Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Not Working with 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 6.6 Duramax

Updated 07/29/2026 | Published 07/24/2026

Question:

Need tech support. I own a 2011 chevy silverado 2500hd 6.0 V8. I bought Hydrastar mhba-16 for my boat, later learned I needed to HBA-CAM 381-7073 to work, Ive been using this setup for about 2 years. I just recently upgraded to a 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 6.6 Duramax. Trailer and brake lights work, but no stopping power. I have a second trailer that is all electric brakes and that works just fine on my 2019. Any ideas? Researching, I came across info stating that I need to add a 50w 4ohm ceramic resistor. Need help

asked by: Marc C

Expert Reply:

Hey Marc!

You are correct, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD needed the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module # HBA-CAM in order to use your factory brake controller with an electric-over-hydraulic actuator, but that requirement was only for 2007-2016 models of Chevy and GM trucks. Starting in 2017, the module was no longer required and is not compatible so it makes sense that you're having trouble with your 2019 Silverado 2500. To get your actuator working again, you can remove the # HBA-CAM from your setup and you will have no trouble controlling your boat trailer's brakes from there. You won't need the ceramic resistor to get your brake controller working.

What kind of actuator do you have? How often are you towing your boat trailer?

expert reply by: Jerry B