Choosing Between Dexter and Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator
Updated 01/12/2026 | Published 08/30/2024
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Trying to decide between the Dexter 1600 and Hydrastar 1600 for conversion on a 16K 5 th. wheel. Do you suggest 1 actuator over the other?
asked by: Mark B
Expert Reply:
Hi Mark; I always recommend the Hydrastar # HBA16 over the Dexter # K71-651. The Hydrastar is by far the best and most reliable so it is definitely the way to go. We also have a marine version available # HS381-8067 with a rust-resistant marine-grade gasket and stainless steel hardware.
Based on what you were looking at I'm guessing you have 7k axles on your 5th wheel. If that is correct, you could use the Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers # HSE7K-T1. This comes with the disc brakes, actuator, and hydraulic brake lines.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers - 13" Hub/Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - 7K
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Marine Grade
- 8 on 6-1/2 Inch
- Hub and Rotor
- 1/2 Inch Studs
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Hydrastar
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: DeeMaxx Hydraulic Brake Line - Rubber - 3/16" Brass Female and Male Inverted Flare - 18"
- Shop: Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 25' Long, 3/16" Main Line
- Search Results: dexter trailer breakaway kit
- Search Results: dexter disc brakes
- Search Results: disc brake line kit
- Search Results: brake lines
- Search Results: disc brake rotor
- Search Results: disc brakes
- Search Results: trailer breakaway kit
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 20'
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric-Hydraulic Actuator w/ Line Kit for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Shop: Adapter Module for BrakeRite Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator - OE Ford, GM Brake Controllers
- Shop: Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Q&A: Triple Axle Brake Line Kit that Uses 1/4 inch Main Feed Line
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Hydrastar Electric-Hydraulic Actuator w/ Line Kit for Disc Brakes
- Video: HydraStar Electric Over Hydraulic Disc Brake Actuator Installation - 2020 Grand Design Momentum 5W T
- Video: The Low-Down on the Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes
- Q&A: Troubleshooting a Dexter Brake Actuator After Replacing a Break Away Switch
- Q&A: Determining Correct Axle Upgrade For 2018 Grand Design Imagine Travel Trailer
- Q&A: Does Integrated Brake Controller of 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 Require Adapter to Use Dexter EOH Actuator
- Q&A: Recommended Parts to Convert a 2020 Grand Design Momentum 5th Wheel to Disc Brakes
- Video: A Closer Look at the Torque Wrench
- Video: A Closer Look at that Kodiak Disc Dacromet Brakes
- Video: Installing the Kodiak Dacromet Disc Brakes on a 2023 East To West Ahara Fifth Wheel
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit
- Q&A: What is Difference Between Hydrastar Actuators HBA16 and HS381-8067
- Q&A: Disc Brake Conversion Kit for a 2019 Grand Design Momentum Toy Hauler
Robin H.
1/12/2026
Hi Mark, how did things go with the Hydrastar setup on your 5th wheel? Did the actuator and disc brake kit give you the performance you were hoping for? Your update could make it easier for the next person choosing between those two systems.