Recommended Parts To Convert Trailer From Hydraulic Surge Brakes To Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 10/06/2017 | Published 10/04/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Free Backing - 12" - Left/Right - 7K

(148)

$359.02

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi

(75)

$1065.68

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

(123)

$993.89

Question:

Do you offer a Dexter Electric over Hydraulic kit that includes the breakaway kit and all the wiring required to to switch from surge brakes to Electric over Hydro

asked by: Scott W

Expert Reply:

We do not have a specific kit but I can help you find all of the parts you need to convert your trailer from hydraulic surge brakes to electric over hydraulic brakes.

With this conversion, you can choose from hydraulic drum or disc brakes. Generally, disc brakes provide stronger braking action than drum brakes which reduces required stopping distances and increases overall safety. Disc brakes also require less maintenance than drum brakes because they have fewer moving parts. Ultimately, choose what works best for you and your needs.

Since I do not know which direction you are going and do not have all the trailer specifics, I am going to answer your question and give information for both disc and drum brakes. In general, you need to:

(1.) Choose a hydraulic brake assembly kit that fits your trailer. You mentioned wanting Dexter products and so one possible option that we carry is the Dexter Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit Item # 23-342-343 that has left and right assemblies. This Dexter kit is free-backing, fits 5-bolt mounting flange pattern, fits 14 1/2 inch to 16 inch wheels, and works with axles with ratings up to 7,000 lbs.

(2.) Choose a brake line kit that works with your trailer to plumb the electric over hydraulic actuator to your brake assemblies (disc or drum depending on which you choose). I have linked our selection of brake lines. You will need to select the proper kit based on the length of your trailer and number of axles.

(3.) Choose an electric over hydraulic brake actuator that works well with your trailer and your brake system. Dexter has a great brake actuator for disc brakes that is Item # K71-651 that has a large reservoir and 1,600 psi rating. A great brake actuator for drum brakes that also includes brake lines and breakaway is the HydraStar actuator kit Item # HBA-10-252-82 with 1,000 psi rating.

(4.) Choose a breakaway kit (if not included with Actuator kit) that works with your trailer and braking system. We have many options but I recommend the Tekonsha Breakaway Kit with Built-In Charger Item # 50-85-313.

(5.) Choose a brake controller that is compatible with your electric over hydraulic braking system. A great choice that we carry is the Tekonsha Prodigy 3 (P3) Item # 90195. The Tekonsha P3 is a proportional brake controller with multiple settings, customizable LCD display, and is easy to install and use.

Because I wanted to cover several possibilities, I have given you a ton of information. When I know what you are looking for (disc or drum brakes) and the weight capacity of each of your trailer's axles, I can recommend specific parts.

I have attached an article on converting to electric over hydraulic brakes that you might find helpful.

I have also attached links to article and videos to give you more information over possibilities.