Troubleshooting Weak Brakes with Ford Factory Brake Controller and Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 06/15/2018 | Published 06/13/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter BrakeRite II Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit - Vented - 1,500 psi

(38)

$1227.68

Dexter BrakeRite SD Adapter for Ford/Chevy Integral Brake Controllers

(25)

$185.09

Question:

I have a 2012 F350 and I’m pulling a 2018 DRV triple axle trailer that has electric over hydraulic brakes. I’ve set my controller via the factory installled controller to the electric over hydraulic brake setting. The truck is doing all thenstopping even on a 10 gain setting on the controller. The only way the trailer brakes activate is if I mash the brake pedal hard or I hand actuate the brake controller lever. If checked that I’m putting out proper voltage at the plug on the truck. I haven’t been able thencheck the voltage on the trailer once I’m plugged into it. Do you have an adapter or signal booster?

asked by: Dallas P

Helpful Expert Reply:

The issue you are describing may be related to the factory brake controller in your 2012 Ford F-350 and its compatibility with the electric over hydraulic actuator you have on the trailer. For example, the Titan BrakeRite I Plug and Play Electric-Hydraulic Actuator Kit # T4813102 will require a separate adapter # T4845900 for it to work well with 2006.5-2012 Ford trucks. The adapter will allow for proper communication with the factory brake controller and regulate the amperate to an appropriate level.

If you can tell me what actuator you have installed on the trailer, I will be happy to tell you if an adapter like this is needed.

Otherwise, the issue might simply be the inadequate performance we have seen with factory controllers and electric over hydraulic braking systems, even on those that are supposed to be compatible with these types of actuators. If everything is wired up properly, the brakes on your trailer are securely grounded and correclty wired, then your best option may be to simply change to an aftermarket controller like the excellent Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This proportional controller works great with electric over hydraulic brakes and will definitely be an improvement over the OEM unit on your F-350. To install the brake controller, you will just need the Plug-In Adapter # 3034-P.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this controller that you can take a look at.

expert reply by: Chris R