Will Chevy Factory Trailer Brake Controller in 2012 Silverado Work w/Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 08/02/2013 | Published 08/01/2013

Question:

I just bought a new big tex 25gn flatbed trailer equipped with dexter E/H brakes. Service center there said there is no way the brakes would work with the factory controller, so they installed an after-market controller. While prepping the trailer during the sale, they had me hook the trailer to my truck. By the way its a 2012 Silverado 3500HD. The DIC did not display Trailer Connected as with my older trailer that had electric brakes only. Well after I got home and completely dissatisfied with the new controller. the factory controller had me spoiled. I got to thinking the only difference the old trailer and the new one as far as the brakes was magnets and the hydraulic pump assy. To make a long story short I wired two magnets together and then attached one end to the blue wire and the other end to the white wire inside of the toolbox of the trailer. Wow DIC displays trailer Connected and my E/H brakes work with my factory controller. So I guess my question is can you think of any long term affects that might damage my factory controller or the hydraulic pump assy.

asked by: David I

Expert Reply:

Hanging brake magnets like you have done is a temporary fix but should not be a permanent solution due to the magnets serving a purpose they are not designed for and that magnets are more likely to fail or wear out when used in this manner. With a big trailer like yours you would not want to suddenly be without brakes.

With the Dexter electric over hydraulic actuator, it is compatible with brake controllers as long as they have an electric over hydraulic feature. If not you can run into this exact problem.

The solution is to use an aftermarket controller that is EOH compatible like the P2 you referenced # 90885. You have to put the controller in electric over hydraulic mode for it to work with the system. It also has to be installed properly which involves bypassing the factory controller. You would follow the FAQ I have linked to properly bypass the factory controller.

expert reply by: Michael H