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rv7plt's avatar
rv7plt
Explorer
Jul 20, 2014

Low Braking Power

I have a 2002 Ford F250 with the factory installed tow package and a Prodigy P2 controller. I am pulling a 5th wheel Keystone Avalanche. I have minimal braking power on the trailer using the manual lever. At max deflection of the lever, the prodigy reads 12-13 volts output. I had the trailer wiring checked at a dealer and the brakes are pulling 12 amps as they are supposed to. Later, I decided to check the amp draw at the 7 pin connector. With the trailer connected, I cut the blue wire and connected an amp meter in series. I am only getting a draw of 5.9 amps with the prodigy showing 12 volts. Can anyone help with what I should look for?

John Henley
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jul 20, 2014
    When is the last time you adjusted the brakes? I find that low braking force is almost always caused by brakes out of adjustment.
  • OpenRangePullen's avatar
    OpenRangePullen
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2014
    How old is the RV, it could be the brakes are worn out. But then they might need to be adjusted.
  • VintageRacer's avatar
    VintageRacer
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2014
    Check all the wiring and in particular the ground connection to the trailer, plus of course the brakes and brake adjustments. I've had low brake action be caused by a partially cut ground wire. Each brake puck should pull between 3 and 4 amps at 13 volts, so you may have two disconnected somehow. What you can do is, as part of checking the brake adjustment, check each wheel for proper brake action when the prodigy is activate when that wheel is off the ground.

    Brian
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2014
    Check all connection in the wiring, better yet rewire the brake system with #10 wire and adjust your brakes. :)
  • rv7plt's avatar
    rv7plt
    Explorer
    Jul 20, 2014
    The brakes were just adjusted. The brakes draw 12 amps with the meter however the but only 5.9 amps @ 12V are being delivered to the 7 pin receptacle; the trailer brakes are fine. My problem is the truck as I see it. The 5th wheel is a 2012 Avalanche with 6000 lb axles.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2014
    I had a similar issue with my trailer. I checked all connections, replaced the 7-way connector, swapped out the brake controller....still lousy braking on the trailer. I finally replaced all 4 brake magnets. WOW, that did it. braking was unbelievable! if all else checks out, look into your brake magnets. glad I did mine!

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