Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Recommendation for Trailer that Will be Towed by Several Vehicles

Updated 04/16/2025 | Published 04/14/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,600 psi

(83)

$904.45

DeeMaxx Alpha G1600 Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - Plug and Play Kit - 1,600 psi

(1)

$1152.98

Question:

Tow a boat trailer with multiple trucks, factory brake control and older trucks with aftermarket brake controllers. What system would be sufficient for both applications? Referring to HydraStar electric over hydraulic 1600 PSI. Running Kodiak marine brake set up on 1 axle. 3,500 Lbs 2+axle trailer. 5 lug 4.5”. There is a control box for additional cost with part DE75KR. I ordered it yesterday and just seen that may not work for my towing application. Tow with the following vehicles, newer ones have factory break controllers. : 2021 2500 Ram 2004 2500 Chevy HD 2024 2500 Chevy HD 1998 F2500 Ford 2017 F3500 Ford

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

Hey Kevin, the DeeMaxx Alpha G1600 Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - Plug and Play Kit # DE75KR that you referenced is a solid option and does not require an additional control box to operate unless you would be referring to a brake controller. I don't believe that is what you mean though.

The Hydrastar part # HS381-9067 that you referenced is my favorite though. It works really well and is very reliable so whenever possible this is what I recommend. This is also a complete kit that comes with everything needed to install.

All of the actuators do require a brake controller that has a hydraulic mode. Most of the newer integrated brake controllers have this feature but older aftermarket ones would not so you'd need to verify the controllers you have now and make sure they are compatible. This will be the case for any actuator you would go with so there isn't one you can pick that prevents having to consider this.

expert reply by: Jameson C