Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2013 Chevy Suburban with Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Question:

I have a HydraStar ElecHyd actuator coupled to the HBA-CAM on my tandem axle boat trailer. I am using the in cab factory brake controller on the 2013 Suburban 3/4 ton tow vehicle. My brakes stopped working last weekend. The system is one year old and has worked flawlessly to this point. I have reviewed all of the wiring and it is fine. I have looked at the mechanics of the brakes and they too are perfect. I am thinking that perhaps the HBA-CAM has failed and needs to be replaced? Playing around with it yesterday, I noticed that if I start my tow vehicle with the brake pedal pushed down, the brakes work as normal as does the brake controller. The minute I release the brake pedal, the brakes no longer function. This has indicate something. It proves the brake controller is working in the cab, and, that the Hydastar is also working ok. When I plug in the my trailer connection to the outlet on the back of my truck I hear the HydraStar pump engage. What could the issue be? Has the HBA-CAM stopped working? Should I get an aftermarket cab brake controller like the Prodigy? I am concerned about reliablity long term. to

asked by: Gord

Expert Reply:

Honestly if you are considering going to an aftermarket controller like the P2 # 90885 that would be your best option and would make your setup much more reliable. Even when you use the adapters like part # HBA-CAM the integrated controllers of vehicles just tend to be more finicky and not want to work as consistently as an aftermarket one.

I would strongly recommend the # 90885 as it is one of the best controllers on the market and is fully compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C