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NHTSA ID Number: 10176010
Manufacturer Communication Number: pb421
Summary
Dexter DX Series Electric/Hydraulic Actuator Improvements Product Bulletin
1 Affected Product
Equipment
| BRAND | PART NO. | PRODUCTION DATES |
| DEXTER AXLE CO | DEXTER AXLE CO | |
Date: May 18, 2020
Subject: Dexter DX Series Electric/Hydraulic Actuator Improvements
Dexter is pleased to introduce new features and performance improvements to the Dexter DX Series Electric/Hydraulic actuators K71-650-00 and K71-651-00.
- Control boards are now completely solid-state with no mechanical relays. Solid-state relays are more reliable than mechanical relays, which wear out over time and are more susceptible to vibration fatigue.
- In addition to making the product more rugged, improved electronics protect the DX Series Actuator from low power, too much power, and electrical shorts.
Additionally, there are some best practices Dexter recommends to get the best performance out of the DX Series Actuator. These include:
- A clean power source, such as a battery, is required when testing the unit. DO NOT connect a battery charger or power inverter directly to the DX Series Actuator. Refer to pages 6 and 7 of the DX Series Actuator Service Manual (LIT-608-00) for breakaway battery maintenance in addition to the breakaway testing procedure below. The Service Manual is available on dexteraxle.com/ resources/manuals.
- Please refer to the chart below for the recommended distance for the brake wire from the 7-way plug to DX Series Actuator.
| 7-way-to-DX Series EH actuator (Distance in feet) | Required minimum wire size |
| 5’ or less | 12 AWG |
| 5’ to 15’ | 10 AWG |
| 15’ to 25’ | 8 AWG |
- Only use inertia sensing brake controllers with the DX Series Actuators. The DX Series Actuator is not compatible with Tekonsha® Voyager® brake controller or any time delay brake controllers.
Breakaway Testing Procedure for TCV and TCB prefix serial numbers:
Part numbers affected are K71-650-00 and K71-651-00 and the serial numbers begin with TCV and TCB. The image below shows where the serial number on the DX Series Actuator can be located.
1. With a voltage meter, check that the battery is producing proper voltage. The voltage range should be 13.5V to 13.8V (see breakaway battery label picture below).
2. While measuring the voltage at the actuator on the white and yellow wires, pull breakaway switch. If voltage drops more than 1.5 volts, the battery is low and must be charged. If, after charging the battery, the voltage still drops more than 1.5 volts, then the battery needs to be replaced.
3. If voltage drop is less than 1.5 volts and breakaway doesn’t function, the wiring should be checked ensuring proper gauge wire is used and all connections are secure.
4. If wiring is the proper gauge and the battery drop is less than 1.5 volts when breakaway is pulled, replace the actuator with new one.
Electrical Installation Requirements
Requires an Electric Brake Controller – The DX Series Actuator is intended to be used with an electric brake controller in the tow vehicle. The unit will operate with a wide variety of controllers but provides optimum performance when used with a Dexter electric brake controller. The electric brake controller must have an output capacity of at least 5 amps for proper operation of the DX Series Actuator. Although compatible, time based brake controllers are not recommended. Use only inertia sensing brake controllers with the DX Series Actuators such as the Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller. The DX Series Actuator is not compatible with Tekonsha®’s Voyager® brake controller or any time delay brake controllers.
| CAUTION |
| It is the responsibility of the end user to ensure that their electric brake controller is compatible with the DX Series Actuator. Dexter attempts to provide compatibility with most controllers available, but is unable to anticipate design changes that might be introduced by the various controller manufacturers. |
Electrical Connections – Make sure all electrical connections are clean, dry, weather tight, and secure to prevent damage to the wiring from dragging or becoming entangled with foreign objects. A dedicated ground connection between the tow vehicle and trailer is also required. Breakaway Battery Requirement – To comply with federal requirements, the trailer must be equipped with a breakaway switch and battery. The breakaway battery needs to have a minimum capacity of 9 amp hours and needs to be maintained in a fully charged condition at all times. The breakaway battery should be checked for proper charge level before every use.
