Can Carlisle Electric Over Hydraulic Adapter Be Used on a Dexter Actuator w GM Brake Controller

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Question:

I HAVE A CUSTOMER WHO HAS A DEXTER ELECTRIC /HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR. HIS TRUCK IS A 2013 CHEVY 3/4T WITH BUILT IN CAB BREAK CONTROLLER WILL THE HBA-CAM WORK ON THIS TRUCK. HE CURRENTLY CANT GET HIS ACTUATOR TO WORK

asked by: JEFF J

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Carlisle HBA-CAM Adapter Module, part # HBA-CAM, is intended specifically for use with generation 5 and later models of the Carlisle HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic brake actuators.

There is likely a compatibility issue between the HBA-CAM and the Dexter EOH system. Dexter does not recommend use of adapter modules; instead they recommend using a compatible brake controller. The GM factory controller is not compatible.

Your best option is to use an aftermarket brake controller such as the Tekonsha P2, part # 90885, which is directly compatible with electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes. This controller can be used with up to 4 axles (8 brake assemblies). I have linked an installation video showing use in a 2007 GMC Sierra and also a product review video.

I have also included an article concerning use of an aftermarket brake controller in a GMC truck that has a factory brake controller. This covers the wiring connections and materials required, which include 12-gauge wiring to connect the new controller output to your vehicle-side trailer 7-way connector. You can use part # 12-1-1. I have also included a general article concerning brake controller installation.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Answer 1

It sounds like you have an older generation of the Carlisle Hydrastar brake actuatuator. The current #HBA-CAM would only be compatible with 6th generation and newer actuators. It wouldn't be a compatible replacement for your 381-7061. The…

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Answer 2

The following are the troubleshooting tips from Carlisle: If the Brakes are slow to respond: Re-bleed the trailer brakes and atuator. If the trailer is equipped with drum brakes, re-adjust the drum brakes to the trailer manufacturer's recommended…

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Answer 3

This is exact same adapter as the Dexter part number you mentioned with the part #DX35FR. Now with that said your 2022 Ford F-250 shouldn't need this adapter so that makes me think you just need to put your brake controller into hydraulic mode.

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Answer 4

The clicking noise you heard typically occurs when the factory brake controller isn't compatible with electric over hydraulic brake systems. Since everything worked fine up until recently, the problem most likely does lie with your #HBA-CAM.…

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Answer 5

Absolutely. The Hydrastar #HBA-12 Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator is compatible with OEM brake controllers as long as they have an EOH (electric over hydraulic) mode, which yours does. You'll be good to go, and everything will work…

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Answer 6

The #HBA-CAM is designed to be used with a Gen 6 or later HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic brake actuator. That being said, we have heard of people using the #HBA-CAM with Dexter actuators but there is no guarantee that this will work. In order to…

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Answer 7

The adapter #HBA-CAM will only work with HydraStar Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuators. The Dexter actuator does not work with the GM or Ford integrated controllers but the Dodge ones seem to be fine. For the 2011 GM truck you will need to install an…

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Answer 8

If you 2017 Ram 3500 is equipped with in Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), then you should not have to use a Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator, like #HBA-CAM. The factory ITBM will allow you to connect to your Hydrastar Actuator through the…

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Answer 9

The Dodge integrated brake controller is not designed for use with electric over hydraulic braking systems. The best way to resolve the issue is to bypass the Dodge controller and use one that is compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes. I…

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Answer 10

The HydraStar HBA-CAM Adapter Module, part #HBA-CAM, is intended specifically for use with generation 6 and later models of the HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic brake actuators. There is likely a compatibility issue between the HBA-CAM and the…

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Answer 11

It would be time to replace the actuator it sounds like. The Hydrastar actuators are widely considered to be the quickest reacting and most reliable so that would be your best option. For disc brakes you'd want the part #HBA16 or which will…

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Answer 12

The old version of the #HBA-CAM used 4 wires, but the product was updated awhile back and now uses only two wires as shown in the photo on the product description page. The white wire from the HBA-CAM would tap into the white ground wire and the blue…

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Can Carlisle Electric Over Hydraulic Adapter Be Used on a Dexter Actuator w GM Brake Controller

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