Unsafe brake delay on 2021 310GK - what should I expect?

[DriverDon]

We took delivery of our Solitude 310GK the end of March this year. We had ordered the disc brake option, and Grand Design used the Dexter EOH actuator in our installation. We had compatibility issues between the Dexter actuator and our 2020 Chevy 3500HD integrated brake controller, and eventually installed an Hydrastar EOH adapter, which corrected that problem. However, once we got the trailer brakes working, we discovered an unacceptable 1.5 second delay between brake controller activation (even using the manual slider on the controller) and the trailer brake engagement. I discovered we were losing brake fluid, and the Blue Dog service technician confirmed we had a brake line leak in the underbelly. They addressed the leak, supposedly. However, when we picked up the trailer today, we found we still had a 1.5 second delay. So it''s back at Blue Dog.

I contacted GD. The representative I spoke to said he talked to their hydraulic brake specialist, and was told that a few seconds of delay is normal! I can't believe this is normal, but I'm hoping I can get some estimates from those of you who have disc brakes on your trailer. Can you help me out?

Thanks!

[RobM]

I have an older version of your setup. "Performance Trailer Braking" did the install in my driveway. The controller is a Dexter Brakerite EHB Actuator (formerly Titan). There was no compatibility issue with the OEM controller in the truck. There is no delay via the brake pedal, nor with manually actuating the brakes.
Even though you didn't get the brakes from them, if you called Performance, I bet they could maybe offer some advice if they had ever encountered your situation.
Good luck!
Rob

[Nogrey]

My understanding of the way trailer brakes work with your trucks controller is that when you step on the brake pedal, trailer brakes are applied first, albeit a fraction of a moment. This is designed to reduce jack knifing your rig. Something is definitely wrong with your brake system.

[DriverDon]

Thank you, Rob! And thanks for including the details of your install. I was beginning to think I was "tilting at windmills," since now both Blue Dog and GD have told me "a few seconds delay is normal." I believe the Titan actuator is a plunger, whereas the Dexter is a spinning pump, and it seems to me that might be more prone to delay.

[geotex1]

It is not a few seconds. The Dexter unit is 1 sec. I researched every pump on the market before making my decision. The real question is if after leak repair was the system fully bled? If not, your pump is fighting some air, which adds an apparent delay. Also, if the system went dry, the pump may be damaged. Anyway to tes4 drive with another tow vehicle?

[DriverDon]

It is not a few seconds. The Dexter unit is 1 sec. I researched every pump on the market before making my decision. The real question is if after leak repair was the system fully bled? If not, your pump is fighting some air, which adds an apparent delay. Also, if the system went dry, the pump may be damaged. Anyway to tes4 drive with another tow vehicle?

Thanks, Rob. I asked when we picked the trailer up whether or not the brakes had been bled after the repair, and they couldn't say they had with certainty. So, yes, that could be a factor.

After all your research, which actuator did you go with?

[Walaby]

Thanks, Rob. I asked when we picked the trailer up whether or not the brakes had been bled after the repair, and they couldn't say they had with certainty.

That's insane that they can't even say with certainty that the work was accomplished properly?

Holy cow. I sure wouldn't have confidence in anything they did.

Mike

[geotex1]

Thanks, Rob. I asked when we picked the trailer up whether or not the brakes had been bled after the repair, and they couldn't say they had with certainty. So, yes, that could be a factor.

After all your research, which actuator did you go with?

I'm incredulous! These systems are so simple to bleed how could they possibly be unsure unless they are totally inept and unqualified to work on such!!! Sheesh...

I chose the Titan Brakerite EHB Actuator, and Titan is now in the Dexter group (as is Kodiak).

[orbsah]

We had ordered the disc brake option, and Grand Design used the Dexter EOH actuator in our installation

Same set up here. When we towed it home for the first time, there was a noticeable and kind of unnerving delay on the trailer brakes. (Granted, I don't recall it being a full 1.5 seconds.) I checked on this forum and everyone said a slight delay is normal. I think I'm used to it now.

[DriverDon]

I have a follow-up question...

We have a progressive brake controller (the integrated 2020 GM controller) on our TV. My understanding was that the progressive control algorithm was only in play when you were braking using the TV's brake pedal, and that the manual slider on the brake controller applied an instantaneous brake control that solely reflected the amount to which you moved the slider (i.e., when you move the slider to it's farthest position, it immediately applies a full brake control signal to the trailer). Is this correct?

I ask because Blue Dog is telling me that when I use the manual slider, the controller still sends progressive brake control to the trailer, and that is a part of the brake delay I am experiencing. I have been arguing that the trailer brake delay should be minimized when I use the slider, and that in this mode, 1.5 seconds is too much.