The Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes brings responsive, controlled braking with a maximum output pressure of 1,200 psi. Instead of waiting for the trailer to push against the hitch like with surge systems, this actuator reacts instantly when you press the brake pedal. The electronic, proportional pressure valve smoothly matches braking force to input from your controller. That means no more jerking or lag—just solid, confident stops every time.
Corrosion and saltwater don’t stand a chance against its anodized aluminum body and stainless steel hardware. The marine-grade gasket keeps water out, and weathertight seals protect the internal components. This durable construction makes it ideal for boat trailers or any system that sees wet or humid environments. Even after long use, the actuator keeps performing without rust or pitting.
The vented plate releases heat, moisture, and internal pressure so the system can handle heavy braking without overheating. That venting allows installation in enclosed spaces where other actuators might struggle to keep cool. Even when mounted inside a compartment, it maintains consistent operation while protecting internal parts from damage caused by trapped heat or moisture.
Bleeding air from hydraulic lines can be frustrating, but this actuator makes it simple. The built-in bleeder screw lets you flush air from the lines easily during setup or service. That small feature helps keep braking performance smooth and reliable with less effort and downtime.
Designed for single-, tandem-, or triple-axle trailers (8,000 lbs or larger) with drum brakes, this 12V DC actuator connects through a 3/16" hydraulic port and uses straightforward wiring—black for power, blue for brake controller, yellow for breakaway, white for ground. It’s compatible with any standard 5-amp-hour breakaway kit (sold separately), giving you flexibility in how you wire and integrate it into your trailer’s system.
| 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)<|vq_image_10965|><|vq_image_15892|>-y...
381-8066 Cargo Towing Solutions (formerly Carlisle) Hydra Star Marine Grade Electric-Hydraulic (EOH) Actuator - 1200 psi - Model MHBA-12Customer Satisfaction Score: 98% were satisfied with this product 2% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews 4.831 reviews
by:
Pat
06/15/2019
I installed it in just a few hours, and set it to the most aggressive setting. My wife and I have wanted one for a few years after a few close calls pulling our boat. Well, weirdly enough, this product paid for itself in the first week. A car pulled out right in front of us on a highway. I was able to avoid the crash, that if this product was not on, we would have hit. Pulling a 10 thousand lb boat, one just cannot stop on a dime doing 60 mph. The next week on the way home from the lake, a moose stepped out onto the highway, once again, was able to stop! My wife is happy as we had a few close calls and she was very happy and it was money well spent. Wished we had bought it sooner.
by:
Gary
07/30/2019
I ordered the brake controller yesterday I already have it today so it was here in one day quick service I don’t have time to put it on right now but when I do I hope to let you know how it works thank you . I Purchased a titan brake controller probably five years ago and it on a cattle trailer so I didn’t use it a whole lot and the motor went out on it very quick so I was disappointed in that brand and I thought I’d try this hydrastar system hope I have better luck with it . Thanks
by:
Terry
01/11/2018
Great reliable product. It handles my 12,000 lb. boat and trailer on wet or dry roads.
by:
TODD C.
09/18/2019
etrailer as always has what I need, ships fast, and product is "as advertised"!
A pleasure to talk to the tech's when I have questions and even go as far as calling manufacturer to verify equipment selections. Keep up the GREAT work.
by:
Martin
06/22/2020
Unit work’s very well and was easy to install .I am looking forward to a wonderful safe trip pulling my 12,000 lb boat 600 miles north to San Juan Islands and British Columbia.
by:
Mark
09/06/2023
Had a problem with first shipment , was resolved promptly
by:
Brett
05/20/2024
Melisa was very helpful on the phone and promptly shipped my parts. Appreciate it very much.
by:
Denny
01/31/2024
by:
Josh
04/05/2019
GREAT PRODUCT
by:
Brad
01/26/2021
by:
Chuck
01/17/2025
by:
Christopher
04/13/2021
by:
Pavels
05/19/2023
by:
David Booth
08/19/2025
There was a problem with the shipping, not etrailer’s fault at all. I called etrailer and talked to one of their representatives who was very helpful and resolved the issue and followed up with me. Couldn’t ask for better service and product.
by:
Luther
11/24/2025
Unit works well. Packaging was good and well protected. Came with instructions that were illustrated and well written.
by:
Allen S
07/27/2020
Substituted the Hydrastar unit for the surge brake actuator on my military surplus trailer. Works like a champ!
by:
Vu
09/10/2023
It working good on my M105A2 Military trailer. Thanks etrailer.
by:
jim
10/12/2017
a very nice woman took my order ...she said it would ship in x business days ....i said never mind that put down the phone and run and ship my order ..she laughed and said they didn't let her into the warehouse...however if she didn't pack it up herself immediately, someone else did ..i had it way before i expected it ...hydreastar product ..1sr one lasted about ten years of almost 5 days a week use on an equipment trailer ..i expect to get same service from this one ...
by:
Beau
04/24/2020
Item arrived earlier than expected. Installation was easy. And now my trailer brakes work again.
by:
Richard
09/14/2022
Shipping box was ripped, should of had more packing material, fortunately everything was still in the box.
by:
James M
05/08/2019
Easy install, works great. Installed a whole EOH system with this unit at the core. Excellent.
by:
Rock
08/22/2023
Well built unit that works well .
by:
Jr
09/01/2022
It looks very promising. Arrived early and in excellent condition. We will see how it holds up
by:
Humberto
07/08/2026
by:
David
12/09/2025
25
31
true
Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Hydrastar Brake Actuator
Do you have a question about this Brake Actuator? Info for this part was: ![]() Installed by: Jeff D ![]() Expert Research: Jameson C ![]() Edited by: Leah S ![]() Updated by: Wilson B ![]() Updated by: Manda E ![]() Written by: Amanda M At etrailer we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions. |
Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.
Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.