HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brake Actuator Installation - 2017 Keystone Montana Fifth Whe
HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brake Actuator Installation - 2020 Grand Design Momentum 5W T
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Anodized aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator lets you use your brake controller (sold separately) to activate your trailer's hydraulic disc brakes. Vented end plate releases heat. Hydraulic lines and breakaway sold separately.
Features:
Specs:
Note: Do not power wash the HydraStar actuator or take it through a commercial car wash. High-pressure water may damage the seals on the actuator.
The HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic trailer brake actuator applies pressure to your trailer's hydraulic brake system in response to the electrical signals sent from your in-cab brake controller. As a result, your trailer's hydraulic brakes will be activated every time you apply the brakes in your vehicle or press the manual override on your controller.
Pair the HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic actuator with your trailer's disc brakes to get the best possible braking setup. With disc brakes, you already have more consistent braking at higher speeds and a shorter stopping distance than you'd get with drum brakes. In addition to more reliable braking, you also have less cost to maintain the brakes as there are fewer moving parts. Combine these benefits with an electric brake controller and you'll get greater control over your already superior brakes, providing you with the best braking performance.
HydraStar Electric-Over-Hydraulic Actuator vs. Standard Surge Brake Actuators
With the HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic actuator, you can get all the benefits of towing with an electric brake controller while using hydraulic brakes. Because this actuator will activate according to the settings you have chosen for your brake controller (sold separately), you will have more control over when and how your trailer brakes engage. Depending on the features of your brake controller, you may be able to control both the rate and intensity with which your trailer's brakes activate. You can also use the manual override on your brake controller, which allows you to engage the trailer brakes without having to apply the brakes in your vehicle. And perhaps most impressive, if you have a proportional brake controller, your brakes will be activated with an intensity that matches the braking speed and power of your rig.
This pump-and-motor-based system increases response time compared with traditional actuators because the trailer brakes are triggered when you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle, as opposed to when the trailer pushes against the hitch ball. This not only gives you faster, more efficient braking, but it also eliminates the pushing sensation that occurs in setups that use standard surge brake actuators.
HydraStar actuators are also beneficial because, unlike standard surge couplers, they allow you to activate your brakes when reversing down an incline, such as a boat ramp. Having the ability to brake in reverse gives you more control and prevents wear on your tow vehicle.
HydraStar Installation
This HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic brake actuator will give you years of trailer-stopping performance. The actuator mounts on your trailer's frame with the included hardware. Then it splices into the trailer's wiring and connects to your hydraulic brake lines from the 3/16" female port. Lines and fittings are sold separately.
Durable Construction
Just like other HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic actuator models, this system is built of extruded anodized aluminum for excellent corrosion resistance. In addition, the weathertight seals protect internal components from the elements.
This actuator also has a vented end plate that releases pressure, moisture, and heat to help prevent any internal damage. Unlike models that are unable to release heat and pressure, this vented actuator can be safely mounted inside of a compartment on your trailer. As a result, this actuator is great for gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers where finding space on the tongue can be nearly impossible.
Brake Controller Compatibility
Not all electric trailer brake controllers will work with this electric-over-hydraulic brake actuator. See the following table to determine compatibility with common models of brake controllers. For best performance, it is recommended that you use an aftermarket electric brake controller rather than an OEM factory-installed controller.
