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

Question

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

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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.

expert reply by: Jared P

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Answer 1

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 7

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 8

Hi Om, Congrats on the new truck! What is your favorite new feature? We always aim to carry the best brands, and while Curt is definitely a solid choice, B&W is the cream of the crop! Their products are not only top-tier in quality, but they’re…

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Answer 9

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 10

I currently have four different self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes. You can choose from the following: -Terran Axle Electric Trailer Brakes #TX97ZJ (3,500 Axles) -etrailer Electric Trailer…

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Answer 11

Thanks for the picture! I checked with Progressive Dynamics the replacement power converter you need for your Parallax Series 7300 Model 7345 is the Replacement Converter for Parallax/Magnetek or WFCO RV Power Centers - 45 Amp item #PD4645V.

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Answer 12

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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

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