Will Cargo Towing Solutions Actuator And Adapter Work With Multiple Trucks And Brake Controllers

Question:

I am looking at installing the HydraStar Electric-Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes on a custom trailer that rides on a 1 ton or better truck axle. It has some pretty significant sized brakes. Is there a maximum size brake/amount of fluid these units can run? They claim to be able to run multiple axles so one large set of brakes should be ok, right? The second question relevant to the subject line, is this trailer is pulled my multiple trucks. Late model Fords and Chevys with integrated controllers, Tekonsha controllers, and older trucks with basic controllers. Can I install the Control Adapter Module for HydraStar, and all the trucks be good, or does that interfere with the older units? If so, could I wire it in with a switch to to use it or not? Thanks

asked by: Matt P

Expert Reply:

I called my contact at Cargo Towing Solutions about the actuator and adapter module you referenced for your trailer.

They told me that part # HBA-10 would work with a single, tandem, or triple axle trailer that has drum brakes. If you have disc brakes on the trailer, and it has axles rated at 16,000 or more part # HBA16 is what you need. The difference is the HBA-10 maximum output pressure is 1,000 psi and the HBA16 maximum output pressure is 1,600 psi. I have attached a wiring schematic for the actuator you can check out.

For the adapter, part # HBA-CAM, it will work with the integrated controllers on the Ford and Chevrolet trucks, and also work with the Tekonsha brake controllers you said some of the trucks have, so no switch is needed.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L