Replacement Actuator for a Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes

Updated 12/24/2025 | Published 12/21/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers

(126)

$252.73

Deutsche Hydrapro Alpha G-1200 Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,200 psi

$849.99

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,200 psi

(73)

$909.94

Question:

Hi, I was wondering what options you have for a eoh brake actuator for a livestock gooseneck trailer connecting to 2025 GMC Sierra flatbed. What was on there was Hydrastar HBA-12 *381-7066. Not working. Anything more affordable that would work? Thank you

asked by: Sara L

Expert Reply:

Hey Sara. To replace your Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes item # HBA-12, I recommend the Deutsche Hydrapro Alpha G-1200 item # DH34FR. Not only is it more durable with better internal mechanisms it's also noticeably faster when it comes to engaging the brakes and building up the required pressure. It is compatible with your Sierra's factory brake controller.

Those Hydrastar actuators like your item # HBA-12 can be tricky with factory brake controllers. I saw you were looking at the Hydrastar Adapter Module item # HBA-CAM did you try to install one of these?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Reply to Jerred H.

expert reply by: Jerred H

DH34FR
(click to enlarge)

Jenny B.

12/23/2025

This did not fix our problem with our first f-450. It was a problem with the wiring and the fifth wheel itself.

Dan S.

12/23/2025

Didn't help our problem we did find that our problem is with our truck that did help Narrow it down

Gary P.

12/24/2025

A couple of years ago I converted one of my trailers from drum brakes to disc brakes with a hydrostar HBA-12 brake actuator.. I also replaced the brake controller with an after market one I bought from NAPA. This combination works excellent and I wished I had done it earlier. The stopping distance is significantly reduced. This conversion is not cheap but it is well worth it. The trailer is a 25 foot flatbed with tandem dual wheels

Gary P.

12/24/2025

PS. This trailer is pulled by multiple trucks all equipped with aftermarket brake controllers.

James C.

12/24/2025

I have a 2021 Alliance Paradigm 310RL 5th wheel with electric over hydraulic brakes and the Dexter actuator. I had a 2020 GMC 2500HD and it would not communicate with the camper brakes. It showed "no trailer connected". I had to get a aftermarket brake controller (Prodigy) to control the camper brakes which resolved my problem, but didn't allow me to use the integrated brake controller. I subsequently bought a Ford F-350 and everything worked fine with their integrated brake controller. Unfortunately, that truck was stolen and I replaced it with a 2023 GMC 3500HD. It also had the same problems communicating with the camper brakes as did the previous GMC. Evidently this is a known problem for GMC, but they have not fixed it. It is something to do with the voltage. Ford has figured this out! I installed a Hydrastar Controller Adapter Module (HBA-CAM 381-7073 Controller Adapter) in the camper which circumvents the lack of technology in the GMC brake controller to allow the Dexter hydraulic brake actuator to communicate with the tow vehicle, resulting in proper brake function. I have had no problems with the GMC/Camper connection since installing the Hydrastar Controller Adapter Module. Highly recommend it if you have this same problem. Good Luck.