Switching Over a Triple Axle Gooseneck Trailer from Electric to Hydraulic Trailer Brakes
Question:
3 axle gooseneck flatbed- brakes on all axles-can I switch to hydraulic brakes- heard hyd. is better than elec.
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
Yes, you should be able to switch your triple axle gooseneck trailer over to hydraulic drum brakes from the existing electric brakes. You would need to select the proper hydraulic brake assemblies by axle capacity and brake mounting flange pattern, then add brake lines to the trailer and install an electric over hydraulic actuator on the trailer. You will also need an electric brake controller that is compatible with electric over hydraulic units. Your existing brake hubs should work with the new hydraulic assemblies as long as they are the same diameter and width as the hydraulic assemblies for your axles and are in good working condition.
If you have 5,200 lb Dexter axles with a 5 bolt brake mounting flange, you can use 3 of the 12 inch by 2 inch brake assemblies you referred to, # 23-325, for the right side and 3 of the # 23-324 brake assemblies for the left side.
For brake lines, you would need a Tandem Axle Hydraulic Line Kit, # T4830000, and a 3rd Axle Hydraulic Line Kit, # 9579-01. You may need some additional brake line, see link, depending on where you mount the actuator on your gooseneck trailer.
For an electric over hydraulic unit, you could use the Titan BrakeRite I Plug and Play Electric-Hydraulic Actuator Kit, # T4813102 with a reducer # T4844100 for your drum brakes. This actuator will mount at the front of the trailer and works with an electric brake controller that is compatible with electric over hydraulic brake actuators. If your brake controller is not compatible, you can use the Tekonsha P3 brake controller, # 90195, with the BrakeRite actuator.
![Bob G](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/287_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Uni-Servo - 12" - Left Hand - 5,200 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- LH
- 5200 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Single Servo
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Hydraulic Line Kit, 3rd Axle - Drum and Disc
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Brake Lines
- Steel Line and Flexible Hose
- Brake Line Kits
- Third Axle
- Redline
more information >
Dexter BrakeRite II Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit - Vented - 1,500 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Hydraulic Brake Lines and Fittings for Tandem-Axle, Torsion-Axle Trailers
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- 18 Feet Long
- Brake Lines
- Steel Line and Flexible Hose
- Brake Line Kits
- Tandem Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Uni-Servo - 12" - Right Hand - 5,200 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- RH
- 5200 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Single Servo
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Replacement Hub for a UFP H-1377 on a 2004 Tahoe Boat Trailer
- Q&A: How to Pick Out Replacement Hub for UFP Hub Marked H-1377 A4E
- Q&A: Recommended Hub And Drum And Brakes For Tri-Axle Gooseneck Trailer With 7,000 Axles
- Q&A: Installing Aftermarket Brake Controller on a 2012 GMC Sierra 3500 with ITBC
- Q&A: Bearing Kit for Load Rite Boat Trailer with TDE Hub 46845
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Intermittent Trailer Disconnected Message with Factory Brake Controller on Ford
- Q&A: Replacement for Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch