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Vented, marine-grade aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator lets you use your brake controller (sold separately) to activate your trailer's hydraulic disc brakes. Includes wiring, 7-way harness, and breakaway. Brake lines 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 stainless steel hardware. The included 7-pole junction box with color-coded studs makes it simple to splice into your trailer's wiring and to connect the provided 7-way trailer connector. Once the actuator is correctly wired, you can connect your trailer's hydraulic brake lines to the 3/16" female port. Lines and fittings are sold separately.
Durable, Marine-Grade Construction
The HydraStar Marine actuator is ideal for use on boat trailers. Just like other HydraStar electric-over-hydraulic actuator models, this system is built of extruded anodized aluminum for superior corrosion resistance. The weathertight seals protect internal components from the elements. The HydraStar Marine actuator also features marine-grade gaskets and stainless steel hardware that won't rust. These extra features make it perfect for marine applications.
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.
Breakaway Kit
Required by law in most states, a breakaway system will activate your trailer's brakes in the unlikely event that your trailer disconnects from your tow vehicle. This kit wires to the included battery and to the HydraStar actuator. If your trailer separates from your tow vehicle, the breakaway kit signals the actuator to apply the brakes.
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 | 2007-2018 | 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 (28 Customer Reviews)
Vented, marine-grade aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator lets you use your brake controller (sold separately) to activate your trailer's hydraulic disc brakes. Includes wiring, 7-way harness, and breakaway. Brake lines sold separately.The product seems to be of high quality. Easy to lay out and with some referring back to blueprints it was easy install . My biggest problem was wire color did not match. But a trouble light solved the equation . 2019 boat trailer I didn’t know there were different color codes . Still took a few hours to do it right. Pulled the boat 125 miles each way from home to lake and was pleasantly surprised at the steady brake response . So much better than surge brakes .
Awesome product. Would buy again and again. Easy set up. Bought this with kodiac disk brakes. I have a triaxle snowmobile trailer and also bought their triaxle line kit. Easy to install. Only problem was trailer wiring did not match up with the supplied plug. The plug was correct not the trailer. Easy fix though. Only other problem was 100% my fault. The disk brakes DO NOT come with bearings. They should. Would have saved me having to order them. Local auto supply shops did not not have six bearings and seals. If you have a drum brake trailer I would buy this just asap. Hit the truck brakes and the trailer stopped the truck. Had to reduce the power to the trailer. Slide the trailer brake lever and all six tires smoke.
It took a lot longer to install the unit than I thought, and I am mechanically and electrically competent. Being there is no mounting hardware I had to purchase several bolts and fasteners to securely attach everything to my trailer. The color coding on the wire from the plug is not standard with anything. I found out the hard way and had to rewire the lights, brakes, and signals. After two days of constructing and installing the bracket and unit, I finally got to test it. It works great so far and much smoother and controllable than my old surge coupler. etrailer promptly sent everything in a strong box and it arrived in only a few days to Alaska from the date I placed my order. Great so far!
The actuator worked great, the backup battery lost it’s charge after a week. I had to connect my battery charger to charge it back up. It took a couple of hours to charge to get the charge indicator. to turn green.
I've had the Hydrastar system on my trailer now for over a year now with now issues. The brakes work much better than they did before. Easy installation and great service from etrailer
I waited several months after the purchase to write a review. This was a great addition to my boat trailer and worth every cent. I have driven hundreds of miles this year with the trailer and this product does make a huge difference with trailer stopping power and control. I tow a 24ft cabin cruiser on the interstate with crosswinds and semi-trucks that would cause the trailer to sway a little, it was very convenient and reassuring to able to engage the trailer brake to help that out the sway in the trailer. The video provided a lot of help and was easy to follow. Install took a couple of hours, the hardest thing was finding a brake line connector in stock from the local auto parts stores. Plus this makes bleeding the brakes super easy too!
Awesome system. As described and makes trailering my 12k boat easy. Will never have a trailer without this system. Make sure you check your brake lines and caliper seals. This system works great and will find weak point in your system if you have one. Install was also easy, great video available for install!
It was simple to install and has worked exactly as I expected.
Install was easy. Works like a dream
Etrailers catalogue provided a complete & accurate description of the 8 items purchased. Placing the order by phone was fast & efficient. Items arrived within 4 working days, no tax no shipping charge. Professional all around.
Pat M - 11/21/2017
Great product, replaced the Dexter model , and it works just as good if not better than the Dexter one. I have had this thing totally submersed in water because on my boat trailer there is no place where it doesn’t get submersed in water. Still works great, wiring and install was a breeze, I did it all the morning we left for the lake.
The product was great, arrived in a timely manner and was complete. The installation video from etrailer.com was spot on and really well made. My only negative is that the self tapping screws which come with the kit are absolute garbage almost every one of them broke off and the heads are really too small for the size of the holes in the actuator. Recommend you drill and tap each hole and install stainless hardware toss the self tapper in the trash.
This item is nothing but the truth!!! Easy to install and work great on any hydraulic brake system!!!!
This is great. Easy to install. I put mine in a trailer box to help secure it better just incase. I immediately noticed a huge difference over the surge brakes. I also pull a 5th wheel and wanted the same braking system on my boat trailer. Highly recommend.
Product works very well, much better than surge brake system. Package arrived well packed. Have used etrailer numerous times, always great results!
Wallace B - 01/25/2019So far this product seems to be working excellent. Installed on my 2019 Dodge Ram 1500. Installation went very well, exactly as described on the video. Lori did an excellent job of helping me place my order and followed up with me to make sure I recieved everything I needed to complete the installation. I would recomend this product.
No issues with electric over hydraulic brake controller
Terrific quality, fair price, excellent service.
Breaking system works extremely well weather I'm pulling my dozer or empty can stop on a dime but recently have a condenser put on my truck and now my fine adjustment is messed up but that not the system
Item shipped in good order nothing was damaged. Everything I was hoping it would be.
Delivered on time. Just one thing, the vent cap was damaged in freight. Easily replaceable.
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