campNride
Oklahoma City
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Joined: 04/16/2007
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I just added the p3 brake controller to my truck. After installing I found that my connector plug in the bed of the truck isn't working right. It keeps flashing no connection at me which means an open ground or something. When plugged into the bumper plug things work. That should be an easy fix for me but my main question is how many amps should I be showing for the brakes. Here are the readings I have right now with brakes applied I am showing output current as 2.50amps. Is that normal or do I have bad magnets in the brakes. Sorry if they is a dumb question but I have no clue...
1998.5 Dodge Ram 2500 with a few mods
2004 Wanderer Wagon Toyhauler
1997 XR400R Plated
2003 Polaris Trailboss 330
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Lobo2
Georgia
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Joined: 06/15/2009
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Since your bumper plug works okay, it's probably just a bad ground or corroded wire in the plug. Not sure what amps you're referring to but the controller sends voltage to the brake magnets that increases with braking pressure. See the post "How Electric Brakes Work" on 11/01/09 here in 'Towing'. Lots of brake info.
Good luck, Lobo
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campNride
Oklahoma City
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Joined: 04/16/2007
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As far as the plug I cleaned the ground and that didn't work so I am just going to run all new wires. I will read up on that post you are refering to. I thought I saw something about if the amps are off it can let you know if there is a problem. Thanks again.
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mkirsch
Rochester, NY
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Joined: 04/09/2004
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How many amps will depend on a lot of factors: Moving or not moving. Size of the brakes. How hard you are trying to stop. There's no one right answer.
Take it out for a run. If you can get the brakes adjusted so they work, then note the Amps and THEN you can use that to tell if you've got problems down the road.
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campNride
Oklahoma City
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Sounds good. I plan on taking it out this weekend to fine tune the controller and inspect the brakes. The storage area I have the trailer at is so hard to get in and out of that I hate moving it out unless it is for a trip. I can't wait till I move so I don't have to deal with it anymore. Only a couple more weeks Thanks for all the great info.
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davidj54
South Alabama
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Joined: 06/23/2006
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At 100% output your controller will put out about 3.5 amps per brake magnet. So on a 2 axle (4-brake) system it should put out about 14 amps. You'll have some wiring resistance but it should be close. Remember it has to be set at 100% to read that.
Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab (Yeah, it's got a Cummins)
2006 Forest River Grand Surveyor GS-280
Prodigy Brake Controller
1000/10000lb Equal-i-zer with 4-way sway control
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