Advantage of Converting to Electric-Over-Hydraulic Disc Brakes from Electric Brakes

Updated 04/25/2017 | Published 04/24/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(242)

$945.94

Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 15' Long, 3/16" Main Line

(9)

$220.94

Question:

I have a 27foot 5th wheel and the electric brakes doesnt stop the trailer like I would like. Does disc brake work better than these brakes ? Can you give me information about disc brakes over electric brakes. Thanks

asked by: David J

Expert Reply:

Disc brakes have better stopping power than electric brakes. They're also lower maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. You'll also gain power going to electric over hydraulic because you have the advantage of the stopping power of hydraulic brakes combined with the reaction time of electric brakes.

I've linked an article that explains the parts needed to convert to disc brakes. You'll already have some of them like the brake controller and breakaway kit. But electric brakes do not use an actuator like the Hydrastar # HBA16 or brake lines # HS496-152

If you let me know your trailer's axle capacity and I'd be happy to recommend specific brakes for you.

expert reply by: Charles S