Recommendation For Converting Drum Surge Brakes To An Electric Over Hydraulic Drum Set Up
Question:
Hello, I need help choosing the correct electric over hydraulic unit to set up on my boat trailer. Information is below. And I want the most reliable and functional unit Dexter or Hydra Star?? Would like it plug and play also. Also need a recommended hitch replacement for surge brake hitch now on trailer. Bolted on 6600# Tie Down. Truck 2017 Ford F350 Superduty Crew cab Has factory electric surge brake control that I want to use Trailer Tricker Trailer Tandem axel -with drum brakes 4 Boat weight 4400# Has 6600# surge brake actuator now. Thank you
asked by: Forrest R
Helpful Expert Reply:
Since you are going to be using this on a boat trailer, I definitely recommend HydraStar. Their actuators are built of extruded anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance, have weathertight seals protect internal components, and include marine-grade gaskets and stainless steel hardware, so they are designed for use with boat trailers.
With that being said, we do not have a plug and play kit available for drum brakes at the moment, but we do have a kit that includes everything you need. The HydraStar Kit # HS381-9066 includes the drum actuator, break away kit (with battery), 7 way connector, a junction box for easier wiring, 6 feet of wire loom, and all the mounting and wiring hardware. So other than the brake controller, brake lines, and actual brakes, it is a complete conversion kit. I also confirmed with HydraStar recently that the factory controllers in the 2017 model year Ford trucks has no issues with their actuators, so you 2017 F-350 is good to go.
The correct coupler replacement will depend on the width of the channel it will be attached to as well as the size of the ball you will be using. As an example, the Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler # DM13203-95 will fit a 3" wide channel and will clamp onto a 2-5/16" ball. This is rated up to 18,000 pounds, so it may be a little overkill. If you prefer to use a 2" ball, the # DM13689-95 will fit the same 3" wide channel and will be rated up to 10,000 pounds and will be a better fit for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 3" Channel - Bolt On - 18K
- Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Standard Coupler
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 18000 lbs GTW
- 3 Inch Channel
- Auto Latch
- Demco
more information >
Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 10,000 lbs
- Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Standard Coupler
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 3 Inch Channel
- Auto Latch
- Demco
more information >
Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,200 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- 1200 psi
- Drum Brakes
- Hydrastar
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - OEM - 1,600 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- 1600 psi
- Disc Brakes
- Hydrastar
more information >
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