2018 Lariat brakes and towing
03-06-2023, 01:18 PM
#1
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2018 Lariat brakes and towing
We recently purchased the 2018 Lariat for the purpose of towing a new, 27' two-axle travel trailer. When we purchased the trailer we were told that we needed to have proportional brake control on the truck, so we had a Prodogy P2 installed. My question: Was this necessary and can this have adverse effects on my truck's OEM brakes? Also, does my Lariat have its own proportional breaking?
Several weeks ago, we discovered the trailer's brakes, safety break-away switch and system were "fried" and the brakes were locked. We now have it in for repairs, but do not understand how all of this happened.
Several weeks ago, we discovered the trailer's brakes, safety break-away switch and system were "fried" and the brakes were locked. We now have it in for repairs, but do not understand how all of this happened.
03-06-2023, 02:35 PM
#2
It would be good to know some of the specs of your trailer. Loaded/Unloaded weight.
The Prodogy P2 is a trailer brake controller, not a truck brake controller. Ford offers them OEM installed in the dash. It shouldn't have adverse effects on the trucks brakes.
Do you understand how the trailer brake controller works? How to set it correctly and how to use it?
The Prodogy P2 is a trailer brake controller, not a truck brake controller. Ford offers them OEM installed in the dash. It shouldn't have adverse effects on the trucks brakes.
Do you understand how the trailer brake controller works? How to set it correctly and how to use it?
03-06-2023, 03:51 PM
#3
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The trailer has a Unloaded Vehicle Weight Rating of 5,030 lb. I've read the directions for the Prodigy, but have not had a chance to practice with the system. It looks confusing based on the instructions. It was installed in our truck by the RV dealer. Is it worth having on the vehicle? Thanks, very much for your reply!
03-06-2023, 05:41 PM
#4
Yes, it is necessary to have a proportional brake controller installed in your truck when towing a trailer. This is because without it, the trailer's brakes may not activate properly, causing unsafe conditions on the road.
Having a proportional brake controller installed should not have any adverse effects on your truck's OEM brakes as long as it is installed correctly and maintained properly.
Your 2018 Lariat may have its own trailer brake controller integrated into the vehicle's infotainment system. You can check your owner's manual or contact your dealership to find out if your specific model has this feature.
As for the issue with your trailer's brakes and safety break-away switch, it's difficult to determine what caused the problem without more information. It could be due to a number of factors such as a faulty electrical connection, a short circuit, or a malfunctioning component in the trailer's braking system. It's important to have it repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road.
Having a proportional brake controller installed should not have any adverse effects on your truck's OEM brakes as long as it is installed correctly and maintained properly.
Your 2018 Lariat may have its own trailer brake controller integrated into the vehicle's infotainment system. You can check your owner's manual or contact your dealership to find out if your specific model has this feature.
As for the issue with your trailer's brakes and safety break-away switch, it's difficult to determine what caused the problem without more information. It could be due to a number of factors such as a faulty electrical connection, a short circuit, or a malfunctioning component in the trailer's braking system. It's important to have it repaired by a qualified mechanic to ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road.
03-06-2023, 05:55 PM
#5
in the house
Electric RV brakes can be some of THE most 'finicky' of all. I am just discovering this as my wife recently purchased a travel trailer. I have towed many, many trailers over the years but all with either surge brakes or none. A very common topic on the RV forums is about brake failure or brake system problems. It is unfortunate that you have had the issues you describe, please let us know what the repair shop finds out.
Properly set up electric trailer brakes are just seemless, they operate in the background without drama and little to no input by the driver.
Good luck!
Properly set up electric trailer brakes are just seemless, they operate in the background without drama and little to no input by the driver.
Good luck!
03-06-2023, 06:36 PM
#6
Senior Member
Prodigy P2 is the best aftermarket trailer brake controller, but Ford's integrated controller is better. It will modulate the trailer brakes to bring sway back under control without driver intervention. When the truck sees that an ITBC is installed, it will also modify the parameters used for stability control to perform better when a trailer is attached.
A trailer brake controller should not cause significant damage to a trailer as all it can do is send 12v to it, and all the components (brakes, lights) are 12v devices. If a brake controller should fail and send a full 12v to the trailer, all that can happen is:
12v to illumination positive wire: trailer lights come on.
12v to brake positive wire: brakes engage at 100% power (you are going to notice that immediately!), trailer brake light comes on.
12v to negative wire: no brakes, no lights.
12v on the negative can damage your backup battery, but will not damage the breakaway as there is no current flowing through it until it is engaged when your trailer breaks away. Breakaways do fail with time, though, the contacts slowly weaken with daily heat cycling, and eventually will not make contact when the spacer is retracted.
A trailer brake controller should not cause significant damage to a trailer as all it can do is send 12v to it, and all the components (brakes, lights) are 12v devices. If a brake controller should fail and send a full 12v to the trailer, all that can happen is:
12v to illumination positive wire: trailer lights come on.
12v to brake positive wire: brakes engage at 100% power (you are going to notice that immediately!), trailer brake light comes on.
12v to negative wire: no brakes, no lights.
12v on the negative can damage your backup battery, but will not damage the breakaway as there is no current flowing through it until it is engaged when your trailer breaks away. Breakaways do fail with time, though, the contacts slowly weaken with daily heat cycling, and eventually will not make contact when the spacer is retracted.
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03-07-2023, 01:07 PM
#8
The trailer has a Unloaded Vehicle Weight Rating of 5,030 lb. I've read the directions for the Prodigy, but have not had a chance to practice with the system. It looks confusing based on the instructions. It was installed in our truck by the RV dealer. Is it worth having on the vehicle? Thanks, very much for your reply!
03-09-2023, 12:30 PM
#10
Senior Member
I agree. I had an aftermarket brake controller, and while it worked, you kept having to mess with the gain between stop and go and highway driving. I installed the oem brake controller myself and had a guy enable it with ForScan.
