Minimum Voltage Required for Braking Using the Titan BrakeRite for Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

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Question:

I have a Dexter hydraulic acutator now on a Airstream classic and I am using it with the 2013 2500HD GMC. I am aware that the Dexter EH 1600 requires 3 volts to start I am wondering what Trigger voltage does the Brake RIte require. What I am finding on the new truck is that it downshifts and slows very effectively with very little braking making it impossible to get to the 3 volts without aggressive use of the tow vehicle brakes. So I need an actuator that has a lower trigger voltage so that I can get a little lead or at least simultaneous braking. This situation is aggravated by my Hensley hitch that appears to be bumping me at times. Actibrake died then Dexter trigger voltage to high then ?? Thanks

asked by: Michael

0

Expert Reply:

The issue that you may be experiencing is compatibility problems between the truck and the actuator if the truck has a factory integrated brake controller. First, the minimum voltage to start braking with the BrakeRite, # T4813102, is 10.4 volts.

The real issue is most likely compatibility between the actuator and integrated controller. What you can do is use the BrakeRite, # T4813102, and then use a special adapter, #T4845900, to make the factory integrated controller compatible with the BrakeRite.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Charles H.

12/8/2012

I have the same issue with one of my flatbed trailers 26 that has a Dexter actuator. It wont start pumping until 3.5 volts on my Prodigy controller. essentially meaning the trailer brakes never function unless my truck is in panic a panic brake. But, I have a Gooseneck 28 flatbed with a Brakerite actuator and it starts pumping at 0.2 volts and works perfectly with the Prodigy controller. Ill let you know how the new Brakerite unit works or if the one I have on the Gooseneck trailer is just a fluke, soon. Im betting the new Brakerite unit fixes the issue.

Patrick B.

12/11/2012

Keep in mind, the power settings can be adjusted from the Prodigy to supply more power to that actuator. Keep us informed, its always good for us to get more info on electric over hydraulic as it is not as common as a full electric or full hydraulic setup.

Brian E.

5/31/2020

Same here. Dexter unit seems to not wake up till harsh brake then slams up to high pressure. Prodidgy P3 controller, tried EOH and Elec settings both, no difference. Troubleshooting actuator shows its working to Dexter specs. Result is Dexter simply doesn't make products as nice as their competition does.

Chris R.

6/3/2020

Have you tried increasing the settings on the Prodigy P3 controller? Try going up to a higher boost setting to see if this helps at all.

Brian E.

6/3/2020

@ChrisR I have tried all various boost levels, and it makes a difference as to when the controller ramps up as to leading the tow vehicle per say. But you can watch the progressive voltage output and you crack 3 volts and bam into the steering wheel and locked brakes with axle hop. Its seriously unsafe at times. I just ordered brake pressure gauges to really test how progressive the fluid psi output is against voltage. I suspect little to none. You can test this in a shop setting non moving this way.

Brian E.

6/8/2020

@BrianE My trailer has about 40ft of brake line. This will affect pressure readings a little. At 3.0 volt the units comes on and on my setup hits 800psi. It then jumps in few stages pressure wise as voltage goes up to 12 volts maxing pressure out at 1450 psi. I weigh empty trailer alone at 8800lbs. This 800 psi is a harsh lockup of brakes, at the lowest possible setting. An automotive brakes, 800psi is also a brake lockup and low end panic stop. A typical medium stop is in the 350-400 psi range. Dexter needs a redesign. Its a poor functioning unit. Background: 27 years in automotive chassis and brake design. I fixed mine with pressure reduction valves, but i cant tell others to do the same.

Answer 1

Hey Jim, what we have found is that integrated brake controllers that come with trucks just are not reliable with electric over hydraulic actuators even if they have a hydraulic mode like your 2022 F-450 has. The good news is that the Prodigy P3 part…

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Answer 2

Yes, to use the Titan BrakeRite EHB Electric-Hydraulic Actuator Kit #T4813102 in your 2012 Ford F-350 with factory brake controller you will need the Adapter Titan BrakeRite SD Adapter for Ford/Chevy Integral Brake Controllers Item #T4845900. This…

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Answer 3

This is exact same adapter as the Dexter part number you mentioned with the part #DX35FR. Now with that said your 2022 Ford F-250 shouldn't need this adapter so that makes me think you just need to put your brake controller into hydraulic mode.

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Answer 4

The Titan Disc Brake Kit and BrakeRite Electric-Hydraulic Actuator - Tandem, 3,500-lb Axle #T4843800 is an excellent system that works seamlessly together. The 2006 Ford F-350 Superduty DRW does fall into the category where Ford's factory…

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Answer 5

The integrated brake controller of a 2017 Ford F-250 is compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes so when you convert your trailer to that style of brakes it will work fine still. For an actuator kit the best option is the HydraStar…

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Answer 6

The Adapter Module #DX35FR is the original part and requires butt connectors to splice into the BrakeRite systems while the Dexter BrakeRite SD Adapter #T4845900 was designed for the newer BrakeRite SD and comes with a T-Connection so you don't…

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Answer 7

If you have a Titan BrakeRite Electric-Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes like part #T4813102 installed there is a way you can troubleshoot the system to make sure it is faulty before replacing it. You would perform a 3 wire test. You will need a 12…

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Answer 8

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…

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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…

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Answer 10

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.

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Answer 11

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…

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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…

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Minimum Voltage Required for Braking Using the Titan BrakeRite for Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

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