Best Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Trailer

Question:

I am interested in a Hydraulic brake actuator to control the brakes on a custom trailer we are designing here at QinetiQ-na Inc. The trailer and payload weight is around 5000 lb and equipped with a two axle/ 4 Disc brake system. Each disc brake has a 2.6 in diameter piston. I was wondering what Brake actuator is best suited for this system. Are any of them far superior than the others. I was looking at the following actuators: Titan Brakerite Dexter cargo Towing solutions Hydrastar Are all the systems controlled by sending it a voltage which is proportional to and output psi? Looking forward to your response

asked by: Frank M

Expert Reply:

We prefer the Hydrastar Actuator part # HBA16 as it is the most reliable and works the best. This would be the best option for the trailer you are building.

You will need a brake controller installed in the tow vehicle that is compatible with this style of trailer brakes. The controller will put out a varying amount of voltage to the actuator which will then build the appropriate amount of braking pressure.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C