What Brake Controller Do I need to Operate an Actibrake AB-1-14 Electric over Hydraulic Actuator

Updated 05/28/2010 | Published 05/27/2010

Question:

I have 2009 2500 Suburban w/ factory contoller. is it a time based contoller or proprtional? actibrake says no time based. recommends prodigy. stuck with this 2008 four winns electric/hyraulic actibrake ab-1-14

asked by: reuben

Expert Reply:

The optional OEM brake controller should be a proportional style brake controller. I would call GM or your dealer to verify, but I am fairly certain they are proportional.

That being said, most of the OEM controllers available cannot be used with an electric over hydraulic actuator. It is one of the new selling points for the 2011 Ford Super Duty. They claim that the optional brake controller for the new Super Duties is the first OEM available brake controller that will properly activate an electric over hydraulic actuator.

You do have the option of by-passing the OEM brake controller and using a Prodigy or Prodigy P2. Many truck owners have done this, particularly 2005-2006 Ford owners and 2006-2007 GM owners. Those were the first years those manufacturers offered OEM controllers and they were problematic for some.

I have included a link to an article we have put together on installing an aftermarket brake controller on a new GM truck that has the optional factory integrated controller. The wiring is already run in the truck, you will just have to connect the new controller.

Since you are pulling a trailer with an electric over hydraulic setup, I would recommend the Prodigy P2, part # 90885. Tekonsha just recently came out with the Prodigy P2. It received some software and circuitry upgrades from their top of the line controller, to make it compatible with electric over hydraulic setups. Tekonsha recommends the Prodigy P2 be used for electric over hydraulic setups, not the original Prodigy.

expert reply by: Patrick B