How to Tow a Trailer with Vacuum Over Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 12/27/2018 | Published 12/24/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(243)

$951.13

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

(76)

$1130.50

Question:

Hi team i am presently running a 1977 F350 towing a 28foot gooseneck with vacuum over hydraulic brakes. I am looking at a 2015 Iveco dual cab which is fitted with an electric brake system by the previous owner who had a 30foot 5th wheeler. I dont want to have to change the vacuum over hydraulic brakes on my gooseneck if I dont have to. Okay question - can I combine the electric brake system on the vehicle with my vacuum over hydraulic brake system on the gooseneck?

asked by: Lesley

Expert Reply:

I would love to help but we do not have any products that will allows you to tow your trailer with vacuum over hydraulic brakes using a tow vehicle setup for electric brakes. I am also unaware if such products exists. The only option we would be able to offer is converting from a vacuum over hydraulic system to an electric over hydraulic system which is far more common nowadays and certainly easier to maintain.

If you are willing to change the setup on your trailer then I recommend using the HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator part # HBA-10 for drum or part # HBA16 for disc brakes. You would then need to wire in a new trailer connector on the trailer but we do not carry any that are used in Australia so you will need to source this on your own.

Finally, you will need a brake controller compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes for which I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885. The Prodigy P2 also has integrated safeguards and comes with a lifetime warranty.

I have attached review videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L