Trailer Disc Brakes are Slow to Respond when Connected to a 2010 Dodge Ram w/Integrated Controller

Question:

I have a 2010 Dodge 3500 RAM and just bought a trailer with Dexter Disc Brakes, The brakes will work but takes about 30 seconds to lock up . is my build in actuator compatable with the Hydrastar actuators?

asked by: DON W

Expert Reply:

Dodge says their integrated trailer brake controller is compatible with the electric over hydraulic brake systems, but we have found their compatibility to be hit and miss at best. There are a few things that can cause slow response in the trailer brakes. First make sure everything is wired correctly and that there are no weak or bad grounds. Grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. Make sure there is no corrosion in the vehicle and trailer side connectors.Wiring that is small gauge (smaller than 12 gauge) can cause poor response time.

Re-bleed the trailer brakes to clear out any air in the system. Air in the lines can cause a delay in braking.

If the trailer is long you may need brake lines with a larger diameter. The lines must be at least 3/16 inches in diameter but larger line is better on longer trailers. We have a triple axle brake line kit with 1/4 inch brake line, part # HS496-253.

The white ground wire from the actuator on the trailer needs to run directly to the tow vehicle battery ground.

To further test the system detach all the wires from the actuator leaving only blue, black, white, and yellow. The unit must be disconnected from any other wires leading to the tow vehicle or breakaway switch and battery. Otherwise you can get a faulty test result.

Use a separate 12 volt battery and connect the white wire to the negative terminal. Connect the black wire to the positive terminal. The motor should not run at this time but if it does the actuator could be defective and will need to be replaced. Next attach the blue and black wires together and attach to the positive battery terminal. The motor should now run and the unit should pressurize.

If it does not then the unit is probably defective and will need to be replaced. Next remove the blue and black wires from the positive terminal and attach only the yellow wire to the positive terminal. The motor should run and the unit should pressurize. If not then the unit is defective and needs to be replaced.

If everything works as it should reconnect the wires that lead to the trailer connector and repeat the steps using the trucks brake controller. If there is still a problem then the issue is in the trailer wiring harness on the truck or the brake controller. Make sure the power output level is set high enough to actuate the brakes properly. If in time-delay mode, switch to a proportional mode (if applicable) or adjust the delay to shorter response time.