Can I Equip A Dump Truck With Air Brakes With An Electric Brake Controller

Updated 05/11/2022 | Published 05/07/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

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$124.34

Question:

I work for a public works department. We have dump trucks that have air brakes on them. They have two plugs in the back of the truck. One for trailer pigtail with air brakes and one for a trailer pigtail with electric brakes. My first question is if you plug an electric break trailer into the ABS plug that is used for air brakes, well this caused the brakes to lock up on the trailer? This seems to be the case anytime anyone has plugged into the wrong port. My second question is do these trucks need to be equipped with a separate electric brake controller to use the electric pigtail plug ?

asked by: Mark W

Expert Reply:

Yes, if you plug the pigtail for the electric brakes into the plug used for your air brakes, you will lockup the brakes on your trailer. I believe it is a fail safe, so you are not operating the dump truck with the incorrect brake setup.

You will need a brake controller that is compatible with your air brakes and electric brakes. We do offer a brake controller that works with air brakes and trailers with electric, or electric over hydraulic, brakes. It is the Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional, part # HA100400C. This brake controller will need to be hardwired to your truck. You will need a 7-way connector for your trailer. If you do not have one, you can use the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires, part # ETBC7

I have included a product description link and a video demo link below.

expert reply by: Mark Smith