Adjusting the Power to the Trailer
Brakes
(Prior to setting Boost)
Once the Power Module has been securely mounted to
the trailer frame and paired to the Hand Held Unit, it is
necessary to set the power needed to stop the trailer
during a braking event.
1. Connect trailer to tow vehicle.
2. Verify the Power Module to the Hand Held Unit
have been paired.
3. Verify that all tow vehicle and trailer cables have
been properly connected.
4.
CAUTION Verify proper operation of all tow
vehicle and trailer lights prior to towing.
5. With the engine running, and the Manual Override
fully depressed, set the Power Knob to indicate
approximately 6.0, then release the Manual
Override.
6. Drive tow vehicle and trailer on a dry level paved
surface at 25 mph and fully apply Manual
Override.
If trailer brakes lock up:
K Turn power down using power knob.
If braking was not sufficient:
K Turn power up using power knob.
7. Repeat Step (6) until power has been set to a point
just below wheel lock up or at a force sufficient to
achieve maximum braking power.
8. Using the brake pedal, make a few low speed stops
to check the power setting. Trailer braking is initi-
ated and terminated via signals on the trailer
wiring, (Left and Right Turn and Stop). When the
brake pedal is released, the trailer braking will
cease.
Boost Setting
The boost button was designed to allow a more aggressive
setting for your trailer brakes and is available in three lev-
els - [ b
.I
], [ b
.2
], [ b
.3
]. Each incremental boost setting
increases the sensitivity of the Prodigy RF's inertial sen-
sor, enhancing the participation of the trailer brakes during
a braking event.
The first press on the boost button displays the current set-
ting. Boost is advanced to the next level by continuing to
press the boost button.
Five seconds after setting the boost level, the display will
show
Boost On
indicating Boost On by the right most decimal.
For example: With the boost off, [
b.
], during a braking
event, the power to the brakes starts out at zero and
increases with deceleration. With the boost on level 1,
Ty p i c a l B o o s t S e t t i n g s F o r O p t i m a l P e r f o r m a n c e
(with properly adjusted trailer brakes*)
TRAILER WEIGHT compared to VEHICLE WEIGHT
Trailer weighs LESS than Vehicle
Trailer weighs APPROXIMATELY SAME as Vehicle
Trailer weighs UP TO 25% MORE than Vehicle
Trailer weighs UP TO 40% MORE than Vehicle
Trailer weighs OVER 40% MORE than Vehicle
* Increased Boost setting may be needed if trailer brakes are worn, see Appendix A or a dealer for brake adjustment or repair.
NOTE:
1.
Always warm the trailer's brakes before
setting the power. Warm trailer brakes tend to be
more responsive than cold brakes. To warm trailer
brakes, drive a short distance (1/4 mile) at 45
MPH with manual lever engaged enough to cause
trailer braking at a low level.
2.
WARNING The power should never be set high
enough to cause trailer brakes to lock up.
Skidding trailer wheels can cause loss of
directional stability of trailer and tow vehicle.
(Boost Setting continued)
[ b
.I
], during a braking event, the power automatically
starts out at approximately 13% of the power setting and
increases with deceleration. With the boost on level 2,
[ b
.2
], or with the boost on level 3, [ b
.3
], during a
braking event, the power automatically starts out at
approximately 25% of the power setting and increases
with deceleration.
Some cases where you might want to use the boost button:
•
You like the trailer braking to 'LEAD' the tow
vehicle's braking
•
Towing a full vs. empty trailer
•
Degraded brake performance (most electric brakes
require manual adjustment - see Appendix A or a
dealer for adjustment or repair)
NOTE:
Boost not intended to be used to take place of
trailer brake adjustment or repair.
See the chart below for recommended "Boost" settings
(indicated with X) for typical Trailer to Vehicle weight
relationships.
Select your boost setting based on your towing situation,
driving preference and condition of your trailer brakes.
È
BOOST "OFF"
INCREASING BOOST LEVEL
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
WARNING
Do not exceed Gross
Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
3.
The power may need to be adjusted for different
load weights and road conditions.
4.
Not all trailer brakes will lock up due to various
conditions. However, inability to lock up the
brakes generally indicates the need for an
inspection to determine the cause.
5.
When the power is set correctly you should feel
unified braking between the trailer and tow
vehicle.
È
X
X
X