Factory Brake Controller On 2020 Silverado Not Working w/ Electric Over Hydraulic Brake on 5th Wheel

Question:

I have a 2019 Chevy 3500 dually. We just purchased a 2020 Forest River Riverstone 5th wheel. No brakes. The truck system comes on for about 2 seconds and quits. I believe the trailer has a Dexter hydralic system in it. I belong to facebook group and another service manager suggested I try your HBA-CVM 381-7073. Will this work?

asked by: Gary R

Expert Reply:

From what I've determined, the OEM brake controller on your Silverado isn't compatible with electric over hydraulic braking systems. If your were using a HydraStar brake actuator like # HBA16, the # HBA-CAM adapter unit you mentioned would work great, but it's not compatible with the Dexter EOH actuator according to HydraStar, so it wouldn't be a good choice.

Your best bet will be to install an EOH-compatible aftermarket brake controller. For a more traditional controller, the Tekonsha P3, part # 90195 and the wiring adapter, part # 3064-P would work great. For a wireless controller, the Curt Echo part # 51180 would work great. The Echo is extremely easy to install, and uses your iOS (v. 8.0+) or Android (v.4.4+) based smartphone. Any of those three would work well for you.

I've linked you to some videos that you might find helpful, and I've also provided a photo showing where a wired brake controller like the P3 would plug in.

expert reply by: Mike L