Converting Military Boat Trailer From Vacuum Brakes To Electric Over Hydraulic

Published 10/18/2019

Question:

I have a 38 foot military triple axle boat trailer with a GVW rating of 24,000 pounds. The trailers empty weight is just under 4,500 lbs. The boat trailer has a very nice brake set-up: 13foot Kodiak stainless steel disc brakes with air over hydraulic actuation on each of the six wheels. My question... Is conversion to a surge or electric activation possible? or am I pretty much locked into an air actuation system with that kind of weight? Also, I realize there is no way to pull that beast with a load behind the suburban in the photo.

asked by: John B

Expert Reply:

It is possible to switch the brake setup to electric over hydraulic. I recommend electric over hydraulic instead of electric because most of the work is already done for you. Converting to electric would require switching your brake assemblies out to electric brakes. To convert to electric over hydraulic all you need to do is switch out your actuator to an electric over hydraulic actuator, get a brake controller and a breakaway kit and you are set.

I recommend HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator part # HBA16 which comes with a 1/4" adapter fitting. Often, trailers with vacuum over hydraulic brakes use brake likes that are 1/4 inch so the adapter will allow you to use your 1/4" lines.

For a brake controller, I recommend Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885 which will work for trailers with up to 4 axles. The brake controller will activate the actuator to activate the trailer brakes on your trailer. If you tell me your year make and model that you will be towing the beast with I can recommend a plug and play adapter if it's available.

You will also need a breakaway kit, for that I recommend Tekonsha Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-in Battery Charger - Top Load part # 20020 with a built-in battery charger.

I have attached a helpful article that explains parts required to add electric over hydraulic to your trailer but like I said you already have most of the parts you need.

expert reply by: Heather A