Stopping Trailer from Jerking When Brakes are Applied with Proportional Brake Controller
Question:
Finally got controller adjusted to stop smooth on smooth road but when brakes were applied going down long 6 grade it jerked violently. Is the power set too high ? It is set on 6. Pickup weighs 8200 pounds. 5th wheel weighs 17000 pounds. The boost is set on 3.
asked by: Athen L
Expert Reply:
It does sound like the Prodigy P2 # 90885 controller was set too high and caused you to experience brake reverberation. This happens when the brakes are set too high and cause the trailer to jerk when they are applied. When the trailer jerks, the brake controller senses it and thinks the vehicle is decelerating even more, so the controller applies the trailer brakes more strongly. When the brake is applied even stronger, the trailer jerks again and the situation continues to spiral. This is certainly a very scary situation to find yourself in.
I spoke with my technical contact at Tekonsha and he suggested beginning to readjust the controller with the boost setting. You mentioned that the boost is set at 3, so he strongly suggested setting it at 2, based on the jerking you experienced and the weight of the trailer. This should help the brakes not be applied so strongly and prevent the brake reverberation.
If even after you lower the boost setting you still notice this jerking, my contact then suggested lowering the power/gain setting by one level, from 6 down to 5. It is best to adjust this power in small increments so that you do not short yourself on breaking power.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector - 3' Long
- Shop: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 4' Long
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Replacement Wheel Fitment for 2019 Riverside RV Retro Camper
- Q&A: Why is There 12 Volts on the Black Wire for my Trailer Connector
- Shop: 35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 42" Ground
- Shop: Dexter Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,000 lbs
- Shop: 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 6' Long
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2
- Search Results: electric drum brakes
- Search Results: drum assembly
- Search Results: license plate lights
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Q&A: Why do I Have Jerky Trailer Brakes After Driving A While with a Draw-Tite # 5504 Brake Controller
- Video: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Installation - 2013 Ford F-150
- Video: Review of Timbren Vehicle Suspension - Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement - TFR1504D
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Article: Measuring a Trailer Tire
- Video: MORryde Tandem Axle Trailer Rubber Equalizers Manufacturer Demo
- Video: Review of MORryde Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension - Equalizers - MR27ZR
- Video: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller Review
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 2007 Chevrolet Silverado Classic
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Q&A: Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Equalizer for 2020 Nitro Boat Trailer
- Search Results: tire monitoring system
- Search Results: tpms
on Trailer Brake Controller
