Adapter for Allowing Ford Integrated Brake Controller to Recognize Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator

Updated 06/17/2025 | Published 06/16/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(228)

$854.23

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers

(126)

$263.15

Question:

Traded my 2009 F-450 pulling RV with actuator HBA-16 1600 PHI Serial #511886. Is there something different that causes Fords 2018 F-350 to display error message on dash that trailer disconnected. Carlisle Manual is 440-1023. Brakes on the RV appear excellent, with existing Carlisle Actuator installed on 2009 DRV Elite Suites RSSB3 Any help is appreciated....

asked by: Joe M

Expert Reply:

Most newer truck manufacturers have made their integrated brake controllers compatible with electric over hydraulic actuators like the Hydrastar # HBA16 that you mentioned but we have found that it's not always consistent that they will work without issue. Best solution we have for you would be to use the adapter part # HBA-CAM which is designed for integrated Ford brake controllers like you have. Once installed your truck will recognize that a trailer is connected.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Keelan G.

6/22/2020

I just purchased a car trailer which has the HBA-16 Hydrastar. My vehicle is a 2018 Ram 2500 with factory brake controller. WIl my factory setup work, i have read things that say it will and then things that say i need the HBA-CAM but that shows it is for Ford/Chevy's please advise as i do not want o spend money on things that are not needed. Thanks

Chris R.

6/24/2020

Based on my research the factory brake controller on your 2018 Ram 2500 should be compatible with the HydraStar Actuator # HBA16 without the need for an adapter. You should be good to go!