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Anodized aluminum electric-hydraulic actuator with control adapter module (CAM) lets you use your Ford, Chevy, or GM factory brake controller to activate your trailer's hydraulic brakes. Includes rust-resistant marine-grade gasket and hardware.
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 factory 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 factory brake controller, 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.
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.
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Works great. Pay attention to the connection style to the truck. My setup required zip tying excess cable to the trailer.
Trust the reviews on EOH conversion. Hands down the best upgrade I've made with this boat trailer. Can't comment on other brands but the Hydrastar has been flawless.
Easy upgrade to DIY -- took maybe half an afternoon.
So far so good. i havent installed the system as of yet. But it seems very simple. All plug & play.
Outstanding addition to my Reflection 5th wheel. Back from 7000 mile trip to Canada and no problems whatsoever. One panic stop and brakes were very effective. With over 80,000 on my trailer this is this first trip without some kind of brake issue: broken wire, needs adjustment, put together incorrectly at dealers, etc. I installed the unit myself. Relatively straight forward.
I did get confused on the wiring, could have been just me, but a separate wiring diagram for a 5th wheel might help. I didn't realize (and probably should have) that the emergency brake needs to get it's hot from the existing trailer battery and the main braking control has to get it's hot from the truck. All of this can be done in the pin box and is actually pretty straight forward.
Great product. Should have installed years ago.
William
11/10/2024
Hydrastar still working great.
This unit is a perfect fit for my customer's trailer that has had issues with a different brand electro hydraulic actuator on it.
I USED THE HYDRASTAR TO REPLACE A BRAKERITE 2 SYSTEM THAT WAS NOT SERVICABLE ANYMORE AND IT WAS A GREAT FIT , INSTALATION WENT SMOOTH .
With the plug and play it makes it easier to work with thank you
THIS IS A PLUG AND PLAY NO INSTRUCTIONS TO SHOW YOU HOW TO HOOK IT UP NOT SURE HOW THE 7 WAY HARNESS HOOKS UP IN THE VIDEO IT SAYS THERE IS INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO INSTALL NOT TRUE
Gwendolyn Y.
10/18/2024
Hey Richard. I did some digging and it looks like there is no proper instructions or information out there on these plug-in-play kits. I have linked the best information we have though. I hope it helps with the install!
Helpful Links
Hi,
I am struggling with the Hydrostar kit you reccomended. The trailer connection contains both the male plug i would expect to see on the product, but on the other end of that same cable is a female connector that I would expect to see on my truck. Then on that female end is a two wire connector that connects to the HBA-Cam. How do I integrate my lights into this connector and I am very confused as to why I have a single cable with a female and male trailer connection on it. The enclosed schematics do not clearly indicate how this connects. Most are very simple, but the 2 lead connector out of the HBA-Cam looks like it branches off of this female vehicle connector and where do I connect the lights.
Thanks for your help,
Rick
Nick S.
9/15/2025
I am sorry to hear about the issues when trying to install this kit. I will have someone on our Customer Service team reach out and walk you through some tips to make the installation smoother.
Well thought out. I had to modify a bit, but solid plug and play.
E trailer came through with limited quantities of eoh activator kits when no one else had them.
And a real person tracked my order and send me emails about status
I previously had vacuum over hydraulic brakes but was not able to find controller parts to install on my truck to operate brakes. hopefully this will do the trick.
Worth every single penny makes towing a boat Norma easy plug and play install
Products are high quality
Prices are reasonable
Costumer service is Excelent!
Cant get better than that!
Thank you etrailer!
EXCELLENT service! Sales rep James is awesome. Ordered my part for an emergency repair and had it the next day! Definitely recommend for sales and service!
The cap to the brake fluid broke in shipping wondering if u can send a new one
Katrina D.
4/12/2024
Yes, of course we can send you out a replacement. I am sorry this happened, let me get you over to customer service.
Fast as always
Great communication and service!
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Greg
11/20/2025
Breaks have been working flawlessly. Such an easy install. Plug & play. Simply mount the components to the trailer and off you go!!