The Hydrastar actuator delivers true electric over hydraulic control, giving you the smooth, proportional braking that drum setups need. With a maximum output pressure of 1,200 psi and a 12V DC power system, it reacts instantly to your in-cab brake controller. The electronic, proportional pressure valve keeps every stop steady and predictable, which means less jerking and better control on steep grades or long hauls.
The large 32 oz fluid capacity makes this actuator ideal for single-, tandem-, or triple-axle trailers that need a high brake-fluid volume. The translucent tank lets you check fluid levels fast without pulling the cap, and the built-in bleeder screw makes it simple to clear air from the lines. It’s a dependable setup for long brake runs or heavy trailers where smaller reservoirs just can’t keep up.
The Hydrastar’s extruded aluminum body holds up against corrosion and the kind of wear that comes from constant exposure to wet or salty conditions. It’s a solid choice for maintaining trailers that see marine environments or regular road grime. The durable build means fewer worries about rust or pitting over time.
Unlike standard surge couplers that rely on trailer push force to engage, this actuator responds the instant you hit the brakes in your tow vehicle. The faster response eliminates that lagging “push” feeling during stops and gives you direct braking control from your seat. You can even use your brake controller’s manual override to activate the trailer brakes whenever you need extra stability.
Because it’s electric over hydraulic, there’s no need to manually lock out the brakes when backing up. You can apply braking while reversing down ramps or inclines without interference or extra steps. It’s a cleaner, more controlled way to maneuver without fighting your trailer brakes.
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.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hello, everybody. This is Jeff at etrailer.com. Today we're gonna take a look at this Hydrastar electric over hydraulic actuator for drum brakes. Has a 32 ounce capacity and a 1,200 PSI output pressure. Now with this huge reservoir, this will hold a full quart of fluid. This actuator's perfect for your big multiaxial campers.
Application will work on single, tandem and triple axle trailers with drum brakes. As we mentioned, this is an electric over hydraulic brake actuator, so activates your trailer's hydraulic drum brakes when you apply the brakes in your tow vehicle. Now, brake controller is required to send the signal from the tow vehicle to the actuator when your brakes are applied. Brake controllers we do sell separately on our website. Also, a seven-way trailer connector is needed to transmit a signal from the brake controller.
This will give you improved functionality when compared with surge brake couplers. Gives you a lot faster response time 'cause your trailer brakes are triggered when you apply the brakes in your tow vehicle as opposed to when your trailer pushes against the hitch ball. And there's no need to manually lock out brakes when you back up. The trailer brakes can be intentionally activated when you reverse and the manual override that's on your brake controller can be activated so that you can engage the trailer brakes without having to apply your vehicle brakes. We mentioned this has a huge reservoir, which is great for trailers with long brake lines that need high volumes of brake fluid.
The fluid capacity on this actuator's 32 ounces. You notice up at the top here has this translucent tank that'll let you check the fluid level at a glance. It does require DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, which is not included. You would've to supply that. And it uses an electronic proportional pressure valve to ensure that the braking is smooth and effective.
Right up at the top here, you can see there's a built-in bleeder screw that'll let you easily flush air out of the brake lines. You can see right down here is where your brake lines will attach, and this is a durable extruder aluminum construction, provides corrosion resistance. This is compatible with any standard five amp power battery breakaway kit. And this unit will install on the trailer frame and connect to trailer's wiring and the hydraulic brake lines. The brake lines are sold separately. This part is made in the USA to specs. The power 12 volt DC, we mentioned maximum output pressure of 1,200 PSI. This is DOT, Department of Transportation, compliant. The wires. Has four wires. Your black is your 12 volt power, the blue is your brake controller, the yellow is your breakaway, and then the ground is for. or the white is for ground. Last thing is just the dimensions. The length of this including the mounting tabs, 11 3/4 inches long, width of it three inches wide. And the overall height from the bottom to the top of the cap here is 10 3/4 inches tall. But that should do it for a look at the Hydrastar electric over hydraulic actuator for drum brakes.
Ratings & Reviews
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.
awesome product, I have installed 4 more for customers,, works great, very easy to install and do away with surge brakes,, its a 5 out of 5 ,,, ill be buying more
It's been a good kit so far!! Had all the supplies I needed when installing it on my 30' float. Worked good on my Alko/kelsey hayes brake kit.
I just got it put on the trailer so really haven't had a chance to try it .
The part went on the 3 horse living quarters trailer which I hope to pull later today. The brakes activated properly, bleeding process was certainly a two man operation and took quite a bit of time.
Work Great Fast Shipping
The delivery was fast and the product was a perfect fit
The controller is still working. It tends to run at a low rate even when we're not braking, but perhaps it's something with our pickup or trailer wiring.
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.
This company is excellent! They have things I didn’t
even know I needed. Quick turn around time. Couldn’t be easier to get lights, hitches, jacks, brake controls (electric or electric over hydraulic). Been using this company for years and never had a problem.
I have a tandem axle dump trailer that came with factory hydraulic surge brakes. They worked sporatically at best, were very unpredictable, and eventually stopped working all together.
I installed the hba 10 as well as an electric breakaway switch and eliminated the surge hitch all together.
Works great. Far beyond my expectations.
Great product. Low maintenance. Small enough to put in almost any location. I put mine in a side tool box just above my trailer axles. Breaks engage as soon as pedal is engaged.
Still working as it should, no problems with the actuator. Completely satisfied! If only the rest of my braking system were as trouble free!
Very good product, it works well with my trailer. Much better than electric drum brakes. Only down fall is I found it is sensitive to voltage spikes. I had a faulty alternator and the control board in the unit burnt out. Somewhat disappointed that replacement parts were not available to repair my current unit. Had to replace that whole unit just for a small circuit board. Great unit otherwise as far as function.
I need to know how I can connect this 4 color wires on hydrastar actuator to my kaufman trailer??
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.
Been a year, haven't had one issues, very easy install. I went with the hydrastar unit so that i could utilize the brakes from a rear dana 60 axle, from a old service truck that i made into a trailer. The brakes function great. I recommend this unit to any one that is looking for a good solution to trailer braking using hydraulics, this system will also replace a surge brake system and operate much better. etrailer also had great follow up and customer care to see if I was satisfied with the unit which I am!
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.
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 am more impressed with the service I received from both representatives, Thomas and Justin. You both went above what is considered customer service in this day and age and I appreciate it! As for the part...exact replacement and is working as expected.
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.
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