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Anodized aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator lets you use your brake controller (sold separately) to activate your trailer's hydraulic brakes. Includes rust-resistant marine-grade gasket and stainless steel hardware. Vented plate releases heat.
Features:
Specs:
Note: Do not power wash the Hydrastar actuator or take it through a commercial car wash. High-pressure water may damage the seals on the actuator.
The Hydrastar electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake actuator applies pressure to your trailer's hydraulic brake system in response to the electrical signals sent from your in-cab brake controller. As a result, your trailer's hydraulic brakes will be activated every time you apply the brakes in your vehicle or press the manual override on your controller.
Pair the Hydrastar electric-over-hydraulic actuator with your trailer's disc brakes to get the best possible braking setup. With disc brakes, you already have more consistent braking at higher speeds and a shorter stopping distance than you'd get with drum brakes. In addition to more reliable braking, you also have less cost to maintain the brakes as there are fewer moving parts. Combine these benefits with an electric brake controller and you'll get greater control over your already superior brakes, providing you with the best braking performance.
Hydrastar Electric-Over-Hydraulic Actuator vs. Standard Surge Brake Actuators
With the Hydrastar electric-over-hydraulic actuator, you can get all the benefits of towing with an electric brake controller while using hydraulic brakes. Because this actuator will activate according to the settings you have chosen for your brake controller (sold separately), you will have more control over when and how your trailer brakes engage. Depending on the features of your brake controller, you may be able to control both the rate and intensity with which your trailer's brakes activate. You can also use the manual override on your brake controller, which allows you to engage the trailer brakes without having to apply the brakes in your vehicle. And perhaps most impressive, if you have a proportional brake controller, your brakes will be activated with an intensity that matches the braking speed and power of your rig.
This pump-and-motor-based system increases response time compared with traditional actuators because the trailer brakes are triggered when you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle, as opposed to when the trailer pushes against the hitch ball. This not only gives you faster, more efficient braking, but it also eliminates the pushing sensation that occurs in setups that use standard surge brake actuators.
Hydrastar actuators are also beneficial because, unlike standard surge couplers, they allow you to activate your brakes when reversing down an incline, such as a boat ramp. Having the ability to brake in reverse gives you more control and prevents wear on your tow vehicle.
Hydrastar Installation
This Hydrastar electric-over-hydraulic brake actuator will give you years of trailer-stopping performance. The actuator mounts on your trailer's frame with the included stainless steel hardware. Then it splices into the trailer's wiring and connects to your hydraulic brake lines from the 3/16" female port. Lines and fittings are sold separately.
Durable, Marine-Grade Construction
The Hydrastar Marine actuator is ideal for use on boat trailers. Just like other Hydrastar electric-over-hydraulic actuator models, this system is built of extruded anodized aluminum for superior corrosion resistance. The weathertight seals protect internal components from the elements. The Hydrastar Marine actuator also features marine-grade gaskets and stainless steel hardware that won't rust. These extra features make it perfect for marine applications.
This actuator also has a vented end plate that releases pressure, moisture, and heat to help prevent any internal damage. Unlike models that are unable to release heat and pressure, this vented actuator can be safely mounted inside of a compartment on your trailer. As a result, this actuator is great for gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers where finding space on the tongue can be nearly impossible.
Brake Controller Compatibility
Not all electric trailer brake controllers will work with this electric-over-hydraulic brake actuator. See the following table to determine compatibility with common models of brake controllers. For best performance, it is recommended that you use an aftermarket electric brake controller rather than an OEM factory-installed controller.
