Anodized aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator lets you use your brake controller (sold separately) to activate your trailer's hydraulic brakes. Includes rust-resistant marine-grade gasket and stainless steel hardware. Vented plate releases heat. 1-800-940-8924 to order Hydrastar brake actuator part number HS381-8066 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Hydrastar products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,200 psi. Brake Actuator reviews from real customers.
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Hydrastar Brake Actuator
- HS381-8066
Highlights
Faster, Smoother Stops: Electric-over-hydraulic system gives instant brake response as you slow.
Ideal for Boat Trailers: Anodized aluminum body with marine-grade gasket resists corrosion.
Prevents Overheating: Vented end plate releases pressure and moisture to protect components.
Simple Maintenance: Built-in bleeder screw makes it easy to flush air from brake lines.
Flexible Mounting: Compact 11-3/4" L × 3" W × 7-3/8" H size fits tight trailer compartments.
Features to know about
Smooth Braking Without the Push: Electric Over Hydraulic Control
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.
Built for Harsh Conditions: Anodized Aluminum and Marine-Grade Seals
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.
Stay Cool Under Pressure: Vented End Plate Design
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.
Cleaner Maintenance: Built-In Bleeder Screw
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.
Versatile Setup: Up to Triple-Axle Compatibility
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.
Specs
Application
Application: single-, tandem-, or triple-axle trailers (8,000 lbs or larger) with drum brakes
Performance
Maximum output pressure: 1,200 psi
Hydraulic System
Hydraulic port size: 3/16"
Electrical
Power: 12V DC
Dimensions
Overall dimensions: 11-3/4" long x 3" wide x 7-3/8" tall
Wire Configuration
Black: 12-volt power
Blue: brake controller
Yellow: breakaway
White: ground
Warranty
Actuator: 2 years
Brakes and components: 1 year
Brake Controller Compatibility
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
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Engage (HA81760)Yes
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381-8066 Cargo Towing Solutions (formerly Carlisle) Hydra Star Marine Grade Electric-Hydraulic (EOH) Actuator - 1200 psi - Model MHBA-12
WARNING: California Proposition 65
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling. For more information, go to www.p65warnings.ca.gov.
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Anodized aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator lets you use your brake controller (sold separately) to activate your trailer's hydraulic brakes. Includes rust-resistant marine-grade gasket and stainless steel hardware. Vented plate releases heat.
by: David12/09/2025
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by: Humberto07/08/2026
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by: Jr09/01/2022
It looks very promising. Arrived early and in excellent condition. We will see how it holds up1388363
by: Rock 08/22/2023
Well built unit that works well . 1652024
by: James M05/08/2019
Easy install, works great. Installed a whole EOH system with this unit at the core. Excellent. 639734
by: Richard 09/14/2022
Shipping box was ripped, should of had more packing material, fortunately everything was still in the box.1407531
by: Beau 04/24/2020
Item arrived earlier than expected. Installation was easy. And now my trailer brakes work again. 785284
by: jim10/12/2017
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 ... 442152
by: Vu09/10/2023
It working good on my M105A2 Military trailer. Thanks etrailer.1664484
by: Allen S07/27/2020
Substituted the Hydrastar unit for the surge brake actuator on my military surplus trailer. Works like a champ!851626
by: Luther11/24/2025
Unit works well. Packaging was good and well protected. Came with instructions that were illustrated and well written.3454057
by: David Booth08/19/2025
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.3394002
by: Pavels05/19/2023
1582831
by: Christopher 04/13/2021
1009029
by: Chuck 01/17/2025
3252192
by: Brad 01/26/2021
943708
by: Josh04/05/2019
GREAT PRODUCT 617560
by: Denny 01/31/2024
1716675
by: Brett 05/20/2024
Melisa was very helpful on the phone and promptly shipped my parts. Appreciate it very much.3141749
by: Mark 09/06/2023
Had a problem with first shipment , was resolved promptly1661473
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. 820068
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.
708047
by: Terry01/11/2018
Great reliable product. It handles my 12,000 lb. boat and trailer on wet or dry roads.466475
by: Gary07/30/2019
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 678616
by: Pat06/15/2019
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. 658423
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See what our Experts say about this Hydrastar Brake Actuator
Hey Alex,
So it sounds like you just want to replace your Ausco electric over hydraulic actuator with one that is compatible with your Chevy's brake controller, and you can definitely do that no problem. Since you have a boat trailer I'm assuming disc brakes and what you can get is the Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes # HS381-8067.
