Trailer brakes locking up

Rudibuck
Rudibuck Member Posts: 20
in Modifications & Upgrades
Towing w/Buick enclave. Third trip out. Very hot weather, 100+ Degrees.  Trailer brakes locking up momentarily then releasing. Sporadic issue. Turned brake controller down and problem diminished. First time this has happened. Any ideas why?

Comments

  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,674
    I've had periodic trouble with the brakes grabbing. I don't know if it applies to your specific situation, but there's some good info and links in this thread:

    http://www.tab-rv.com/forum#/discussion/2750/grabbing-brakes

    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • Rudibuck
    Rudibuck Member Posts: 20
    Thank you for the link. Happy camping!
  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,674
    You're welcome, @Rudibuck.

    I'm curious to know if your problem is similar to mine, and if you are using the same controller. I've yet to find a solution other than dialing the controller way back. I have a reasonably substantial tow vehicle, so so far that has worked fine.
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • wizard1880
    wizard1880 Member Posts: 442
    edited June 2016
    This may be expected.  When you first calibrate the brakes, you bring up the power level until it begins to lock up.  Then back it down a notch or 2, and you have maximum braking.

    Since you've lowered the power to inhibit lockup, it sounds like you're all set now!

    I've had mine lock up too, if the camper has been sitting for a long time.  A couple stops later and it settles back down.  I think rust or corrosion in the drum forms, and a little braking will smooth it back out.
    T@@bulous
    2014 T@B CS Maxx
    TV: 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI (diesel)
    Martha Lake, WA
  • Rudibuck
    Rudibuck Member Posts: 20
    Prodigy Brake Controller. Pretty sure the dealer had us set the voltage too high. The dealer had set it at 10. We will test various settings before our next scheduled trip. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and comments. 
  • Tabster
    Tabster Member Posts: 118
    I have a prodigy 3 controller. Most of the time i keep it set aat 3 or so. Going downhill in steep mountains I increase to 6 ish. 10 soundsy waaay too high
    2015 CS. Ford f150 v8. Southern california
  • Photomom
    Photomom Member Posts: 2,217
    Huh. My T@B dealer set my P3 at 10.5 max. In typical stopping situations it goes to about 2.5 and in harder stops maybe 5 or 6. He said if you really have to stop you want to STOP. I haven't noticed any problems, but then how would I tell?
    John and Henrietta, Late 2016 T@B S Max in Western New York
  • Rudibuck
    Rudibuck Member Posts: 20
    You can feel the trailer brakes lock and they squeal. It is momentary but certainly gets your attention. 
  • Rudibuck
    Rudibuck Member Posts: 20
    A trailer towing buddy advised that the mountainous terrain and downhill winding and turning that we were doing most likely caused the brakes to heat up. Our TV is heavy enough that we should be able to select a lower voltage on the Prodigy and still be safe. He recommended adjusting, when needed, in various driving situations. 

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