Disc Brake/Built-In GM/Ford Controller

[John317]

Has it been documented that the current Disc Brake option will work with the GM/Ford/Dodge built in brake controllers?

[mhs4771]

I think it requires an interface box from Carlisle to make them work properly. I have Dexter Disc on our Montana and the system uses a Carlisle Hydraulic Pump with the Carlisle Interface box between the TV controller and the pump.

[John317]

That is what I had heard earlier, but I thought that I had read/ heard someplace that the disc brakes rolling off the line now are compatible. Since I ordered the DB option I searched for the thread that had clarified the issue but could not find it.

[Dave&Ginny]

It's my understanding that the 2011 and newer trucks were ok with the brake controlers

[John317]

That's what our rep Doug Richards said also, but he said he would clarify it with the factory tomorrow.

[mhs4771]

Well I have a 2011 Chevy and it required the interface to work with the Carlisle Pump. Something about the Controller/CPU looking for a pulse back from the brakes that the Hydraulic pump doesn't supply to prevent error codes.

[hoosierguy]

The integrated brake controller on my 2011 Dodge RAM is not compatible with electric over hydraulic actuators. I had a Tekonsha Prodigy 3 braker controller installed specifically so that I can properly operate the Kodiak disk brakes with the Carlyle actuator that Redwood is installing. This system works very well.

The integrated brake controller on2012 Dodge RAMsis compatible with EOH systems.

[5th_Time]

Here are two posts that I did on this subject on March 7th. The forum is : \General RV Questions\barke. controller:

Lots of info on various internet forums. I think the "interface unit" you're speaking of is actually a Carlyle HBA-CAM module. If you have '11 or '12 GMC or Chevy with the factory brake controller, you will need one (around $100) in order to "wake-up" the factory brake controller for use. It seems that the HBA-CAM module is wired-in before the disk brake electric/hydraulic pump and provides the feedback (load) needed to activate the integrated controller's brake voltage. Without this feedback, the factory controllerjust sleeps.

According to Carlyle, the HBA-CAM module was designed for the Ford unit, but it works on 2007.5 through 2012 GM also.

Good news is... Redwood responded back this AM that the HBA-CAM is built in to the Carlyle pump on their disk brake option.

Does anyone have this combo running? The module is not a very well known item, but they are available on-line. I don't think you can just purchase one at your dealer if it's needed when you take delivery...
I contacted Redwood about this issue because I ordered the disk brakes option on my 36RL. I was worried I might arrive at the dealer with no way to activate the trailer brakes. Apparently, Carlyle has recently introduced a new pump that has an HBA-CAM "fooler" built in. Redwood is checking whether their disk brake pumps contain this revision. I'll post what I find out.
Edited by: 5th_Time

[5th_Time]

Also, make sure that the "Constant 12V power" in the 7-way connector is active because that is what powers the pump. On '11 and '12 GMs, the constant 12V is not connected to the fuse box from the factory. The wire with eyelet is sitting outside the fusebox with electrical tape overit. There is a 12V power lug inside the fusebox to place it over and then you need a nut to hold it down. That will activate the power in the connector.

[hoosierguy]

This is a post I found on another forum about this topic...........



"The issue between the brake controller and the hydraulic disk brake actuatorsis with the resistance the truck sees coming from the controller and the way the truck detects the brake actuator on the trailer.Dexter's hydraulic controllerhas worked with the Ford IBC since day 1 (except for a small issue with low speed braking in early models). Other actuators, like Carlisle, have had to come up with a "black box" solution to make them work. Dodge has put four levels of control (Light or heavy electric or light or heavy hydraulic) in their new 2012 trucks.GMrequires wiring an electric brake magnet into the circuit with certain hydraulic brake systems."

[John317]

So the answer is maybe it will or maybe it won't but in any case the constant 12v wire must be connected to the fuse box. Is there a fuse in the terminal where the connection is to be made?

[5th_Time]

My info is that it is location #68 and there is already a fuse present on a '12 GMC 3500.

Here is a linkwith some pictures on how to do this:



http://www.silveradosierra.com/how-to-articles/how-to-hook-up-the-constant-12v-power-for-7pin-trailer-plug-t1712.html

Edited by: 5th_Time

[John317]

Thanks 5th Time, that's a great help. BTW How do you make your links live? Every time I include one in a post it is dead.

[5th_Time]

Copy/Paste in windows. After you paste, go to end of the link and hit return.

[5th_Time]

BTW, I'm picking up my RL tomorrow at 1:00. I'll post if my disk brakes worked with my integrated GM brake controller... Yikes!

[John317]

[UNDRPSI]

5th timer Congrats on picking up your new Redwood. If you don't mind me asking? What dealer are you dealing with? Seems the dealer I was dealing with the salesman seem to just give up on our deal, so I pulled the plug with them. Just got word tonight about our new truck its build and heading for the train to be delivered and shipped to the dealer. I'm very interested as to how your GM brake controller works with the Redwood DB. Looks like we are going to have a very similar setup as far as trucks go. I'm think of going with the TS3 air 5th wheel hitch.
Flying to FL next week to take a look at 39HH. Keeping are fingers crossed! Post some pic's of your new toy!

[5th_Time]

UNDRPSI: I had the best sales experience with Bob Wilson at Leo's Vacation Center in MD. Couldn't make a deal with NH and MA dealers. Also, didn't like the "attitude".See my post in forum: Want to buy a Redwood RV\Are you Happy with your dealer\Page #3



Back to Forum Subject: When I picked up the RL, it had the Carlyle HBA-CAM module installed from Redwood. It was next to the electric/hydraulic pump on the wall behind and above the batteries. My GMC integrated brake controller worked. I need to optimize the gain though...Edited by: 5th_Time

[KR2011]

They told me at the factory that they have resolved any issues with the built in controllers they should all work with no problems.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by KR2011

They told me at the factory that they have resolved any issues with the built in controllers they should all work with no problems.

Good deal!