Recommendation on Switching Vacuum Over Hydraulic Brakes to Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 08/01/2017 | Published 07/29/2017

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 - 25' Long, 3/16" Main Line

(39)

$264.38

Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Triple Axle - 25' Long, 3/16" Main Line

(22)

$270.54

Question:

I have a 1996, 40ft. gooseneck with vacuum over hydraulic brakes. My vacuum to hydraulic valve is bad. I assume the vacuum parts are unavailable? If so, please list the parts I need to change over to your electric over hydraulic actuator starting in the cab of the truck. The trailer has hydraulic disc brakes. Hopefully you have a kit for the requested parts. Many thanks.

asked by: Doug D

Expert Reply:

Since the braking power is still hydraulic, you should have no issues converting from a vacuum over hydraulic system to an electric over hydraulic (EOH) system. The electric over hydraulic actuator will take the place of the vacuum that pressurized the existing brakes.

Now, since you have disc brakes already installed on your trailer, I recommend the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi, # HBA16. The HydraStar actuator will allow you to apply the brakes to your trailer by using an electric brake controller that will be mounted in the tow vehicle's cab.

Inspection of your current trailer brake lines is recommended prior to installing the brake actuator. Rusty lines could cause contaminates to enter and damage the actuator. If line need to be changed, then I recommend the HydraStar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 25' Long, 1/4" Main Line, # HS496-252, or the HydraStar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Triple Axle - 25' Long, 1/4" Main Line, # HS496-253. This kit will depend on if you have a tandem or a triple axle set up on your trailer.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. The P2 is a proportional controller that is both compatible with 1 to 4 trailer axles and for EOH applications. The P2 can be installed using a vehicle specific wiring harness or using the universal pigtail plug that is included in the package. If you can supply me with the year, make, and model of your vehicle I might be able to help find the correct brake wiring harness for you.

I have attached videos on the products and an article on changing to an EOH system for you to review.