How to Convert a Surge Brake Coupler to an Electric Over Hydraulic Braking System

Updated 09/24/2025 | Published 09/22/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(252)

$946.89

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

(29)

$1230.62

Question:

Hi, I have a Venture tandem boat trailer with disc brakes and a surge coupler. They are Kodiak stainless calipers. I want to convert to a Hydrastar unit or equivalent. I tow with a 2018 f-150 with a factory integrated controller. Im getting a new truck 2024 same set up. I also want to be able to actuate the brakes using my tractor. i will have to get a controller for the tractor as well. Please advise which unit to buy, that will work both.

asked by: Daniel

Expert Reply:

Hey Daniel. To convert your surge brake trailer over to electric over hydraulic system you'll need the Hydrastar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes item # HS481-8067.

The Hydrastar item # HS481-8067 works with factory brake controllers. This kit is designed for disc brakes and includes an actuator, 7-way cable, compatible break-away kit, and a factory brake controller adapter.

So long as you have a 7-way connector and a brake controller with a EOH setting like item # 90195 this system will work with whatever tow vehicle you want to use.

What kind of truck are you getting?

expert reply by: Jerred H

Daniel

9/24/2025

Jerred, Truck is being replaced with a 2024 F-150 with a factory brake controller. Since i do not understand what an EOH setting is. Just to be clear if I get your controller # 90195 this will work on my tractor and work the HS481-8067? The HS481-8067 will also work with the factory ford controller on the 2024 f-150 as well? Txs Dan

Jerred H.

9/24/2025

@Daniel EOH setting is short for Electric Over Hydraulic. Changing over from a surge brake actuator to a hydraulic actuator controlled by a brake controller means you're going to have electrically controlled hydraulic brakes. The Hydrastar item # HS481-8067 has the necessary components to work with both factory brake controllers and aftermarket ones, like item # RED52VR, so long as they have an EOH setting.

Dan

9/24/2025

Txs, I had a Hydrastar unit on a Triaxle boat trailer 25 years ago so I'm very familiar with them. There seem to be different models for Factory or Non factory controllers. That's what is driving the questions. I appreciate the clarification of acronym "EOH" even though I had an EOH unit I didn't know what EOH stood for. Thanks Again!!

Jerred H.

9/24/2025

@Dan You're welcome!