OEM Brake Controller on 2012 Ford F-250 Not Working With Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic System

Question:

I have a new F-250 and pull a 2008 Airstream with the electric/hydraulic system. The slide to lock the brakes has little effect. It doesnt even feel like the brakes are working at all. Ive worked with Ford and Dexter, in attempts to resolve the issues. Each says their systems are working correctely. The brakes do seem to work some during towing. I can feel the trailer brakes release after I let off the truck brakes. But I have to set the gain to 9.5 in order to feel any braking. I have hooked up to my old tow vehicle Ford Exp with Prodigy and everything works fine. Go back to the F-250 and problems start again. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

The Carlisle Control Adapter Module, # HBA-CAM, that you referenced is designed to make certain electric brake controllers compatible with # HBA-10 and # HBA-16 Hydrastar Electric over Hydraulic actuators, and have not been tested with your Dexter system. Manufacturers typically do not test their products with products from other manufacturers.

Since the trailer brakes seem to work fine with your Expedition and aftermarket Prodigy brake controller and Ford says the OEM brake controller is working properly, then it sounds to me like a compatibility issue. I know that the Ford integrated brake controllers are compatible with some, but not all electric over hydraulic systems.

My recommendation would be to use an aftermarket brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, # 90195, and wiring adapter # 3034-P which is compatible with electric over hydraulic systems. To do that, you may need to have your Ford dealer turn off your factory brake controller or you could set a fault code on the instrument cluster.

expert reply by: John H