| Manufacturer | Vehicle Years/Controller Models | Compatible | Compatible if Used with HBA-CAM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | Ford | 2005-2006 | Yes | |
| 2007-2008 | No | Yes | ||
| 2009-2015 | Yes | |||
| Dodge | 2010-2015 | Yes | ||
| GMC/Chevy | 2007-2015 | No | Yes | |
| Brake Controllers | Draw-Tite | Activator (5100) | Yes | |
| Activator II (5500 or 5510) | Yes | |||
| Activator III (5520) | Yes | |||
| Activator IV (5504) | Yes | |||
| Hayes | Energize III (81741B) | Yes | ||
| Energize III+ (HA81742B) | Yes | |||
| Energize XPC (HA81745) | Yes | |||
| Engage (HA81760) | Yes | |||
| G2 Brake Boss (81792BB) | Yes | |||
| Syncronizer (HA81725) | Yes | |||
| Endeavor (81770) | Yes | |||
| Genesis (HA81790) | Yes | |||
| Blackbird (HA81726) | Yes | |||
| Hopkins | Impulse Digital (47325) | Yes | ||
| Insight (HM47297) | Yes | |||
| Brake Force (47225) | No | |||
| Reliance (47284) | No | |||
| Agility (47294 or 47295) | No | |||
| Maxbrake | Brake Controller | Yes | ||
| Redline | Redline TA900 | Yes | ||
| RedlineTA900A | No | |||
| RedlineTA1000 | No | |||
| RedlineTA1100 | No | |||
| RedlineTA1200 | No | |||
| Tekonsha | Prodigy (90185) | Yes | ||
| Prodigy P2 (90885) | Yes | |||
| Prodigy P3 (90195) | Yes | |||
| Primus IQ (TK90160) | No | |||
| PowerTrac (39523) | Yes | |||
| Voyager (39510 or 9030) | Yes | |||
| Valley | VA32812 Blackbird | Yes | ||
| VA32811 Phantom | Yes |
Average Customer Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars (42 Customer Reviews)
Anodized aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator lets you use your brake controller (sold separately) to activate your trailer's hydraulic brakes. Includes rust-resistant marine-grade gasket and stainless steel hardware. Vented plate releases heat.
Great brake actuator.
The reason I gave it only four stars is because the subject Hydrastar Actuator I purchased a year ago replaced the same actuator I installed 2.5 years prior as part of a complete uprade of our Airstream trailer with six disc brakes and the extensive hydraulic lines required to make this triple axle trailer work.
The previous Hydrastar Actuator worked for exactly 5,100 miles. It failed with out any warning during an extensive trip to California and then east to Texas! It simply quit internally. With the help of your company I called the manufacturer; in good modern-day unresponsive fashion I bounced into their voicemail. I realize it was six months beyond the two year warranty period. I did not expect a brand-new one from them. Rather my expectation was that would take mine in and diagnose and rebuild it on my dime or at their cost!? Since I never heard from them and I was planning to sell the trailer and wanted everything to work for the new owner I held my nose and bought the unit you are inquiring about now. I works as designed with about 20 miles on it. The trailer is still for sale as of this writing and will hopefully go to a new owner soon.
Best upgrade to our 5th wheel. I will do this to every trailer I ever own. Straightforward installation if you have basic mechanical knowledge experience.
I think this one might be the best design on the market. Slim profile makes it easier to tuck out of the way, and the performance is perfect. A very nice way to get away from the coupler actuator and the “clunking” when stopping/starting. Plus have brakes in reverse adds comfort at the boat ramp.
Best move I did was converting to hydraulic disc brakes on my 16,000 lb 5th wheel toy hauler. The stopping power and response is noticeably improved with no fade. along with upgrading to load range G tires, this trailer is a pleasure to tow behind my truck now even in heavy freeway traffic, no longer worried about running over a little car cutting me off. I would not own another heavy trailer without converting to disc brakes.
I'm impressed. I've pulled a number of trailers with surge brakes over the years and often wondered if they would really work when I needed them. There is no gussing any more with either of my vehicles.
This unit is installed on my boat trailer hauling a 17.5' aluminum runabout and is pulled at times by a small truck as well as an RV that is nearing it's max GCWR pulling the boat.
I chose the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 controller for the actuator and I'm able to easily swap it between vehicles. A great combo.
Great unit, compact size, install wasn’t tough at all, just time consuming since I wanted a clean install. Would have taken me a lot less time had I just thrown it up on top of the frame rail.
etrailer is great to deal with, with excellent product knowledge and shipping.
Recently converted the surge brakes to Electric over hydraulic on my Tri axle boat trailer.
I was not sure if I needed the adapter for the factory brake controller in my 17 Silverado to work with the Hydrastar marine EOH pump but with one quick question and fast response Etrailer set me straight which allowed for a smooth and simple install.
Although I have not had the opportunity to pull the trailer since the upgrade, I was surprised how small the surge coupler pump was compared to the Hydrastar pump and am looking forward to the faster response time and added control over trailer brakes that this EOH pump with give
Thank you etrailer
Sales person was polite knowledgeable and helpful.
I've had the Hydrastar system on my trailer now for over a year now with now issues. The brakes work much better than they did before. Easy installation and great service from etrailer
So on the last trailer I converted to hydraulic disc, I used the Titan kit with actuator. This trailer is a cargo trailer for work 14'X8' and not that heavy. I went with Kodiak discs and the Hydrastar actuator. I mounted it inside the trailer to protect it and keep it out of sight. It's so quiet but works flawlessly! Even with the door open, it's tough to hear, so for bleeding, I set up a remote switch to activate the system. It doesn't leak, has plenty of power, and is very smooth coupled with my factory Ford brake controller.. It's been a year, so long time reliability is a wait and see, but so far, I'm very happy.
