Troubleshooting Dexter Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes on 2009 Airstream Trailer

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Question:

I have a 2007 new body style GMC 3500 for a tow vehicle. I tow a 2009 air stream ,that weighs 7,500 lbs. The trailer has dual Dexter axles,and Dexter 4 piston caliper disc brakes, and a 1600 lb. Dexter brake actuator. The truck did not come with factory equipped brake controller,but has factory two package. I installed a Tekonsha P3 brake controller, that has electric over hydraulic function. My problems are,1- when pressing brake pedal slightly,I get no brake action. When I apply brakes harder they grab very hard. I noticed that when slight pressure on brake pedal, I would get a reading of 1to 3 volts at brake controller and at brake actuator and brake pumped not come on. But anything over 3volts pump works, and thats when they just grab. I hope you can steer me to an answer. Ive been fighting this problem a while now ,and getting tired of getting white knuckles every time I see a 7-8 percent down hill downgrade. Thanks.

asked by: Mike

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since you are able to use your manual override and see the voltages, your brake controller is getting and sending signal. Since you get to 3 amps and it grabs, I reached out to Dexter regarding the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # K71-651 you have for disc brakes. Their tech told me the actuator is designed to kick on at 3 Volts and not before, so that part is normal. However, it should be gradual increase of pressure at that point and after leading up to the full grab, so there is an issue in the circuit board if it is all or nothing. Unfortunately there is not a replacement for that circuit board so you will need to purchase and entirely new unit.

If you want another brand option, I recommend the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # HBA16 which is my preference. We have had very happy customers with this brake actuator along with the Prodigy P3 you have.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Answer 1

The Dexter adapter module #DX35FR was designed to allow factory integrated brake controllers to be used with electric over hydraulic actuators by basically tricking the controller into thinking there's a brake magnet load on the circuit.…

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Answer 2

Disc brake actuators normally make some noise when they are activated as that's the sound of them building hydraulic pressure. If you fast forward to the 3:00 mark of the review video I attached you can hear what the normal hum/buzz of this…

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Answer 3

The Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes #K71-651 has 4 wires. Blue - Brake Controller Output Black - 12 Volt Positive White - 12 Volt Ground Yellow - Breakaway Switch The ActiBrake system you are replacing uses 5…

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Answer 4

The blue wire of the Warner Air Utility Brake Control #HA100400C gets run to the brake output circuit of the trailer connector that is used on the tow vehicle. This is the circuit that carries the braking power for the trailer's brakes. I…

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Answer 5

What type of brake controller do you have? Is it a proportional or time delayed? Also, are you using the brake pedal or the manual override? If you have a proportional brake controller and you are using the manual override then you should see a full…

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Answer 6

If your HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,200 psi #HBA-12 is only clicking when you are putting your foot on the pedal there is some troubleshooting you can do. First, ensure your brake controller is compatible with…

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Answer 7

For your truck with air brakes and your trailer with hydraulic brakes you'd want the Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller #HA100400C which installs the exact same yet was designed to also be compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes.…

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Answer 8

The braking force level on the Hayes Air Utility Brake Control #1300-80 is adjusted by rotating the black knob on the side of the housing either counter-clockwise for more force or clockwise for less, in the same way that a volume knob operates.

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Answer 9

Yes, you can install the Hayes G2 Brake Boss Trailer Brake Controller w/ Mounting Sleeve #HA81792BB in your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The connector should be mounted on top of the emergency brake bracket, it's gray in color. Once you find it all…

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Answer 10

While we may have an option for you, we do not have the exact specs on your Allis grease seal part number 5013 29772. However, with the 1.6" ID and 2.5" OD measurements you provides, that is very close to our #58846. This particular grease…

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Answer 11

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 12

Since you have a wheelbase/axle spacing of 38 inches the correct hanger kit for slipper springs would be the part #HAP-105-205-01. And then for a 7k trailer axle the u-bolt kit you'd want would be the part #APUBR-8. I attached the diagram to use…

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Troubleshooting Dexter Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes on 2009 Airstream Trailer

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