controller Grabbing Brakes When in Parking Lot

Question:

I installed the Tekonsha P3 a couple of months ago when I bought a new 2022 travel trailer. The RV technician helped set up the brake controller for our vehicle. It seemed to work well for the first 4 or 5 trips. Now, at different times, when going slow gas stations, backing the trailer into my storage space, the brakes grab causing a jerking motion. I did not modify the settings since getting the trailer. I am new to hauling a trailer, so I am still learning how everything works. Is there something I need to check with the trailer brakes? The controller is currently set to 6.0.

asked by: Cathy

Expert Reply:

Here's how the P3 # 90195 works which might help you understand what's happening. So the controller has an inertia sensor that senses how hard you apply the brakes and applies a proportional amount of braking on the trailer brakes. That sensor does not become active until your tow vehicle brake lights come on. So when you are in the parking lot of a gas station or backing up the trailer to store it you most likely are lightly dragging the vehicle brakes which is activating the sensor. Then if you hit any bumps or accelerate at the same time (if you two-foot the brake and gas pedal) you will get the jerkiness you described.

expert reply by: Jameson C