Brake controller set to 11 (out of 13) - do my brakes need adjusting?

[pg_rider]

Just started our 2nd season with our Rockwood 2306. I've always felt like the trailer brakes were never quite strong enough, so I've slowly been increasing the setting on my brake controller since last season (Prodigy Primus IQ). I'm currently at 11 volts and the trailer brakes don't even seem close to locking up. I believe the controller adjustment only goes to 13 volts.

So... is it possible my trailer brakes need servicing? I've put probably 4000 miles on them and have never had them checked (shame on me, I know). Anything else I should look into? Should I try the max (13 volt) setting and see if they lock up then?

Assuming I need to adjust the brakes, is this something I can do myself? I'm pretty handy and do most of my car and truck service myself. Prodigy offers these seemingly simple instructions:

Brakes should be adjusted after the first 200 miles of operation when the brake shoes and drums have “seated” and at 3000 mile intervals, or as use and performance requires. The brakes should be adjusted in the following manner:

1. Jack up trailer and secure on adequate capacity jack stands. Follow trailer manufacturers recommendations for lifting and supporting the unit. Check that the wheel and drum rotate freely.
2. Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting slot on the bottom of the brake backing plate.
3. With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool, rotate the starwheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings against the drum makes the wheel very difficult to turn.
4. Then rotate the starwheel in the opposite direction until the wheel turns freely with a slight lining drag.
5. Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower the wheel to the ground.
6. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes.

[pg_rider]

Anyone? lol

[cat1956]

Not sure what.But something don't seem right.I have an 08 21fb with many miles on it and I an still @ 4 out of 10 with my controller.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

I had the same problem right out the box with a new fifth wheel. After six months of repairs here and there, finally found a bad brake magnet. There is a reading you can take at each wheel for the magnet to see if it is bad. Check your Alco owners manual if you have Alco system. It will tell you what each wheel magnet should read in OHMS

[melk-man]

one thing to be aware of with the prodigy or other pendulum style controllers, they are very touchy about the ANGLE they are positioned in under your dash. It's easy to see what i mean.. with the foot on the brake, simply tilt the controller to a slightly different angle. the vt will change dramatically.

and yes. trailer brakes do periodically need adjusted.
you got the instructions pretty much 100% already.
jack up a side, spin the wheel while turning the adjuster wheel from the back side till it starts to drag, then back off a hair (crash course, there are likely posts you could search to get more detailed description but that will work).

[wyo700]

First thing right away I would check the adjustment on the brakes. That sounds like the problem to me especially if you haven't checked them yet. And if you had a brake magnet bad I think your BC would tell you something is wrong. I have a p3 mine did not sure if yours has diagnostics though.