Changing Brakes from Hydraulic to Electric over Hydraulic on a Boat Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

There are 2 ways to actuate hydraulic brakes; by either using a surge brake actuator coupler or an electric over hydraulic actuator. A surge brake actuator coupler actuates the brakes by mechanically compressing the master cylinder inside the actuator and applying pressure to the brakes. An electric over hydraulic actuator does the same thing, except it uses the electrical pulse from a brake controller to tell the electric over hydraulic actuator pump when to apply the pressure.

If you already have hydraulic brakes, like part # K2R1058D11, installed on your boat trailer, then yes, with the help of an electric over hydraulic actuator, you will be able to apply your brakes using a brake controller.

The Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator that I recommend is part # HBA16 by HydraStar. The great thing about an electric over hydraulic actuator like the HydraStar is that you do not have to manually lock out your brakes when you are backing up. This particular actuator is vented and so it allows you to mount it anywhere where it can get air.

If you need a Breakaway kit and a 7-way wiring harness on your boat trailer, but if you do not, we have the part # HS381-9067 which gives you the actuator, a breakaway switch, and a junction box that leads to a 7-way.

If you do not have a brake controller already that is compatible with an electric over hydraulic brake system, the Prodigy P2, part # 90885, is an excellent option because of its ease of use. If you do not have the 7-way wiring harness at the back of your vehicle, just let me know what the year, make, and model is of your tow vehicle and I can help you find the equipment that you need.

Check out the demonstration videos that I linked to the answer as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

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