This will work with your Chevy brake controller so it won't require you to switch from EOH to the weaker all-electric... view full answer...
For hydraulic brakes that are dragging or slow to release it could be a number of issues. If you have used the wrong type of fluid required by your brake set up, that could cause the problem. There may also be a foreign object in the master cylinder blocking the correct flow of fluid. For either of these you will need to drain the system, check for foreign objects and remove them, flush the system and refill/bleed the system using the correct brake fluid.
If your system has a parking brake... view full answer...
We do not have any hoses compatible with your Glad Hands connectors nor have an adapter. The closest thing we have is the Replacement Air Jumper for SMI Air Force One Supplemental Braking System # SM99666. We do not have any parts for air brakes on trailers but we do have some other options that wouldn't utilize the Glad Hand connections, but also won't harm them for that connection to still function.
All we can offer is a brake controller like the Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller... view full answer...
With 6,000 pound axles they must take 12 x 2 inch assemblies. For a left and right side pair of assemblies you can use # AKFBBRK-7. We do not have an option for self-adjusting brakes in this size with a single-servo design.
For an actuator I recommend the Hydrastar # HS381-9066. This unit is rated to 1,200 psi so it provides a little extra kick above the 1,000 psi units. Since you have a couple of 6,000 pound axles you're going to want the best to slow the loaded trailer down. It also... view full answer...
It looks like you have certainly done your research in regards to the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator and the Titan BrakeRite EHB Electric-Hydraulic Actuator. In regards to repose time, this goes to the Titan BrakeRite EHB with a response time of .3 seconds whereas the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator has a response time of .8 seconds. This is due to the five vs three piston pumps that each respective units use.
In regards to the Titan BrakeRite EHB Electric-Hydraulic... view full answer...
The Hayes Air Actuated Trailer Brake Controller # HA100400C will connect to your RV's air brakes by installing 3/16 or 1/4-inch diameter S.A.E. approved tubing like # RM450700 between the brake controller and the vehicle service line.
For brake systems with primary and secondary service lines you'll connect to the existing two-way check valve between the two service lines and install the tubing from the output side of the check valve to the brake controller. The two-way check valve should... view full answer...
The first thing I would do is check for power. Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 check to see if 12V power is running to the # HS381-8066 when you use your manual override on the brake controller. If you have power here and no brakes it is likely the actuator. Go ahead and call Hydrastar directly to see about warranty work since it is under a 2-year warranty.
If you do not have power here then it is a problem with the trailer connector or on the vehicle side. Go ahead and check both... view full answer...
The big difference is that the # HS381-8066 is for marine applications so that means it has stainless steel hardware and a marine grade gasket which allows it to stand up a lot better to corrosion than the # HBA-12. view full answer...
The first thing I recommend checking is the output setting on the brake controller. If adjusting the power level does nothing to solve the problem, then we can work out way back. Check the vehicle and trailer side connectors for any dirt or corrosion because this can cause a short.
Next move on to the trailer and check the wiring for the actuator. The unit must be wired like in the diagram I have included. If there is a short in the breakaway wiring, the pin is pulled out from the switch,... view full answer...
Your Prodigy P2 # 90885 is compatible with the Hydrastar electric over hydraulic actuators like # HS381-8066. You will not need the adapter like you would for a factory brake controller. It is directly compatible with that brake controller.
If you scroll down the product page on the actuator you will see the compatibility chart that confirms this. view full answer...
If the motor on your Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator went out then you'll need to replace the entire actuator as the motor is not a replaceable part according to my contact at Hydrastar. You'll just want to choose the actuator with matching specs to what you currently have:
Standard:
1,000 psi - # HBA-10
1,200 psi - # HBA-12
1,600 psi - # HBA16
Vented:
1,000 psi - # HS381-8065
1,200 psi - # HS381-8066
1,600 psi - # HS381-8067
Attached are a few review videos for you to check out. view full answer...
I spoke with my contact at Titan about the BrakeRite II # T4813102. He confirmed that they do not recommend completely submerging the BrakeRite.
I also spoke with Dexter Axle to see if their Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuators, # K71-651, can be submerged. They confirmed that their actuators are not designed to be fully submerged.
Though also not recommended to be submerged, the most likely contender to hold up to being fully submerged is the Hydrastar Marine Grade Electric Over... view full answer...