| Manufacturer | Vehicle Years/Controller Models | Compatible | Compatible if Used with HBA-CAM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles | Ford | 2005-2006 | Yes | |
| 2007-2008 | No | Yes | ||
| 2009-2015 | Yes | |||
| Dodge | 2010-2015 | Yes | ||
| GMC/Chevy | 2007-2015 | No | Yes | |
| Brake Controllers | Draw-Tite | Activator (5100) | Yes | |
| Activator II (5500 or 5510) | Yes | |||
| Activator III (5520) | Yes | |||
| Activator IV (5504) | Yes | |||
| Hayes | Energize III (81741B) | Yes | ||
| Energize III+ (HA81742B) | Yes | |||
| Energize XPC (HA81745) | Yes | |||
| Engage (HA81760) | Yes | |||
| G2 Brake Boss (81792BB) | Yes | |||
| Syncronizer (HA81725) | Yes | |||
| Endeavor (81770) | Yes | |||
| Genesis (HA81790) | Yes | |||
| Blackbird (HA81726) | Yes | |||
| Hopkins | Impulse Digital (47325) | Yes | ||
| Insight (HM47297) | Yes | |||
| Brake Force (47225) | No | |||
| Reliance (47284) | No | |||
| Agility (47294 or 47295) | No | |||
| Maxbrake | Brake Controller | Yes | ||
| Redline | Redline TA900 | Yes | ||
| RedlineTA900A | No | |||
| RedlineTA1000 | No | |||
| RedlineTA1100 | No | |||
| RedlineTA1200 | No | |||
| Tekonsha | Prodigy (90185) | Yes | ||
| Prodigy P2 (90885) | Yes | |||
| Prodigy P3 (90195) | Yes | |||
| Primus IQ (TK90160) | No | |||
| PowerTrac (39523) | Yes | |||
| Voyager (39510 or 9030) | Yes | |||
| Valley | VA32812 Blackbird | Yes | ||
| VA32811 Phantom | Yes |
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (93 Customer Reviews)
Anodized aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator lets you use your brake controller (sold separately) to activate your trailer's hydraulic disc brakes. Vented end plate releases heat. Hydraulic lines and breakaway sold separately.I have a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel, towing a 2017 Pinnacle 36FBTS 5th. wheel. The Pinnacle has a standard drum braking system. On a long trip this year I cracked both rotors on my truck from over heating related to the Pinnacle's drum brakes failing to fully provide proper stopping. I decided no more, and after much review I replaced the factory drum brakes with the Kodiak Discbrake system. (my first time ever doing something like this) In addition, one of the key items for me was a way not to replace my on-board factory trailer brake controller, (did not want to use an aftermarket product, that would diminish the interior look ) thus I also added the control Adapter Module that enabled me to use the factory installed brake controller. With all this change I decided to also go ahead and add a separate brake away battery. Everything I just described are shown in the attached photos. I found eTrailer extremely helpful in answering questions, although I did not have a lot of questions since their online videos proved most helpful. All parts of the Kodiak system worked fantastic following a 2500 mile trip. The improved braking is superior, and I did not need to replace my on board controller, but continued to use it by installing the control adapter. The disc brake picture is one of the disc brakes that I examined following our trip...all in perfect shape with everything working great for the entire trip.
Morris G - 07/26/2021Ordered the HBA16 to install on 2013 Dutchmen Rubicon 2900 TH with 7K Lippert axles, feeding the Kodiak Disc Brakes also purchased from etrailer. Unit was received with out any problems, installed and worked as advertised. The only real issue I had was prior to the order finding out for sure if this Actuator would work on my 2014 F-350 with or without the HBA-CAM. Once I received the HBA-16 the documents that came with it from Cargo Towing solutions provided me with another resource to verify what my truck would need. I contacted Nick Ruehlman with Cargo Towing Solutions and he assured me the HBA16 would work on 2014 F-350's with built in controller without the HBA-CAM. Installation was done by a brake tech and went in without any problems. etrailer customer support was very helpful in completing this project. Brakes are outstanding now that the electric's disc's are out.
LarryD - 09/15/2015
I've been using this brake controller with a disc brake conversion I got from Kodiak Trailer Brakes for about a year and the results have been fantastic. Prior to doing the disk conversion, I'd been through about 3 sets of the old electric drum brakes on my 18,000 lb. dual axle toy hauler and I'll never use drums again. The stopping distance is noticeably shorter and I anticipate the maintenance to be super simple since they are discs. The electric controller takes some getting used to since there's about a 1-1.5 second delay between hitting the pedal and the brakes engaging. That can be a little unnerving until you get used to the fact that when the brakes come on, the REALLY come on. After owning my toy hauler for ~10 years, this is easily the most important modification I've done. I will be stripping off brand new drum brakes on my next trailer and replacing them with discs before even the first trip.
I have been towing 5th wheel trailers since 1992 with electric drum brakes and finally switched to electric/hydralic brakes after I don't know how many close calls while towing loads. I wish I would have done it a lot sooner, I cannot believe the braking ability I hope never to own anything else. Great customer care during the process.
It was the best upgrade for a new brake system I was replacing the old electric brake!
Couldn't be happier with this brake system along with my Kodiak disc brakes. System works perfect.
Eddie - 07/01/2019This is a solid well built unit. Great screen makes it really easy to read. Lots of configuration options to tune it just the way you like it. Comes with extra parts for various mounting uptiond. I purchased a wiring harness specifically for my vehicle to make things nice and easy. Love this controller.
I have put three on these on different trailers and they work great!! They install easily and stop on a dime!! I highly recommend the purchase of the optional HBA-CAM. All the newer trucks can be a little tempromental with the intergrated brake control box. I have an "09" GMC 3500HD
Laura E - 05/31/2017High quality product that is far superior to an all-electric braking system. Provides peace of mind while trailering my boat trailer.
