Is the HydraStar # HBA-CAM Adapter Compatible with a HydraStar with Serial Number 310837

Updated 08/12/2025 | Published 07/23/2018

Question:

My trailer has the HBA-CAM 381-7063 and the HBA-10 SN: 310837. It worked great from 2005-2013 with my Ford F-350, and continued to work great when I bought my GMC Sierra 3500....for 5 yrs. However, my integrated brake controller stopped recognizing the HBA-CAM. I hear a chip on the hydraulic brakes when I plug into my horsetrailer, and all the other lights and charging circuits work. However, the brakes do not. I have had the truck into the dealer and a trailer dealer.they say the truck is working. Must be a trailer issue. I have been pulling my hair out trying to to sort the trailer issue. Worse, a new 2018 truck connected to my trailer works, but not mine or another 2014 pulled off the lot at the dealer. Theory: maybe the HBA-CAM has degraded in some way that my 2013 truck does not handshake well with it and fails. No error codes. My question: I believe I should order a new HBA-CAM, but the part number you have does not specifically fall in the range compatible with the updated version of the HBA-CAM. Do you have the older versions 381-7063? Or wil the 7073 work? Or do you think the problem could be elsewhere?

asked by: Phil R

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at HydraStar and he said that the # HBA-CAM adapter will not work with your older HydraStar actuator as you have noted. Unfortunately there are no older 381-7063 adapters like what you need but we do have alternative solutions for you.

Your other options are either to replace your HydraStar and then use the newer # HBA-CAM adapter or you can simply install an aftermarket brake controller that is compatible with your EOH actuator. The latter is definitely more cost-effective so I recommend going that route unless your HydraStar actuator is looking a little rough and needs to be replaced anyways.

One of our most popular brake controllers is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This is a proportional brake controller that will apply the brakes on your trailer at the same time and with the same intensity as the brakes in your vehicle. The best feature about this brake controller is the LCD screen that makes operation and diagnosing any problems much easier than an older controller that only uses codes plus it is compatible with your HydraStar actuator.

I have linked an installation video of this brake controller on a 2011 GMC Sierra for you to reference as well as a helpful article that details how to bypass your factory brake controller.

expert reply by: Jon G

David B.

8/6/2025

My tow vehicle is a 2020 chevy duramax high country diesel . How will the aftermarket controller be affected by the built in brake controller? Is there something I need to do to disconnect the factory brake controller?

Jon G.

8/6/2025

@DavidB Yes, there is a connector at the back of the OEM controller that you'll need to disconnect in order to install the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # TK52HR with the custom wiring adapter. You'll need to get the truck computer flashed at a dealer to get rid of the error message that pops up saying the OEM controller is malfunctioning. The Prodigy will work regardless; it will just be annoying to keep seeing that message pop up.

David B.

8/11/2025

@JonG since my camper has disk brakes and not drum brakes ( that use a electric magnet to engage the brakes) is the hba-cam even necessary or can I just remove it? And why did they put 2 hba-cam 381-7063 units wired to the same Hydrastar?

Jon G.

8/12/2025

@DavidB If you're using an aftermarket controller like the P3 then you don't need the HBA-CAM, as that's only needed for some OEM controllers. I have no idea why they put 2 of those HBA-CAMs on your setup since only one is needed.