Converting Hydraulic Brakes to Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes Pulled by 2012 Ram 1500

Question:

I have a tandem axle trailer that I use for a 24 foot pontoon boat. It has surge brakes and I would like to convert to electric over surge brakes. I pull the boat with a 2012 Ram 1500 that has a brake controller installed. What actuator do you recommend and what components do I need to buy to make the conversion? Thanks

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

For an electric over hydraulic actuator, I recommend a Cargo Towing Solutions HydraStar Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator. If you have disc brakes, you will want part # HBA16. For drum brakes, you will want # HBA-10.

If you have a factory brake controller in your 2012 Ram 1500, you will want the # HBA-CAM adapter for the HydraStar Brake Actuator. The actuator isn't compatible with the factory brake controller installed in 2010 and later Rams without the adapter. Both disk and drum brake style actuators will need this adapter. If you have an aftermarket brake controller, you will want to make sure it is compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes.

To connect your trailer wiring to your truck, you may need to upgrade to a 7-way Trailer Wire Connector, # H20046. This connector has a pre-wired 7-way blade trailer connector and lead that will allow you to run your wires to a junction box. If you only have a 4-pin or 5-pin connector on your boat, then the 7-way connector will be required to carry the extra circuits for the brake output and 12volt power.

For a junction box, I recommend Spectro Trailer Wiring Junction Box # 38656. This junction box will allow you to connect the 7-way connector to the actuator and trailer wiring. To make these connections, you will want 6 of these ring terminals # 44-5310A, and 6 # DW05702-1 ring terminals. A junction box allows you to easily change your trailer connector if necessary. Additionally, it helps to ease installation because it offers an easy way to connect multiple wires. It will also help to keep your trailer wire connections protected and from becoming a tangled mess. I have attached an installation video of this junction box for you.

Finally, you will also need a breakaway kit, the Tekonsha Push to Test Breakaway Kit with Premium Integrated Charger # 50-85-313. This breakaway kit has the necessary capacity to work with the HydraStar actuators.