Does Hydrastar HBA12 Trailer Brake Actuator Work on a 2006 Ford F-250 with Factory Brake Controller

Question:

I have a 2006 Ford F250 with the integrated brake controller. My trailer has a HBA 12 actuater on it. From what I have read the HBA 12 wont have the braking problem. Can you please clear this up for me? Thank you,

asked by: Bobby P

Expert Reply:

According to the owners manual for the 2006 Ford F-250, the factory integrated brake controller has not been verified to work with electric-over-hydraulic brake actuators, so it may not work. We have seen many cases where the factory brake controller on 2006 Ford trucks was not compatible with various electric-over-hydraulic actuators. According to Cargo Towing Solutions, the Control Adapter Module, # HBA-CAM, will allow you to use your factory brake controller with the HydraStar HBA12 actuator as long as the actuator is a generation 6 or newer model.

You can determine if it is a Gen 6 or newer by checking the serial number on the unit. If the serial number is 705700 or higher, then it is Gen 6 or newer and the # HBA-CAM should solve your problem.

If your HBA12 is older, then I recommend installing an aftermarket brake controller that is compatible with electric-over-hydraulic brakes like the Prodigy P3, # 90195, and bypassing the factory brake controller. I have attached a help article that explains how to install a brake controller on your truck and the procedure required to bypass the factory brake controller without throwing fault codes.

Since your truck has the factory tow package, you will want the Tekonsha Brake Controller Wiring Adapter # 3065-P for an easier installation.