Troubleshooting Not Enough Voltage on 7 Way Trailer Connector for Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Question:

Trailer with a Electric over hydraulic Hydrastar HBA-16. I am only getting 7.5 volts measured at the truck when brakes are applied to the 7 way receptacle on my 05 Silverado. Not even plugged into trailer Do I need a updated Cab Controller to get to the 8.5V Hydrastar says is needed for the Hydrastar HBA-16 to function properly? Or does the cab controller have nothing to do with voltage when brakes are applied- Cab controller is Reese Pilot. Thanks for any help!

asked by: Jay M

Expert Reply:

The issue that you're experiencing here is most likely down to your Reese Pilot brake controller not being compatible with Electric Over Hydraulic braking systems, so you will need a new brake controller that is compatible with a Hydrastar # HBA16. For that, I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # 90195, which gives you responsive proportional braking control of the Hydrastar actuator and is one of our most popular controllers.

I've linked a short review video for you to check out as well, but this is the root of your problem since EOH systems require a controller that is compatible.

expert reply by: Erik B