Charging the Breakaway Battery – The breakaway battery must be kept fully charged at all times in order to function properly. Use only those breakaway battery kits that include a charging device. Do not attempt to charge the breakaway battery directly from the tow vehicle without the appropriate charging device.
Test Electrical Operation
- Attach the trailer to the towing vehicle. Do not connect trailer plug to tow vehicle until step #2 is completed.
- Pull the breakaway switch. The DX Series Actuator should run. If the unit does not run, check breakaway battery condition and system wiring. Reset the breakaway switch, which will turn the unit off. Note: When the unit is running, the motor will generate a “hum” that changes pitch as the unit builds pressure. This is normal.
- Connect trailer plug to tow vehicle.
- Turn the ignition switch on and turn the electric brake controller on. Inertia type controllers will often require the vehicle to be moving in order for the DX Series Actuator to come on by means of the brake pedal. If the unit does not run, check system wiring.
- Apply the controller manual slide. The DX Series Actuator should run and brake lights come on.
| CAUTION |
| Testing the DX Series Actuator confirms that it is operating. It DOES NOT confirm that the brakes are operating properly. Regular inspection, adjustment, and maintenance of the brakes, lines, hoses, drums, discs, fluid, and other associated components is necessary to ensure proper brake operation. |
- Some brake controllers will not produce a high enough signal voltage to actuate the trailer brakes when the vehicle is at a standstill. Minimal trailer brake force is produced when the controller voltage output to the DX Series Actuator is at least 3 VDC. Maximum trailer brake force is achieved at 12 VDC on the actuator blue wire.
- When the tow vehicle brakes are released, the unit may continue to run for a few seconds.
1 Associated Document
Manufacturer Communications
PRODUCT BULLETIN #421
https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10176010
MC-10176010-0001.pdf 786.724KB
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- Utilizes Plug-N-Play port for 2-plug adapters.Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Self-diagnostics features will illuminate LED readout when issues occur
- Requires T-connector to connect to vehicle (sold separately)
- Works proportionally in reverse
- Snap-in dash mounting clip and hardware included
- A distinct, easy-to-read LCD display with multiple screen color options..Fit Type: Universal Fit
- Up-Front controls provide easy access to all P3 features.
- Easy to understand diagnostics show output current, battery, brake, and output voltage.
- A flashing red warning system alerts user to No Trailer Brake situations.
- Select Electric over Hydraulic or Electric trailer brake mode.
- PROPORTIONAL ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER: Provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate at which you apply your tow vehicle’s brakes, thanks to an internal inertia sensor. This makes the Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN brake controller ideal in any braking situation
- EASILY INSTALL THANKS TO PLUG & PLAY: The BRAKE-EVN trailer brake controller has a Plug & Play port for two plug adapters and a removeable electrical connector so the unit can be easily unplugged
- EASY-TO-READ LED DISPLAY: Digital LED display shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts
- MANUAL BRAKING AVAILABLE: If you ever need to manually apply the brakes, simply move the manual control lever to the left. The BRAKE-EVN will apply power to your trailer’s brakes up to the amount of power previously set
- VERSATILE: The BRAKE-EVN electric brake controller is compatible with a wide range of vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more with 2, 4, 6, and 8 brakes (1-4 axles). Vehicle-specific Tekonsha Plug & Play brake controller wiring harness sold separately
- PORTABLE. The Echo trailer brake controller has a non-invasive install and is easily transferrable from one vehicle to another. It plugs into any 7-way connector, wirelessly links to your smartphone using Bluetooth
- SMARTPHONE-READY. The Echo brake controller wirelessly syncs with your Apple or Android phone, turning it into a brake controller interface with the Smart Control app (Warning: Avoid distracted driving. Only make adjustments when vehicle is stationary). Note: If Bluetooth connection is lost, the brake controller will continue to function safely, using the most recently programmed settings
- ZERO-TOOL INSTALL. Installing this trailer brake controller is as easy as plugging in a 7-way trailer wiring connector. It requires no tools, no extra wires and no hardware. A locking tab and strap keep it firmly connected. NOTE: Strap stored inside cap