Rich F.
7/25/2021
Perfectly. The Hydrastar actuator works great. A side note: If you live in a humid environment like I doFlorida, make sure to change the brake fluid every year or two as it does suck up water and get dirty.
Works perfectly for the application I’m doing.
Once I have it installed…I will update
Great help by Jamie to get correct controller for disc brakes !
Could not figure out why my brake fluid level was always low. No visible leaks until I noticed moisture at the vent near where the wires came out. Contacted HydraStar and within 5 minutes of submitting a pic of the serial number and receipt from etrailer I had a tracking number.
AWESOME product and AWESOME Customer support!!!!!!!
Ronald
8/12/2021
Works perfectly, quality US Made product. Have the same in my Mobile Suites for 6 years with zero issues!
My trailer's stock surge brakes worked pretty well but dragged the brakes driving down hills, did not work while backing down boat ramps, and provided no backup if my vehicle brakes failed... So I got this EOH system to solve those problems.
I only test-drove the finished upgrade once but it seemed to work fine. Note that in my 2018 Ram 1500 with integrated trailer brake control, I needed to set this up as "EOH heavy" even though my boat + trailer are under 6000 lbs.
I wanted a solid, clean install, so I had a bracket made and welded to the trailer out of harm's way and above the possible high water level, even though it's all theoretically waterproof.
Other considerations:
- I was able to re-route the stock steel brake line right to the brake unit.
- I had to buy a new 7 pin trailer harness to replace the stock 5 pin one. I made a conversion harness to go from the new wiring to the stock trailer wiring.
- I locked out the original surge system by replacing its guts (master cylinder, spring, etc) with a steel bar that goes between the front and rear pins.
- I hid the breakaway switch inside the tongue and ran the new breakaway cable where the original one went.
- I safety-wired the brake reservoir cap to prevent its loss or vandalism. It just didn't seem secure to me. Easy fix!
I think it looks good and seems to work well. I expect it will last many years. I gave it only 4 stars as the brakes have some lag (1/2 second?) before I can feel them working. I was led to believe the brakes would be instantaneous and I "would not feel the trailer" (possibly like the electric brakes on my other trailers) but it's not quite that perfect. But maybe I'm being picky! I'd choose this very system again.
My trailer did not have brakes and so I added disc brakes and the HydraStar Actuator. WOW does it work great! No crumby tongue activated brake. This is the best upgrade you could make replacing the clunkey tongue activated brake cylinder. Best money you will ever spend on the boat trailer! Oh by the way "Made In USA".
I bought the electric over hydraulic for my boat trailer so I could convert from surge brakes to using my electric brake controller. I have a large triple axle trailer that came from the factory with surge brakes. I like the security and adjustable control of an electric controller besides it is the law in certain places when reaching heavier weights... The Hydrastar brand was recommended to my by a friend who had had problems with a different brand and is happy with Hydrastar.
. etrailer has been my "go-to" for all of my boat trailer and car trailer needs for several years. Additionally I always refer my friends to etrailer and they always report back excellent results.
Since we have internet to help with our shopping, I always know I get a good price and quality from etrailer... aside from that the service is excellent as well. Everything I order always shows up on time and usually earlier than expected. What else can I say?
Oh and lets not forget the tech support... sometimes trailer stuff is foreign to me. They are always helpful.
Give em a Brake
BEST MONEY I'VE SPENT. TAKES A LITTLE GETTING USED TO AFTER SURGE BRKS. VERY SLIGHT DELAY, BUT THEN IT HOOKS UP GREAT. ALMOST GOT KILLED IN ATLANTA WITH SURGE BRK LAST YEAR SO THIS WAS A MUST HAVE. CUSTOMER SUPPORT AND SHIPPING WAS A "10" AS IS THE ACTUATOR!!
Easy to install, direct replacement for the one that failed on my PJ Trailer, has worked flawlessly for the last year 10/10
Had a Titan for 5 years that got moisture in the pump and failed. So far so good on the hydrostar. More compact than the Titan.
The brake actuator arrived on time and as advertised. Katie, who took my order was great to work with!
Install went smooth!!
Connie
8/23/2024
Still working great. Does the job we wanted it to do.
It was a pleasure doing business with y ’all
Bill
3/21/2024
good
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Frank
9/15/2024
Works great. Best improvement Ive made to the camper.