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The Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes delivers up to 1,600 psi of pressure for strong, consistent braking on single-, tandem-, or triple-axle trailers. It uses a 12V DC pump that responds instantly when your brake controller sends a signal, so braking happens as soon as you press the pedal. That means no push or delay like surge couplers—just direct control and smooth stops every time.
Unlike surge systems that rely on trailer movement to activate brakes, this actuator engages hydraulics based on electrical input from your in-cab controller. You can also use the manual override on your brake controller to apply trailer brakes independently. And since there’s no mechanical coupler involved, you don’t need to lock out the brakes when backing up—the system automatically stays disengaged when reversing.
The extruded anodized aluminum housing resists corrosion and stands up to marine and road environments. A vented end plate releases heat, moisture, and pressure so internal components stay protected even when installed in tight compartments. With DOT compliance and durable seals throughout, the actuator is ready for long-term service in demanding conditions.
Installation is straightforward with four clearly labeled wires—black for 12-volt power, blue for the brake controller signal, yellow for breakaway, and white for ground. The built-in bleeder screw makes it easy to purge air from the lines during setup or maintenance. A standard 3/16" hydraulic port connects directly to common trailer brake lines. Once wired and bled, the system is ready to deliver smooth proportional braking you can count on.
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
5 Year Follow-up:
Worked GREAT until...
Failed after 3-4 years (3000+/- miles). Sent back to Hydrastar for a rebuild, but was told that it was too far gone & I'll need a new actuator. The only possible cause of failure that I can think of would be water mixed in the brake fluid, so CHANGE YOUR BRAKE FLUID at least yearly. Especially if you live in a humid state like Florida. Apparently it's not sealed like an automotive system and allows moisture from the air to mix with the brake fluid. Wish I had known this before.
I don't recall a marine version when I bought this, so I'll look at that for my next actuator.
Bolt pattern is different than the old Carlisle. Plastic cap was broken in shipping but old one fit. Works great.
Product works perfect. Updated design works with 11-16 Ford factory brake controller now.
Can't beat disc brakes on a trailer!
This 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'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.
Henry S.
9/23/2021
excellent
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
4/6/2020
Always works. Extra bonus was when I realized I could pull the release pin and hook up the fifth wheel without pushing the trailer up on the chocks or wheel lock so much.
Best service, knowledgeable people, always very friendly
my customer liked everything about it and to date has no issues
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
5/9/2020
The actuator worked great last year traveled over 5000 miles with it. As of late last fall my boat was stored on my trailer and because of covid19 the marina here on the east coast of Quebec wont open for another 6 weeks. The actuator was wrapped in plastic to protect it from the harsh winter here close to the ocean. I expect and need it work as it my trailer has to be certified road worthy to pull it on the public hwy. I will give you an up date in a couple of months. thks
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.
8/28/2018
Unit it working well. I am very happy and satisfied with this unit. Thank you
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.
11/29/2017
My brakes are working just as expected and hoped for. The real good news and the thing I remember about this project was how helpful the trailer folks were.
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.
7/26/2021
Working great as well as it did since installation
Arrived with no issues and in a timely manner.
Got the order fast
Nice stuff
Will install them in two weeks
Thank you etrailer
Really nice people working there
Super quick shipping!
great service and fast shipping
Kodiak disk brakes on a 95 EBY stock trailer.
Made a real trailer out of it...
JK...
It was the best upgrade for a new brake system I was replacing the old electric brake!
Great selection. And prices
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.
5/31/2017
Thanks for your business and your review, Chris! For your reference, the # HBA-CAM is a required rather than optional add-on for 2007-2015 Chevy and GMC trucks and will not work with the OEM factory-installed brake controller.
Helpful Links
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.
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.
Couldn't be happier with this brake system along with my Kodiak disc brakes. System works perfect.
Eddie
7/1/2019
Love love this brake system, going to put one on my other trailer I’m restoring.
Ordered 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
9/15/2015
The HBA16 is still performing well after 5K miles. Great product.
Excellent service, exceptional shipping speed. One tab was bent when received but no other damage was apparent. I straightened the aluminum in a bench vise and will have it installed..
Patrick
8/22/2025
Works exactly as it should, electric over hydraulic disc brakes on a three axle aluminum 13k trailer.
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Jim B.
7/10/2018
The brake actuator has worked flawlessly. You can’t beat hydraulic disc brakes on a trailer. The stopping power is amazing. Thanks for checking up on me!