Can I Add Hydraulic Brakes to an Old Car Hauler ?
Updated 11/13/2025 | Published 10/23/2025
Question:
Hi, I have an old car hauler with two axles that I believe currently has electric brakes sitting in the woods, I want to fix it up to be able to haul vehicles as well as my backhoe, but my truck only has a flat 5 connector. 86 Chevy C10 with step and tow bumper I dont really want to install a 7 way or a brake controller, so Im considering going with surge brakes. I was wondering all of what I might need to convert the brakes over.
asked by: Dominick
Expert Reply:
Yes, it’s definitely possible to convert your old car hauler over to surge brakes, but there are a few things to think about before diving in. Since surge brakes use hydraulic pressure instead of electricity, you won’t need a brake controller or a 7-way plug — your 5-flat connector will work fine once you wire in a reverse lockout. The main difference is that a surge coupler on the trailer tongue does all the work: when your truck slows down, the coupler compresses a small master cylinder that sends brake fluid through lines to hydraulic brake assemblies on your axles.
To make the conversion, you’d need a surge brake actuator (coupler), hydraulic drum or disc brake assemblies, brake lines and fittings, and a breakaway safety cable. Most likely, your existing electric brake flanges can accept new hydraulic drum backing plates, so the swap isn’t too complicated. That said, for a trailer heavy enough to haul vehicles or a backhoe, surge brakes aren’t ideal they don’t offer the same control or stopping power as electric brakes with a proper 7-way and in-cab controller. It can be done, but if you plan to tow that kind of weight regularly, upgrading to a full electric or electric-over-hydraulic setup would be a safer, more capable choice. It may be easier and cheaper to just add a 7-way to your vehicle with a brake controller honestly.
However, I can definitely help you get set up with the right parts to convert your trailer over to surge brakes. To make sure we get everything that fits your setup, could you tell me a little more about your trailer?
What’s the axle rating or capacity (for example, 3,500 lb, 5,200 lb, 7,000 lb)? You can usually find it on a tag or stamped on the axle tube.
What’s the brake flange bolt pattern on your axles (4-bolt or 5-bolt)?
What type of coupler or tongue does your trailer have a straight tongue or an A-frame style?
What’s the trailer’s approximate loaded weight when carrying your backhoe or vehicle?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Drop and Electric Lockout - Drum - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 20K
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Farm Trailer
- Boat Trailer
- Construction Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Bolt-On
- 20000 lbs GTW
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball Coupler
- 3 Inch Channel Tongue
- Drum Brakes
- Electric Lockout
- Dexter
more information >
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Heather A.
11/13/2025
Hey, how’s the surge brake conversion on your car hauler coming along? Were you able to figure out the axle rating and brake flange pattern so you could match the right hydraulic parts? Once you have that info, I can help narrow down what fits best.