Trailer Brake setting - Prodigy 2

[berniebgf Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close berniebgf]

Hi all,

Asking this question on behalf of my dad.

He has a Prodigy 2 brake system on his VW touareg and tows a 2.5ton (twin axle) caravan, he thinks it is setup correctly but he has some concerns on the current level it is set at and how it works.

Question

Currently it is set to "level 8" - when driving along (~40km/h) and applying trailer on full brake (slide right across, no car brakes) the trailer does not lock up or seem to slow the car and trailer down very quickly for what seems a high setting (max 10).

Does this seem normal to you Guys and Gals out there?

My Redarc set to "4" out of 10 pulls up very well, if I set it high I can have the trailer lock up (I have a 1.6ton caravan).

What are your experiences and advice (if any?).

P.S: He is heading off on a big trip Sunday (tomorrow...3000KM to destination)..I have told him to get this sorted before he goes, he is thinking he will sort it / have it checked when he gets back.. Crazy!!
So I ask the forum for advice so I can pass it on to him.)

Thanks

Bernie.

[smakb Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close smakb]

Sounds like the brakes on the trailer are faulty.


Steve.

[footoo Member Find all posts View Profile Close footoo]

Could be faulty or the brake shoes very worn down if it is still showing some sort of breaking. could be just shoe adjustment or new ones required.
If he is leaving Sunday he has left his run a bit late.

I have a prodigy 3 towing a smaller van and set on 4 or 5 will lock the wheels

[berniebgf Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close berniebgf]

Thanks all,

The Caravan is basically brand new, it has been away ~5-8 times only. I will pass on your information.

Thanks steve, thanks footoo for your info on the Prod 3, if anyone has a prodigy 2 that can pass on their experience it would be appreciated.

Update: Heading around tomorrow morning, we are going to have a quick look at "shoe's" to see what we need to do..

Bernie.

[peril Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close peril]

Thin wire used in the installation of the Prodigy unit to the car OR the trailer can seriously reduce the effectiveness of the braking system. Voltage drops over distance on thin wire due to resistance.

Ask me how I know??

[berniebgf Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close berniebgf]

Just an update on this, there were a couple of issues.

1. Adjusted "Shoe's" few "click" to get it right.
Found that the front axle wheels required more adjustment that the rear, tyre's should spin 3/4 rotation (when spun with hand while off ground (obviously) correct adjustment.

2. We were not reading / using the unit correctly, went for a test drive and adjusted correctly.
Setting is still 8 and I have recommended it should be 1 - 1.5 higher. The "slider" does not slide to full power, only to help apply "some" breaking, we adjusted after multiple safe emergency breaking tests in an area with allot of traffic and pedestrians....oh and it was dark and wet.

Thanks all

Bernie