- HIGHLY RESPONSIVE. Echo uses a triple-axis accelerometer to provide smooth, safe braking. It maintains responsive braking, even when your phone screen is locked, receives incoming calls or if the Bluetooth connection is lost
- VERSATILE. This electronic trailer brake controller easily transfers between vehicles and trailers and works on virtually any trailer with 1 to 2 axles (2 to 4 brakes). It is also fully compatible with cruise control, anti-lock brakes, low-voltage systems
- Rugged reliability meets everyday ease-of-use
- Perfect factory look with no more knee knocking
- Take full control when hauling
- Easy to install brake controller
- Time-based braking
- Mounts at any angle
- Percentage of braking power shown
- Plug-In Simple! wiring kit
- Intuitive vertical manual slide
- PROFESSIONAL TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER: We all know that brake controller is important for safe towing. The Briidea professional-grade brake controller provides you with the peace of mind to safely tow your trailer, without any concerns about braking. This greatly reduces the risk of accidents and damage to your vehicle
- TIME-DELAY TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER: Our time delay brake controller can activate the trailer brake by applying varying power within a set period of time, when the brake is activated, the LED display shows the gain setting at a glance to ensure your driving safety
- SAFETY PROTECTION & EASY TO USE: Our trailer brake controllers has advanced overcurrent protection, short circuit protection and fault detection for your road safety. With LED display, real-time display of your current Settings, output voltage and fault diagnosis, so that you can solve problems in a timely manner. Simple operation, just by adjusting the button or toggle the emergency manual switch can meet your traction needs
- EASY INSTALLATION: Including a mounting bracket and other accessories that can be installed in any position at any angle. Warm tips: it is recommended to place it under the dashboard to avoid the brake controller blocking your view while driving, allowing you to operate and monitor the activity of the trailer brake from the cab
- COMPATIBILITY: The trailer brake controller kit is compatible with any vehicle now your driving, designed to operate 1 to 4 braked axles (2- 8 brakes), ideal for light duty towing and Occasional towing, etc
- The award winning REDARC Tow-Pr is the first of its kind to offer two types of braking in the one unit. The Tow-Pro Elite electric brake controller uses both proportional and user-controlled mode, and features Active Calibration.
- With proportional mode inertia sensing for highway commutes, you can ensure your electric trailer brake controller will initiate safe, controlled braking when the time arises.
- The REDARC Tow-Pro Electric Brake Controllers are designed to suit most common trailer braking applications. Our sleek innovative designs also require minimal dash space and are simple to install and operate.
- Additionally, the REDARC Tow-Pro Classic Electric Brake Controller offers a single user-controlled mode of trailer braking. Simply adjust the required force your towed vehicle requires with the turn of a control knob when ever needed.
- 【Intelligent braking】Proportional controllers are the safest and most responsive braking system you can install.Proportional trailer brake controllers automatically sense when your tow vehicle slows down or stops. This type of brake controller will replicate your own braking intensity for your trailer's brakes — whether you slow to a gradual stop or have to slam on your brakes.
- 【Easy to display】LED Digital display screens show the voltage delivery going from the brake controller to the trailer's brakes. Easy to read, easy to observe vehicle conditions in real time.In case of emergencies, make adjustments in time.
- 【Safer and more stable】Fits 1 to 4 axle (2 to 8 brakes) trailers to deliver a signal from your vehicle's brakes to your trailer,both quantity of braking power (result) and rate of the program (sync) can be adjusted to fit your inclination, the street conditions, and kind of trailer,increase the safety of driving.Requires no leveling.
- 【Quick installation and use】Wiring ports are available for vehicle-specific brake controller harnesses and provide a quick connection between the controller and the towing vehicle for quick and easy installation or removal.
- 【4 Wiring & Controls】BLACK-Vehicle Power, RED-Stop Light, WHITE-Vehicle Ground, BLUE-Trailer Brakes.
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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