Stupid brake controller questions

[LaxCummins]

Just got a new (to me) trailer to pull horseys around in. I've hauled boats around for years - this is my first foray into heavier cargo.



It's a bumper pull - 2 horse with all the bells and whistles. Connector for the trailer plugs directly in to the plug on the back of my '04 - nice not to have to convert to flat 4 or 5.



Some newbie questions.



I just ordered a Tekonsha Prodigy. Seemed like it was the best "no brainer" controller.



First - without a brake controller, do the trailer brakes engage on their own?



The Prodigy will basically sense the inertia and proportionally increase the amount of braking force (current) sent to my trailer, right?



Any other setup I need to do other than hooking it up and following the directions?



There's a battery on the trailer - like a 12 volt motorcycle size. Need to test it to see if it's got any juice. I'm assuming that's for the breakaway on the brakes, right? There's a cable for that - not claiming membership to MENSA on that find. Anything wrong with rewiring in a full size battery and using it for internal lights too? Or should I keep those separate?



Planning on giving the trailer a good servicing - it's a 2000 with very few miles. I plan on checking/repacking hubs and checking brakes. Found some good resources on the net for that.



Any other advice for a new hauler?



Thanks,



Patrick



Oo.

 

[Duluth Diesel]

Without a brake controller, your trailer brakes will not work. Simple as that.

 

[klenger]

Changing out the small battery for a full size one will not cause any problems. That's the way RV's are setup. Enjoy.

 

[Joe G.]

Before replacing the battery you should check to make sure that the break away switch does not have the pin pulled out.

 

[rnolen]

Welcome to the horse hauling world. If you don't want something to go wrong it will in this world (just kidding). I haul a big 3 horse gooseneck with front and rear tack and a weekender package living quarters. I would leave the battery alone. See if it has juice and don't touch it. I have hauled horses for quite some time and actually don't run into to many people that use the breakaway. Did you prodigy come with all of the pig tails to plug into your truck? Do yourself a favor with the wheels and tires. Jump up to 16's if they are not on the trailer already. A two horse bumper pull gets kind of jumpy and I have found that 16's help with that and getting better response when turning while you are backing up. What do you do with your horses? I teamrope and was just wondering.



God Bless



Russ

 

[LaxCummins]

Thanks and Horses

Thanks for the quick responses! I knew that there were some great reasons for getting the Dodge & Cummins - including the outstanding engine/great truck!



rnolen, I ordered the Prodigy with the adapter for my Dodge, so it should just plug into the blue plug under my dash.



The trailer has 15's on it with 235/75's - I'll need to leave those as is for budgetary reasons. I figure we'll have this one for a couple of years and then get a 3 horse with more room. 99% of the travel is local or in the 4 state area (we're in La Crosse - close to Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and just up the road from Illinois). The trailer is a slant load with (removable) saddle racks in the back and a good sized dressing room up front.



I don't compete - just goof around and ride trails, but my girlfriend (CHG - Crazy Horse Girl) competes in the Wisconsin Foundation Quarter events, World Foundation Quarter Horse, as well as open and working cowhorse competitions. I'm still relatively new to it, so I'm mainly supporting her. She refers to my Dodge as Her Truck.

 

[rnolen]

The sixteens help with the ride and everything but they are not all that crucial. I just got into a new horse field of the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA)which your girlfriend should know. What kind of a trailer is it? Well good luck and if you need help don't be afraid to ask.

God Bless

Russ

 

[CLAYTON]

Like my "no brainer" prodigy. . just got myself my first 5th wheel last monday and with that prodigy brake you will have no problem stopping. It does have different levels you can set it on if you want some extra braking for a heavier load or you can set it up so you don't have to do anything at all. It's a sweet set up.