Brake Question
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6359
Printed Date: 18 Jun 2025 at 5:57am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Brake Question
Posted By: scrpod
Subject: Brake Question
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 11:17am
| I'm new to towing and camping w/ TT. Have a new 179 and tow w/ a Tacoma 4x4 V6 w/ factory tow package, about to take our first trip. I have a question about setting up the brake controller. The controller is a Prodigy 2. The set-up instructions say to increase the power to the point where the trailer wheels lock up when full manual pressure is applied at 25mph, then reduce the power to the point just before they lock up. The issue is mine do not lock up at the highest power setting. The manufacturer of the controller say that the trailer brakes may need adjusting. The TT dealer that lite single axle trailers won't lock up and setting the pressure that high will burn up the brakes. I understand not wanting them to lock up and the concern about burning up the brakes. But for purposes of setting up the controller it makes sense to me. Unfortunately the dealers advice did not provide me any insight as to how to properly adjust the brake controller for a given load. Any thoughts or advice? |
Replies:
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 11:40am
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I had the same problem when we first got our 171. The brakes needed adjusting on the trailer. They do indeed lock up when all pressure is applied. I would suggest you find another dealer or tell him you want them adjusted to your preferences. You might take your trailer to somewhere else such as a Midas or some such who know more about brakes. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: J-Cat
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 12:28pm
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I installed a Prodigy 2 controller in my 2013 Tacoma 4WD a year ago to tow my 179. I ran into the same problem you did and never could get the trailer wheels to lock up per the manufacturers directions. I tried adjusting the trailer brakes but that didn't help. I verified an increase in voltage at the controller pin on the tv connector as the Prodigy is manually manipulated and jacked up the trailer and confirmed that I could use the Prodigy manual control to lock up the wheels. I have used the trailer for the last year on numerous mountain trips with no problems. I settled on a power level of about 6.5 when on full manual and usually run the boost at B1 or B2 when on the highway (refer to the Prodigy directions). Be sure to use the D4 setting on your Tacoma transmission (refer to owner's manual). You will run about 1,000 rpm higher than you are used to but it will give much better towing performance and will also better use the vehicle engine for braking when going down grades. I have been getting around 12.5 mpg when towing the 179. As a side note if you haven't already done this, I would also recommend a weight distribution hitch which integrates sway control (I use an Equalizer hitch). I hope this helps, I was in the same boat as you are last year but so far I have been happy with the performance of the Prodigy P2 and with how the Tacoma performs towing the 179. ------------- Jerry & Cathy 2015 RP-179 HRE 2013 Tacoma SR5 4x4 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 1:19pm
+1. The dealer is wrong. Welcome to the forum scrpod.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 1:22pm
Can someone please explain the boost feature? I have read the manual but not sure it is clear. I read it as: - no boost if the TT is lighter than the TV, - b1 if they are the same weight, - b2 and 3 if the TT is heavier than the TV. On steep downhill mountain roads, would you change the boost, or simply use the manual lever to slow everything down? Somewhat confusing...... |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 3:12pm
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Set it and forget it. No need to change anything on steep roads. Boost just compresses the lower range for the braking so you get more braking early on. So if you have your max set on 6.5 it might start on 2 if you have b1 set, but start at 0 if you have b0 set. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: johnmaci
Date Posted: 03 Jun 2015 at 5:27pm
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Thanks. I think I may use B1 on my next trip through the BlueRidge and see how that pans out |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 04 Jun 2015 at 9:50pm
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I used b1 with our popup (heavier than the pod), b0 with the pod, and b1 again with our Salem. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Luv2Q
Date Posted: 06 Jun 2015 at 9:08pm
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Are the voltage settings (e.g., 6.5) and boost (b1, b2, etc) the same on the P2 & P3? ------------- John & Teri Tundra 5.7L V8 / RP 180 E2 WDH / Integrated controller (POS) replaced by Tekonsha P3 |