Towing Multiple Trailers with EoH Brakes with Silverado Equipped with Factory Controller

Question

Question:

Im seeing where the new disc brake systems will not work with my 2012 Chevy with the integrated brake controller. Ive found multiple solutions that should correct the problem but appear to be brake actuator manufacturer specific and are generally intended to be wired to the trailer. Is there a universal solution that stays with the truck that will enable the brakes to work on any new trailer, regardless of brake systems manufacturer? I understand I could wire up an aftermarket controller but Im looking for something that will continue to utilize my integrated brake controller rather than adding on a new controller. Thank you.

asked by: Brent

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Expert Reply:

You are correct that certain electric-over-hydraulic actuators are not compatible with the factory brake controllers on certain trucks, such as the one on your 2012 Chevy Silverado. You are also right that there are adapters to resolve this issue but as you mentioned they need to be wired to the actuator.

The only universal solution to this issue that would stay inside your truck is installing an aftermarket brake controller that won't run into this type of problem. I do understand that you'd rather not do this but this is the only option other than using an adapter for each type of actuator that you plan on towing.

For a specific brake controller I recommend taking a look at the Curt Echo # C51180. This is a really great option for you because its unique design allows it to simply be plugged into the 7-Way connector at the rear of your truck. It automatically bypasses a factory integrated controller so you don't need to worry about having the computer flashed at a dealer and because your smart phone is what is used to adjust any settings or activate the manual override, you don't have to add another component inside the cab so you can maintain the factory appearance.

I have attached a short video demonstration on the Echo that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

Since you have already tested the trailer brakes with a few different trucks by different manufacturers (2 of which have been used with an Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) system), the problem should be with your trailer. The reason that they most…

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Answer 2

The newer factory brake controllers, like on your 2022 Chevy Silverado, are generally fine with an EOH actuator like the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator #K71-651. But there are times when there are issues which is why I…

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Answer 3

I have to go off the GM dealership recommendation. If they are saying you need the Hydrastar #HBA-CAM or Dexter #DX35FR adapter module for your factory brake controller to work with your electric over hydraulic brake actuator, then I can't really…

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Answer 4

Figuring out what color wire goes to what function is sometimes quite confusing. I have attached a diagram which covers both the most common wire colors designated for a seven pin trailer connector and a seven pin vehicle connector, referencing the…

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Answer 5

The 6-wire and the 7-wire connectors will have the same color codes on six of the wires. The green wire is right turn/brake, the yellow wire is left turn/brake, the white wire is the ground, the brown wire is the taillights, the blue wire is electric…

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Answer 6

The pump should come on when you hit the brakes with your Dexter EOH system. I hope you have the Dexter #K71-651 for disc brakes versus the #K71-650 you asked from which will not work with disc brakes because it won't provide enough pressure. If…

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Answer 7

It sounds like you have a few of the wires mixed up. I don't know what colors the factory harness uses but the white colors on most brakes controllers will be as follows: That said, you would also want to check the third brake light fuse as well.…

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Answer 8

Dexter recommends using either DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5 brake fluid in the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator part #K71-651. I cannot say for certain which type your actuator came with but you can mix them so it should not matter.

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Answer 9

The Dexter 10K electric brakes #23-439 (right side) and #23-438 (left side) will have to be manually adjusted using the adjustment wheel below the magnet. To adjust the brakes you will use a small screwdriver or similar tool to turn the adjustment…

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Answer 10

Like you said, many factory integrated brake controllers will not work well with electric over hydraulic trailer braking systems. Some of the newer versions of these controllers now have an electric over hydraulic mode. Check to see if any of your…

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Answer 11

No, it does not matter which wire from the magnet is attached to power or ground. Just make sure one wire is properly grounded and the other wire is attached to the electric brake output circuit from the trailer connector. I have linked a video that…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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