Adjusting Braking Power After Installation of Electric Trailer Brake Controller

Question:

Hello eTrailer. I recently installed the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller on my 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I purchased both the P2 and the Jeep-specific wiring harness from etrailer. The controller appears to be installed correctly as I get all the appropriate codesfoot when I hook it up to my unloaded 2020 rPod 176 travel trailer ~3000 lbs dry weight. In short, I am not able to apply full braking power to the trailer brakes, i.e., I am NOT able to lockup the trailer brakes even when the Power knob is set to the maximum level 13. I can feel the trailer brakes working when I apply the manual knob it slows down the trailer and car, but not rapidly but I get no indication that the wheels are anywhere close to locking up. I warmed up the trailer brakes prior to testing. I installed the P2 at an upward angle, as shown in the attached picture. As a test I held the P2 at no upward angle in my hand and applied the manual power knob, with no increase / improvement in braking power. I am concerned because I believe this is a safety issue for me and my family. How / where do I start in an attempt to resolve this issue? Thank you,

asked by: ROBERT P

Expert Reply:

Your trailer wheels should not actually lock up. This is a common misunderstanding because locking the tires actually reduces traction and can cause more issues with your trailer tracking behind your vehicle. You do want your brakes to slow you as quickly as possible but you don't want them to lock up.

With the Prodigy P2 # 90885, the adjustment knob set to the max level is going to deliver the most power, but you want to also make sure you have the boost settings set to the max for your regular braking without the manual override.

It sounds like you aren't happy with the braking even when using the manual override slide, so it is likely a mechanical issue with your brakes needing to be adjusted. I've attached a video of adjusting trailer brakes using an adjuster spoon # W80630 to assist. You can see this in the attached video at the 4:40 mark.

expert reply by: Jason S