I just received eoh trailer brake actuator. I will be installing it soon on my triaxle boat trailer, packaging is in good condition, so the actuator should work as intended. Service is outstanding as usual, shipping was excellent. If the Canadian dollar was i stronger i would certainly make more purchases from E-trailer. Thank you
Michael - 05/09/2020product showed up on time in working order, but was aesthetically damaged, the mounting tabs were bent and scratched ,it wasn't during shipping because the box was undamaged , so i would return it as its going on a 75k $ dollar polo trailer but my customer needs it asap the free shipping was nice , but would have gladly paid more for an undamaged actuator.
David - 04/22/2020Kodiak disk brakes on a 95 EBY stock trailer. Made a real trailer out of it... JK...
The HydraStar unit worked fine, easy to install and hook up. I hauled several 10 ton loads of hay with no problems, after replacing a brake controller that was defective, I got another controller that was supposed to be compatible with electric/hydraulic brakes but wasn't, a newer one of the same model was compatible. E-Trailer lived up to their slogan, great products,low prices and they have good service too.
Very well assembled and top quality. Not excessive in size and fits easily in trailer. Extremely easy hookup and straight forward to do using instructions. Wired into existing break away and 12v RV battery'
Albert - 04/06/2020I changed out my electric drum brakes on my Montana fifth wheel with this hydraulic brake actuator and Kodiak discs rotor system . What a difference this new brake system has made. I can now lock down the trailer tires if needed and drive much more relaxed on the highway knowing I can stop on a dime.
Replaced an original Hydrastar with a new one. Works great on my 28 ft triaxle boat trailer with disk brakes.
I have taken a trip from Mich to the black hills and back. Put around 3000 mi. On the fifth wheel since I converted it to hydraulic brakes. The hydrastar actuator worked great as well as th he kodiak brakes. I wish I would have converted it long before now. Hydrastar and Kodiak is the only way to go
I purchased the HydraStar Electric over hydraulic actuator for disc brakes. I have been very happy with this purchase. Product arrived very quickly . Instructions were clear and installation went smoothly. Brake system is working great for me on my equipment trailer.
Billy K - 08/28/2018I had them set me up with everything I needed for the trailer and it worked out perfectly. Look up what exactly as shown in their videos and works great. I wish I had done this years ago in my trailer. Fantastic product and great service
I've towed my boat over 4000 miles this year and the electric over oil brakes have performed better than anticipated. The safety and control that I have with this system could not be better.
I was amazed at the excellent and quick responses I got from the team at trailer. I was spending a significant amount of money and have some good brake (ASE) credentials although I have been retired for years I was a little apprehensive at making the change. Bottom line is the conversion from RV electric brakes to electric over hydraulic disk brakes went well and it works as I had hoped. Thanks to all who helped me.
Roger F - 11/29/2017Item shipped from factory with broken cap. Montrell worked quickly with the manufacturer to deliver a replacement cap. Excellent customer service. Thanks Montrell!
This actuator along with the Kodiak disc brake kit has improved the stopping function and shortened the distance substantially.
I recently ordered a complete hydraulic disc brake kit for my horse trailer, as I wanted to change out the worn out electric drum brakes with something better. I worked with Carla on getting all of the right parts to make this changeover. She was very helpful and made sure that I got all of the necessary parts on order. I received everything in one shipment and set out to install the brake kits on all four wheels. I ran into a problem with the brake line kit that was supplied by HydraStar...they didn't include the brake lines and fittings for the second axle as was specified in my order, so I had to make a special run to my local auto parts house to get the lines and fitting at an additional cost. I placed a call to eTrailer to let them know what happened and they said that they would have a tech from HydraStar give me a call. NEVER GOT A CALL FROM THEM!!!!!! Anyway, the installation proceeded and all went smoothly after that. It took me two and a half days to do this entire installation myself and I am very happy with the results. I just got back from a 2000 mile trip with the trailer and everything worked perfectly. Thank you Carla and eTrailer for your help and providing good quality products.
The Kodiac Disk brakes teamed with the Hydrastar Actuator should be a must for those towing with a concern for safety. The stopping distance is amazing compared to the standard electric surge braking systems. The initial cost outlay will pay for itself if it prevents an accident where deductibles are involved and the downtime. The complete installation of the system was actually quite easy if you are mechanically inclined and set aside the time to do it properly.
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