To add EOH to a surge brake trailer, you will need to add the electric components to make the actuator function. You can get the etrailer 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box # E99011 and then wire your actuator into that junction box. You will be able to simply connect to your current hydraulic brake lines.
For your actuator, I recommend the HydraStar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # HS381-8067 or the HydraStar Vented Marine Electric... view full answer...
For your Kaufman 6 Max Car Carrier Trailer, I recommend the HydraStar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,600 psi # HS381-9067 if your trailer has disc brakes. If your trailer has drum brakes then I recommend the HydraStar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,200 psi # HS381-9066.
If you just need the actuator itself, then you will use # HS381-8067 for disc or # HS381-8066 for drum. view full answer...
For your triple axle boat trailer, I recommend the HydraStar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,200 psi # HS381-8066. If you want a complete kit, I recommend the HydraStar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,200 psi # HS381-9066.
Electric over hydraulic actuators are not compatible with every brake controller, so you will want to see the compatibility listed on the product page. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy... view full answer...
Happy 4th to you as well, Jerry!
Since you already have your 2017 Toyota Tundra set up for electric brakes you just need to add an electric-over-hydraulic (EOH) actuator and the breakaway battery kit. Here is what I recommend for your application:
- Actuator for Drum Brakes # HS381-8066
- Actuator for Disc Brakes # HS381-8067
- Breakaway Battery Kit # 20400
Attached are some review and installation videos for you to check out! view full answer...
For your 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 with the factory brake controller, you will not need to use the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module # HBA-CAM along with the HydraStar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator - 1,200 psi # HS381-8066.
HydraStar has confirmed for us that the factory controllers on 2018 and up GMC/Chevy trucks are compatible with these actuators. view full answer...
Your 2015 Chevy Silverado integrated brake controller would work fine with this actuator # HS381-8066 as in 2015 Chevy started installing brake controllers in their trucks that are compatible with electric over hydraulic actuators.
Without knowing how your trailer is setup already it's hard to say exactly what you would need, but if you check out the help article I attached you will see a guide that will walk you through the whole process of adding EOH brakes to a trailer. view full answer...
To convert your trailer's electric brakes to electric over hydraulic, you will need a couple of things along with the Redline Hayes Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly you referenced in your question.
For an electric over hydraulic actuator, I recommend the HydraStar Vented Marine, part # HS381-8066. This system has a rust-resistant marine-grade gasket and stainless steel hardware. The design also includes a vented plate which prevents the system from getting too hot. I have included a video... view full answer...
The OEM-supplied trailer brake controller for the 2012 Ram 1500 is designed to work only with electric drum brakes. It will not work with electric-over-hydraulic actuators such as HydraStar drum brake model # HS381-8066 or the disc brake model # HS381-8067. If you have an EOH setup on the trailer you will need an aftermarket controller that is compatible with it, such as the Prodigy P2 # 90885 or the P3 # 90195, as well as a wiring adapter # 3021-P if the truck came with a factory 7-way.
You... view full answer...
I'm assuming you're using the F600 axles and brakes as part of that trailer. If that is the case, we do not have anything that is designed for vehicle brakes or any information on the output pressure required for your F600 brakes. I suppose if you knew 1,200 psi was correct then the # HS381-8066 would work, but this is not something that has been tested. If your trailer conversion replaced the axles and drum brakes with trailer axles/brakes then you would be able to use the Hydrastar without... view full answer...
Surge braking systems are a good system, but they don't let you control your braking in the same way as an electric braking system. I personally do recommend switching to electric because of the ease of use and cost savings. The only draw back to consider is that you need to unplug your trailer prior to backing into the loading ramp to launch or load your boat. Obviously electricity and water don't mix well and people have avoided electric brakes on boat trailers due to this in the past,... view full answer...
I recommend the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes, part # HBA16. This has a maximum output pressure of 1,600 psi and will work with your tandem trailer.
The HydraStar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes, part # HS381-8066 you mentioned is designed to work with drum brakes, so it is not a fit for your 10-inch disc brakes. view full answer...
For just the actuator by itself the correct Hydrastar is the part # HS381-8066 that you referenced as it's pressure rating is correct for drum brakes and is rated for up to three brake axles. For a kit that includes the needed junction box, 7-way connector, a junction box for easy wiring and other various terminals for an easy install you'd instead want the part # HS381-9066 as all of that is included with this kit.
Then for a triple axle brake line kit we have the Hydrastar kit part... view full answer...
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