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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 |
Customer Satisfaction Score:
98% were satisfied with this product
2% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
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.
Rating this as a kit. Hydrastar actuator works great. Junction box that comes with the kit is garbage and they could save everyone a lot of time by including enough ring terminals, screws, and a couple extra sections of 12 gauge wire.
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 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.
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!
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 installed this on my dual axle boat trailer, my boat weighs approximately 4000 lbs. I tow my boat to the coast a lot and we have a lot of 10% grades. This product has made my boat way easier to control and makes me feel extremely safe. I had surge brakes that were terrible, I boiled my brake buddies several times and over heated my brakes on my truck as well. The product was simple to install as well, I highly recommend anyone towing a large boat to install one thank you etrailer.
I bought this for a my boat trailer for launching in the winter time with slick boat ramps. Works great. I was in 4wd low backing down the ramp touched my breaks and started to slide down the ramp. I squeezed the over ride lever on my brake controller and the weight of the boat on the trailer stopped me. Did this a few times to launch the boat.
Installed this on my boat trailer so I could legally tow it for a trip to BC. It works great and E-trailer was spot on with their advice. Very happy with the delivery time and installation was a breeze.
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!
Product works very well, much better than surge brake system. Package arrived well packed. Have used etrailer numerous times, always great results!
great system, easy install, works so much better than surge systems
I live in the mountains and the hitch actuator brakes create so much heat and don't get a chance to release going down mountain slopes / fire hazard. I removed the actuator hitch and welded a Bulldog hitch on. I wanted to keep my disc brakes on the boat trailer and installing the Hydrastar system is the only way to do that. The Hydrastar is a awesome system for electrical and braking hydraulics which gives you full control of trailer braking. That is a peace of mind, knowing your trailer brakes will not get hot uncontrollably to the point of a fire. Hydrastar system works great and the best purchase I ever did for boat trailer braking. It is controlled with the brake controller in the vehicle cab and when applied, the pump on the Hydrastar will put out plenty of PSI and will down right shut everything down - even without using the vehicle brakes applied (just testing it). The boat alone weighs 6500 lbs. loaded with fuel etc. I Highly, highly recommend this system and was enjoyable and easy to install.
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
The EOH braking system works perfectly. You are my supplier of choice ifwhen I need additional trailer parts on the future.
Item must have been dropped one of the mounting brackets was bent and I had to straighten it out.
Easy to install. Works great
I like the braking and the tunability; definitely and upgrade from surge brakes! There is some lag in the response which is unsettling. It also makes a ton of noise.
Gwendolyn Y.
9/11/2025
Thanks for your feedback, Jared! The lag is pretty normal since the actuator is converting the electrical signal to the hydraulic pump. Sound is also pretty normal unless it was more of a grinding, screeching, or clanking sounds. If you're hearing that let me know because that would mean there is an issue. But if not, everything would be in working order!
Trailer braking is incredible compared to the surge brakes. Love the control.
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 .
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!
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.
The reason for 4 stars is in photo 1, the junction box is by far the cheapest and worst junction box I have ever had the pleasure of putting together, and I have installed many of them. My local suppliers junction boxes make this junction box look well let the imagination roam on this one, TERRIBLE. Again the break away setup in my opinion is sub par, not well built, though which break away system now a day's is they are all cheap. The 7 way harness as well is sub par, I have hand built better. The actuator, very interesting and a little different, not to sure about the quality, only time will tell, it does seem to be working and working well at this point. Stops trailer and tow vehicle on just trailer brakes alone, impressive.
Kit works well and overall easy to install. Hardest part of the install was drilling/tapping the hard steel on the trailer tubing. I did need to buy a separate brake line elbow fitting to be able to turn 90 degrees right next to the actuator.
Only have taken one test drive, but it is so much better than surge brakes. No more slamming during takeoff. Much stronger than my surge setup. The install was straight-forward using the video and other folks pictures. I stole the stand idea from one of the other users here and it worked very well. I chose to drive bolts through the tongue to lock the existing actuator into place after removing the guts of it. This is because the tongue on my trailer is 3.3" wide and I would have had to get a new tongue welded on. This seems to do as good of a job with much lower cost. My only complaints are with the electrical box. It seems I received a much cheaper one that was shown in the videos. The bus snapped in instead of screwing/rivet and it kept popping out. The entire box cracked during the install, so I threw it out and bought another one from a local shop. Additionally, I didn't get the full compliment of connectors, instead they were already installed on the cable. The problem is I didn't need 8ft of cable, so I had to cut those off and go get other connectors. All in all, I am very happy with the EOH system vs surge and I would buy this again and again.
Will H.
8/23/2024
After a year, it is still my favorite trailer upgrade. I love that the tongue does not slam during takeoff. The brakes work great. I havent had any issues with losing brake fluid. My only two complaints: The cap came off during a road trip it was a torture test of 1000 miles, and I can say if it came off without help my son or a passerbyer in the parking lot. The backup battery died about a month ago. While it is relatively inexpensive $40, it was annoying that lasted less than a year. Not sure how long it sat on the shelf before install so your mileage may vary.
Every boat trailer should come with this. It makes trailering so much easier. Being able to test the brakes, and adjust on the trailer brake controller if there is a boat or no boat on the trailer is huge.
Claire H.
7/6/2026
We couldn't agree more! Being able to test the trailer brakes before hitting the road and fine-tune the brake controller for a loaded or unloaded trailer makes towing much easier and safer. Thanks for sharing your experience—we're glad it's been such a valuable addition to your setup!
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Wallace B.
1/25/2019
Working great, fine product