Is a Brake Controller Needed for a Trailer with Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Question:

Question about hydraulic over electric brake i’m purchasing a used 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 LTZ. On my previous Chevy I had to add a brake controller but my friend told me on his 2015 exact truck he did not have to add an aftermarket brake controller to operate the hydraulic over electric on his horse trailer. Do you know if that’s correct? I did purchase one but I haven’t installed it yet as I haven’t Received the truck

asked by: Tammy K

Expert Reply:

In order to tow a trailer with electric over hydraulic brakes you'll need a brake controller, specifically one that works with electric over hydraulic brakes. If the vehicle has a brake controller and it's a factory one, you'd likely need an adapter like the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module part # HBA-CAM. If the vehicles does not have a brake controller you will need one that is electric over hydraulic compatible as not many are. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195.

expert reply by: Conner L