Converting Surge Brakes on a Tandem Axle Trailer to Electric Over Hydraulic

Question:

Hey, I have a Schaben Water trailer that has surge brakes on it. I dont like the brake system on it. I want to convert it into a electric over hydraulic system but am not sure what all I would need. The trailer will hold 1600 gallons of water so by the time you factor in the weight of the water plus the trailer its probably around 16,000 pounds. The brakes on it are drum brakes on two axles. Not sure what kit would be best for me. Also, I have heard that some systems dont work with chevy factor brake controllers. I have a 2009 chevy one ton that would be pulling it. Thank you for your time and advice

asked by: Bryant

Helpful Expert Reply:

I attached a help article that details everything that is required for adding electric over hydraulic brakes to a trailer.

Since you have brakes on your trailer currently you will be able to reuse the brake lines, but you will need to replace the hubs, brake assemblies, and actuator. The first key piece of info will be determining the spindle you have on your trailer currently so that we can build a setup for your trailer based on that. That is covered in the article I attached as well.

Factory brake controller just don't seem to work well with EOH setups so I would highly recommend you save your self the headache and just go ahead and get a P2 part # 90885 and wire it to the brake controller install wires that ran to the factory controller. I attached a help article for this as well.

For an actuator I really like the Hydrastar part # HBA16 as it seems to be the most reliable.

It is not mentioned in the help article I attached, but you will also need a breakaway kit like part # 50-85-315 so that your trailer will stop in the unlikely event of it getting disconnected.

expert reply by: Jameson C