Weak Brakes Using a P2 Brake Controller and BrakeRite EHB on a Boat Trailer

Question:

have 2008 Toyota tundra, bought new boat trailer with BrakeriteEHB , 4 wheel dischave a prodigy2 with the 3040 harness problem is I dont think Im getting full powerwith the controller turned up to the max, when I slide the manual know to full power the brakes come on but wont lock up at any speed even on gravel-if I go 15mph on gravel and jam the pedal to the floor the truck will lock but not the trailerseems to be a delay to the trailer and not enough signal have bled the brakes and feel all the air is gone, I ran a ground direct from the controller to the truck battery but didnt run a ground direct from the truck battery to the Brakerite pump, figured the original truck wiring was enough ground?? FYIif you pull the pin on the brakeaway the pump roars up and then bogs down like it is loading up properly was told by local mechanic that the inertia controller I have will work like mine does and if I ever did slam the brakes on they would work-I feel he is wrong, With the controller turned to the max, on EHB setting and on power boost 3 shouldnt I be able to slide the manual knob over to left all the way and get those trailer brakes to lock up at slow speed-boat weighs 8500 lbs

asked by: Roger K

Expert Reply:

First, make sure your BrakeRite EHB is wired up properly according to the included schematic. Any deviation from this can result in improper performance. If there is any corrosion at any of the connections or at a ground location, clean them and test the system again.

To determine if the problem is the brake controller you can do some quick tests. You will need a multimeter, such as # PT89ZR. Sever the blue wire a few inches back from the brake controller. Then, with the controller set to the max, test the blue wire coming out of the controller with the meter while fully applying the manual override.

You should see around 12 volts. If you get much less then there is something wrong inside the controller and it will need to be replaced. If it checks out, reattach the blue wire and then perform the same test at the truck side trailer connector brake output pin. If you notice any dirt or corrosion in the truck or trailer side connectors, make sure they are cleaned inside and out.

If you are using the P2, # 90885, it is electric over hydraulic compatible. The original Prodigy, 90185, is not. And neither is the Primus, # TK90160 that you referenced. If you are using the P2, make sure it is in electric over hydraulic mode:

The Prodigy P2 can be switched between Electric (E) and Electric over Hydraulic (E/H) modes by entering the E-E/H programming mode as follows:
Enter Reverse Mode by pressing the Boost Button for 5 seconds while the brake pedal is pressed until
[ .r ] displayed.

While continuing to have the brake pedal pressed, momentarily release the Boost Button for less than
one second and then press and continue to hold the boost button down for an additional 5 seconds.

The display will now change from the boost value to a flashing [ E. ] or [ E.H ]. Depress and release
Boost repeatedly to select the desired mode.

Engage the Manual Knob to accept the mode, or wait 10 seconds for the function to automatically time out and accept the mode. The mode selected will be stored in memory even when disconnected. When in Electric over Hydraulic mode, the display will change to [ .C ] and [ n.C ]. The upper-case
“C” indicated E/H rather than the lower case “c” for Electric mode.