Recommendation for Towing Trailer with Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes with Four Chevy Silverados
Question:
I’ve got a fleet of 3500hd’s multiple years all with integrated brake controllers that don’t work with our new to us electric over hydraulic trailer. I would rather modify the trailer once if such a product exists than have to install a bunch of aftermarket controllers. So my questions are: 1. Why does the gm ibc not recognize the electrical signal from electric over hydraulic, but does with regular electric brakes? Is the eoh signal too weak? Too strong? Everyone has said eoh doesn’t work with ibc’s, but why is that, exactly? 2. What are my options/products that can be installed on the trailer so that the eoh works with all my trucks? 3. If no product exists, what would it cost for a different brake setup on the trailer? 2012 Towmaster t-24 40’ 30000# gvwr 2 - 12000 pound axles
asked by: Chuck S
Helpful Expert Reply:
As you mentioned, the integrated brake controllers on your Silverado 3500 trucks will typically not work with electric over hydraulic trailer brakes. The Chevy/GMC factory controllers are simply not compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes and essentially will not even recognize that a trailer connected when equipped with this system. Other than converting to all electric brakes on the trailer, there is nothing you can install or add to the trailer itself to resolve this issue.
If your trailer happens to have a Gen 6 or newer Hydrastar Actuator, then I do have a simple solution for you. I recommend looking at the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter # HBA-CAM. This can be mounted anywhere and splices into the HydraStar actuator's wiring to intercept verification signals and prevent false error codes. Using the adapter will allow the existing factory controllers in your Silverado trucks to work with the electric over hydraulic brakes on your trailer.
I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can also check out.
If you do not have the required Hydrastar Actuator, then your best option will indeed be to simply replace the factory controllers with an aftermarket unit like the excellent Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. A really great feature that is unique to the P3 is that it has 5 storable settings. This, along with the available custom wiring harnesses, allows it to easily be transferred to different vehicles. You do not need to purchase a separate brake controller for each of your trucks.
For your 2013 Chevy Silverado, you will need to hardwire the included pigtail to the built-in harness beneath the dash. For your other 3 trucks, you can use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter # 3016. One end will plug into the controller itself and the other end will connect directly to the existing port beneath the dash. You can simply purchase one controller and multiple harnesses to make transferring between trucks a simple and quick process.
You can also add a Mounting Bracket # TK5906 for each of your trucks. This may ultimately be a less time consuming and cheaper option than changing the brake assemblies on your trailer, especially if you have electric over hydraulic disc brake assemblies.
If you do decide to convert to an all electric brake setup on your trailer, I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of 12,000 pound electric brakes. I have also attached an article on adding electric brakes that will break down all the necessary parts that are needed.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Replacement Mounting Bracket Kit for Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Adapters
- Hydrastar
more information >
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