2008 GMC 3500 Factory Brake Controller Does Not Work on Trailer with Electric-Over-Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 01/29/2014 | Published 01/27/2014

Question:

I have a 2008 gmc 3500 cab and chassis truck the brake controller wont recognize Rv I bought with electric over hydraulic. Ive spliced in a hba-cam that drv mobile suite sent me and still no brakes. My sons 2014 ford works with my trailer fine. Also when I plug into Rv that is parked next to me my factory brake controller works great. What to do?

asked by: Jimmy

Expert Reply:

The factory brake controllers on GM trucks were not designed to work with most electric-over-hydraulic braking systems. The control adapter module # HBA-CAM that you purchased was designed to work with Gen 6 and newer HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic systems. First, I would ensure that your trailer has a HydraStar system and that the # HBA-CAM was installed correctly. Next, if you do have a HydraStar unit, you can check the serial number to verify if it is a Gen 6 or newer unit. I have listed the serial number ranges below for the HydraStar units.

Gen 6 models:
HBA-10 serial number 313800 or higher
HBA-12 serial number 705700 or higher
HBA-16 serial number 506100 or higher

If your unit is older than Gen 6, then you may be better off using an aftermarket brake controller that is compatible with electric-over-hydraulic brakes like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. If you are interested in this option, I have attached a help article the explains how to install an aftermarket brake controller on your truck.

expert reply by: John H