Troubleshooting HydraStar EOH Trailer Brake Actuator That Runs Without Brake Signal

Question

Question:

Hi. I have a hydrastar hydraulic eletric brakes on boat trailer. When i plug in to car, it makes noise like braking just not as powerful. Even when car is off. Its been hooked up for 2 years. Any ideas? It there is a brake stuck, would that cause it.

asked by: Andrew

0

Expert Reply:

If the fluid pump on your HydraStar EOH trailer brake actuator such as # HS381-8065 is activating just when it is plugged in to the vehicle (without you pressing the brake pedal or the manual override control on your brake controller) then chances are that you have a short in your wiring. What can happen is that another one of the circuits with 12V power is leaking over to the brake circuit.

Sometimes this issue can be caused by corrosion of the vehicle socket and/or trailer plug. This corrosion may not be visible from the outside of the socket or plug but it can still build up on the inside. Corrosive build-up can contact two adjacent circuits and cause power to reach the brake circuit when it should not. An application of a spray-on electrical contact cleaner can sometimes help.

Another possibility is that the trailer brake controller is damaged, and it is sending out a signal when it should not. This is easy enough to test. If you have a circuit tester like # PTW2993 you can apply it to the controller's blue output wire. Cut this wire a few inches from the back of the controller (leaving enough wire to reconnect it after testing) and apply the tester to the blue wire existing the controller. You should detect a signal on this wire ONLY when you press the brake pedal OR when you press the emergency manual override lever.

If you detect an output from the controller under any other conditions, then the controller is damaged and should be replaced with a new EOH-compatible unit like the Prodigy P2 # 90885 or the P3 # 90195.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

They HydraPro EOH Actuator part #DH54FR that you referenced was designed to be powered by the 12 volt accessory circuit of the tow vehicle's 7-way which typically also would get ran to the trailer battery as a charge circuit for it. So as long as…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Russell, it sounds like you just need the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers #HBA-CAM. This adapter will let you use your Hydrastar EOH brake actuator with your OEM brake controller in your…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Hey Dennis, the integrated brake controller of your 2024 Chevy Silverado 3500 probably needs to be put in hydraulic mode to work with your trailer brakes if it's not already. If that is not the case let me know what brand of actuator you have and…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Trailer magnets are designed set up for each brake assembly size axle capacity. If you check out the link I attached you will see all of the magnets we carry. From there you will need to click the brand you have, the size assembly you have, and then…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 6

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

view full answer...

Answer 11

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

view full answer...

Troubleshooting HydraStar EOH Trailer Brake Actuator That Runs Without Brake Signal

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching