Compatibility of Factory Brake Controller in 2012 GMC Sierra with EOH Trailer Disc Brake Actuator

Question:

As you can guess the lights work, the dash sez a trailer is hooked up and the gain moves like normal but no brakes. The trailer checks out fine but the EOH brakes dont work from the pedal or controller. Help

asked by: Brian W

Expert Reply:

Factory-installed trailer brake controllers are often incompatible with electric-over-hydraulic (EOH) trailer braking systems. These systems present a very different electrical load than electric drum brakes, one that such controllers sometimes do not properly recognize.

Aftermarket trailer brake controllers like the Prodigy P3 # 90195 include an option for EOH operation that can be selected from their menu screen. If your factory controller offers such a setting option then you may just need to choose that mode. If that unit does not offer an EOH operating mode then you can replace it with a suitable aftermarket unit like the P3 # 90195 or the similar P2 # 90885. Please refer to the linked article for installation guidance. Both of these excellent controllers offer both electric drum and EOH brake operating modes.

An electrical adapter is offered that can make some such actuators compatible with standard brake controllers. That item is part # HBA-CAM and its usability depends on the model and serial number of the actuator, as noted on the page for this item.

expert reply by: Adam R