Trailer brakes locking up

Rudibuck

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?

ScottG

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

Rudibuck

Thank you for the link. Happy camping!

ScottG

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.

wizard1880

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.

Rudibuck

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

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

Photomom

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?

Rudibuck

You can feel the trailer brakes lock and they squeal. It is momentary but certainly gets your attention. 

Rudibuck

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.