Dexter DX Actuator Wont Release Brakes with Ram Factory Brake Controller

Question:

We have three of these container trailers all with the actuator. We use 2x2018 and one 2016 ram 5500 to pull and using the one controller on the dash. One trailer works great and another one has this issue of above 3 on the controller it locks up the brakes and won’t release for a long time. I have the 7 pin plug disconnected and it’s still locked up. I loosened the b nut at the actuator and there’s pressure. Is the release valve not working correctly?

asked by: Taylor O

Expert Reply:

The issue you are having with the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # K71-651 and Ram Factory Integrated Brake Controller (ITBC) is common. The brake controller is sending too much voltage constantly back to the actuator which is then not allowing the brakes to release. There are two fixes for this, the first is to install the Titan BrakeRite EHB Adapter part # T4845900 (Works with Ram and Dexter DX) however this does not always fix the issue as there are too many variances with the factory brake controller. For a guaranteed fix you would want to use the Curt Echo Mobile Brake Contoller part # C51180. The Curt Echo will bypass the factory brake controller so you don't even have to unplug or disable it and it will send the correct voltage to the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for proper operation so this is what I recommend as a guaranteed fix.

expert reply by: Conner L