Conversion of Air Over Hydraulic to Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Question

Question:

How does the actuator connect to the trailer master cylinder reservoir? Right now the trailer air tank lines go directly to the master cylinder. I just purchased two gooseneck trailers currently equipped with air over hydraulic. I have a 1-ton Ram diesel with integrated electric brake controller. And what items do i need to make the conversion?

asked by: Larry C

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Expert Reply:

Thanks for including a picture!

Actually, the electric over hydraulic actuators have their own reservoir as the brake line connects directly to the unit.

The integrated brake controller you have isn't compatible with electric over hydraulic because it won't activate the actuator properly. If you provide me the year of your Ram, I will be more than happy to recommend a brake controller. However, one of our most popular brake controllers is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. It includes a digital display, 3 boost levels, battery protection and continuous diagnostics.

The Dexter Electric/Hydraulic Brake Actuator for drum brakes I recommend is the Dexter # K71-650. It's 1,000 psi for drum brake applications. You will need a breakaway kit like # 34-285 in the event you don't have one.

For disc brakes, I recommend the Dexter # K71-651. It's 1,600 psi suitable for disc brake applications. Breakaway kit is also # 34-285.

Another option to consider, and is less costly, is switching to electric brakes and keep your integrated brake controller. To switch your hub and drum assemblies I would need to know the bolt pattern of the trailer wheel, brake mounting flange mounting pattern, wheel size, and inner and outer bearing numbers.

The numbers stamped into your trailer's existing bearings and seals will help you determine the proper hub-and-drum assemblies. You will also need to know the wheel bolt pattern of your existing hubs so that the new hubs will match up with your existing wheels. If you cannot find part numbers for the bearings and seals, you can measure the spindles at the inner (C in diagram) and outer (D in diagram) bearing surfaces as well as the seal contact surfaces (B in diagram). See diagram to the right.

The pattern of the holes in the brake flange is standard, so all you need to note is the number of holes in the mounting flange, and the axle diameter.

I have included a few FAQ's and video review for you as well.

expert reply by: Chris B

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click to enlarge

Answer 1

For a general-purpose safety chain for a standard gooseneck trailer we offer #337BSC3842 from Buyers Products. This is a 42-inch chain with 3/8-inch clevis. The chain is rated for 15,000 pounds. This is sold as a single chain, not a pair. The 36-inch…

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Answer 2

I have another option for you, but no you cannot use the Dexter DX EOH Actuator For Disc Brakes #K71-651 with hydraulic drum brakes. This is due to the pressure differences in the actuators as they were designed for the different styles of brakes.…

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Answer 3

I have a soluton for you, but the Dexter EOH Actuator #K71-651 is designed for disc brakes and the pressure generated for those would damage the components of drum brakes. Instead I recommend using the Dexter #K71-650 which has 1000 psi and is…

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Answer 4

The SAE STIAP2 04 DOT number you provided is a DOT approval number, which states that the lens is compliant with DOT regulations. Because of that, that number isn't typically a good identifier for finding a replacement lens. However, in this…

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Answer 5

I believe I have found the replacement wheel you are looking for. It's kind of hard to see in our product pictures but the Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Wheel part #AM20443 has a sticker on it that reads 17-231 and is a 15 inch diameter wheel with a 5…

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Answer 6

Hi Donald, Do you have the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Drum Brakes #K71-650? What is the year/make/model of the tow vehicle and do you have a factory brake controller or an aftermarket brake controller?

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Answer 7

I would start by checking the condition and level of the brake fluid. I typically recommend flushing and replacing the brake fluid on these types of units every year no matter how much the trailers are used. Brake fluid can absorb moisture which will…

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Answer 8

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 9

The battery you use for a break away system needs to be able to power the trailer brakes on full for 15 minutes. A 12 volt battery rated for 5 amp hours is normally used, unless you have 3 axles each with brakes, then you would benefit more from a 9…

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Answer 10

Hi Joanne; the old PD9280A is not lithium compatible so you will need to upgrade to charge those batteries. I recommend the Progressive Dynamics 9300 Series RV Converter Charger #PD89RR which is the equivalent replacement. This has the same 80 amp…

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Answer 11

The overall height of the bracket of the Buyers Products Pintle Loop and Channel part #337B20143 is 7-5/8 inches. The overall width is 4 inches.

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Conversion of Air Over Hydraulic to Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

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