I have a prodigy 3 brake controller. The picture above is not from my truck, I just borrowed the pic from photobucket.
I know the proper way to adjust your trailer brakes is in an empty parking lot do 20mph and hit the brakes adjusting the wheel until the trailer brakes lock up and then back them off a little. I have done this but then as I'm driving at cruising speeds, 45mph up, it seems like the trailer brakes aren't doing much so then I adjust the wheel to work a bit more. Then when I slow down if they lock up I just adjust the wheel a little less. Basically I have come to the conclusion that I just turn the wheel a bit every now and then to adjust them as I'm driving. Is this normal? What do you do?
I am towing a 5,000-6,000# TT with a dual axle.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
The 20 MPH and lock the brakes is for setting the boost on your controller.
Most campers prior to 2013 need to have their brakes adjusted at the drums at least every 5000 miles.
This requires jacking the axle up and free spinning the tire. There is an star adjuster which needs to be turned to bring the brake shoes closer to the drums. You spin the tire until it stops then back off until you feel just a little friction.
THIS IS A PROCEDURE WE ALL MUST DO OR HAVE DONE.
You can purchase the best brake controller that money can buy, but it is only as good as the properly adjusted brakes on your camper.
My new camper has self adjusting brakes. The axles look at adjustment every time I brake and will adjust if needed.
Here in PA we have to inspect our campers annually. On my previous campers I would have the brakes adjusted during the inspection.
As far as adjusting the controller. I like the feel to be seamless. When I brake I don't want to feel the camper tug or push my tow vehicle.
My trailer is a 2006 and lived at a seasonal site until I bought it.....I wonder if it still has the factory settings since it hasn't done 5,000 miles yet 😉 Next time it is in the shop I'll ask them to check it.
I like the feel of the trailer tugging the TV just a little and then I loosen it up just a hair more. That is how I like them to be set.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
