Can a Trailer have Both Air Over Hydraulic and Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 02/09/2016 | Published 02/07/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi

(35)

$994.94

Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(123)

$966.94

Question:

Hello, I recently purchased a medium duty 10ton tilt trailer with air over hydraulic brakes. My current towing rig is not equipped with air, so I will be adding the Dexter K71-650 actuator. I was wondering if I could set the trailer up to use either air or electric? By this i mean, add the Dexter actuator but also retain the Air system. That way if my rig changes, I dont have to make any changes to my trailer again. Also, if and when I sell the trailer, it makes it unique to a buyer because it can be used two ways. I would assume to do this I might need some sort of switch or valve between the two sides of the system.

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

Yes, you could switch to electric over hydraulic brakes and retain the air over hydraulic braking system. What you would have to do is have the main lines that come out of each actuator go to a hydraulic T fitting, obtained locally, that has a valve, either automatic (like a butterfly valve) or manual. Then from that fitting the lines would continue back to the brakes like normal.

A fitting with a valve would prevent one actuator from pushing fluid into the other actuator. But be sure to routinely check on the air actuator to make sure it stays in good shape if and when it is needed.

For the electric over hydraulic braking system the tow vehicle will need to have a brake controller that is compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes such as the P2 # 90885 or P3 # 90195. If the truck has a factory installed brake controller check it to see if it has an electric over hydraulic mode.

Please note that Dexter actuator # K71-650 is designed for drum brakes. If he trailer has disc brakes I recommend # K71-651 which is the disc brake model.

expert reply by: Michael H