Replacement 10" Drum Hydraulic Trailer Brakes for Converting 3,500 lbs Axles to Hydraulic Brakes
Updated 02/07/2026 | Published 02/04/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I currently have a tandem axle boat trailer with Dexter 3500 lb axles and electric brakes on one axle. I want to convert my electric brakes to hydraulic using your etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10 - Left/Right - 3.5K and Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2 Ball - 7,000 lbs My question is can I use my existing Dexter hubs/drums on these new hydraulic brakes?
asked by: Mike H
Expert Reply:
You sure can Mike. The etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes item # AKUBRK-35 are going to work with your boat trailer's hubs. The only time you run into problems is going from hydraulic brakes to electric because you need a smooth surface for the magnets to grip.
The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator item # DM72VR is the correct one for drum brakes. It does not have a manual or electric lockout so you'll need to add one with the Reverse Lockout Solenoid Kit item # DM5836 or use the Free Backing item # AKFBBRK-35 brake assemblies.
If you also need brake lines we have that as well depending on the length you need:
18' - Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle # 18TA-BLKIT
20' - Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle # 20TA-BLKIT
25' - HydraStar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle # HS496-252
What kind of boat do you have?
You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left/Right - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- Single Servo
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Search Results: hydraulic hitch
- Search Results: trailer brakes
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Single Axle - 18'
- Shop: etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left/Right - 3.5K
- Shop: Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 25' Long, 3/16" Main Line
- Shop: Reverse Lockout Solenoid Kit for Demco DA66B and DA70 Hydraulic Brake Actuators - Non-Bypass
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 20'
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 18'
- Video: All About the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator-DM72VR
- Video: Breaking Down the Hydraulic Trailer Brake Kit
- Q&A: Replacement for Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Q&A: How to Measure to Determine the Size Trailer Brakes Needed For Hydraulic Drum Replacement
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Q&A: Identifying Free Backing Trailer Brake Assemblies When Replacing Atwood 85778 Surge Brake
- Q&A: Should Trailer Brakes All be Changed to Free-Backing
- Q&A: How Do I Know If I Have Free-Backing Brakes?
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Master Cylinder for DICO 189
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Hydraulic Disc Brakes to a Trailer
Mike H.
2/7/2026
Excellent! thx Jerred I’ll be placing the order shortly. Boat is a Monterey 234FS