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The Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes delivers up to 1,200 psi of hydraulic pressure for powerful and consistent braking. Unlike surge couplers that only react when the trailer pushes forward, this system responds instantly to your brake controller signal. That means your trailer brakes engage at the same moment you press the pedal, giving you smoother, more controlled stops and eliminating the push or jerk that happens with older-style actuators.
Designed for trailers 8,000 lbs or larger, this actuator easily powers hydraulic drum brakes on single-, tandem-, or triple-axle setups. Its electronic proportional pressure valve ensures that braking is smooth and consistent across all axles, even under heavy load. Whether you’re towing over long grades or hauling equipment day after day, it keeps braking performance even and reliable.
The durable extruded anodized aluminum body resists corrosion from water and road salt. A vented end plate releases pressure, moisture, and heat to protect internal parts and lets you safely mount it in enclosed spaces where other actuators might overheat. The weathertight seals and hardware keep the system protected so your actuator can handle years of service.
Installation is direct—mount the unit to the trailer frame using the included hardware, then connect it to your wiring and 3/16" hydraulic port lines (sold separately). The wire configuration is plainly marked: black for 12-volt power, blue for brake controller signal, yellow for breakaway, and white for ground. It works with any standard 5-amp-hour breakaway kit (sold separately) and a compatible electric brake controller. Once wired in, you’ll have electric control over your hydraulic drum brakes right from your cab.
The built-in bleeder screw makes it easy to clear air from the lines for firm pedal feel every time. The vented design helps prevent heat buildup during long hauls or frequent braking while keeping internal components dry. The result is dependable braking performance in wet marinas, dusty roads, or steep descents—every time you need it.
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.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
98% were satisfied with this product
2% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Great price and service
arrived very quickly exactly what i ord ered
Very knowledgeable about the product, quick delivery and product looks good is described.
The product was great. Very satisfied.
Best price I found on this unit. Very happy with the purchase and delivery. Unit worked perfectly when it was installed
This motor is phenomenal. I've put over 30k miles in all sorts of weather and climates and the motor has performed flawlessly
Cap was broke when I opened the box
awesome service, parts were on time, hassle free!! Thank You Bunches!!!
Came quick. Just what I ordered
Pump arrived ahead of schedule already on trailer and working great
just the right part at a great price. customer service was very helpful and informative.
Works great this is the best brand I have had I know have 2 of these.
George H.
4/3/2019
Still working great
Excellent customer service. Fast shippi ng.
Adapters to fit brake lines are hard to find … they should include the fittings
Awesome product, the shipping was incredibly fast for shipping to Canada. Amy was a huge help as I was having issues with payment, and she figured it out instantly. Definitely will buy from them again.
The delivery was fast and the product was a perfect fit
Loved going from Surge brakes to Electric, made a HUGE difference! Make sure to follow the directions, the color coding is not US standard when it comes to green, yellow, brown. BUt works great and easy to bleed.
I need to know how I can connect this 4 color wires on hydrastar actuator to my kaufman trailer??
Heather A.
10/9/2020
Thank you for your review. The Hydrastar Actuator will wire to the breakaway kit of the Kaufman trailer and the electric brake controller in the tow vehicle. I have attached an electrical diagram for a visual of how the wires attach. You should already have a brake controller for the electric brakes but if you have an OEM brake controller it will need to be replaced. I recommend the Prodigy P3 90195 which is one of our most popular brake controller options. If you need a breakaway kit, I recommend Hopkins engager break away kit part 20099 because of its convenient push to test button and built in charger.
Helpful Links
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I recently upgraded my trailer from an electric brake system to an electric over hydraulic brake system. I had heard good things about the actuator that etrailer sells, so I decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. The actuator made the upgrade very easy. It was very easy to install, and it works fantastically. I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering an upgrade to their trailer brakes.
I am super happy with my replacement of the electric brakes on my camping trailer with this Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator and Hydraulic Brakes. It works SO much better than electric brakes ever did. I feel much safer towing the trailer now.
Scott K.
5/12/2021
Super!
Nice piece, look great and easy to install. Delivered fast.
Frank C.
5/8/2022
Juste great, as new
Came packaged safely and securely, everything was there as advertised. Parts look just as listed. No issue with install on etrailer's end. Will definitely be a repeat customer as needed.
Hooked it up and wired it in , everything worked flawless.
I WOULD BE OUT MANY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IF IT WASN'T FOR THIS AMAZING DEVICE! I'M A FARMER, AND DEPEND ON MANY THINGS TO GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT. THE HYDRASTAR ELECTRIC OVER HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR HAS MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO DELIEVER MY FRUIT TO THE WAREHOUSE, INSTEAD OF RELIEING ON THEM PICKING UP MY FRUIT. I'M SAVING THOUSANDS!!! THIS IS AN AMAZING SYSTEM THAT CAN HANDLE OVER 32,000 POUND LOADS. I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN, AGAIN, AND AGAIN! THANK YOU!
the unit itself is easy to install and is working great,I bought it last March/April and unpackaged it and installed on during off season in Dec. and noticed the fill cap broken during shipping to Canada, etrailer said they would not replace the $XX.00 cap because too much time has passsed,so un package ASAP.
Otherwise there prices are great.
Info for this part was:
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Lori W.
10/21/2017
Hi one year later and the Hydrostar actuator I purchased is working great!