Converting 18' Flatbed Trailer From Surge Brakes To Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 02/18/2026 | Published 02/14/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(57)

$824.59

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

(126)

$268.78

Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators

(12)

$83.69

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(2572)

$217.00

Question:

Hi I spoke to Jessie about couple a weeks ago about converting my surge brakes to electric, I have since changed my mind. Im thinking now electric. Over hydraulic, could you tell me what i need? I have a 18ft flatbed with hydraulic disc brakes. My truck is a 24 ram 2500 with a built in brake controller, will this work? My trailer has a brake away switch already will this work? What else do I need ? Thank you for your help

asked by: Allen c

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Allen, welcome back. Electric over hydraulic brakes are definitely an option here. You can use the current hubs, rotors, brake lines and breakaway. You'll just need the OEH actuator and 7-way install kit. Here is what I recommend:

- Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # HS381-8067

- Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators # HS381-9000

The factory brake controller in your 2024 Ram 2500 should have an EOH mode, you can confirm this in the settings. If not, you can use the # HBA-CAM adapter which should allow it to be compatible. That or replace the factory controller with an aftermarket controller like the Redarc # RED87CR which has an EOH mode.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
(click to enlarge)

Allen D.

2/16/2026

Jesse, Will need to replace the current surge coupler and replace it with a standard coupler?

Jesse M.

2/16/2026

@AllenD The surge coupler can be kept but you'd have to put a bolt thru it to disable it. People usually only do this if the surge coupler is welded on. Otherwise yes you will want to replace it with a standard bolt-on coupler like the Demco # DM15000-52. This is 10K rated, for a 3" tongue and a 2" ball.

Allen D.

2/16/2026

@JesseM Sorry for all the questions The wiring harness you recommended do I need? I currently have a wiring harness With a junction box

Jesse M.

2/17/2026

@AllenD Yes the # HS381-9000 install kit comes with a 7-way harness and junction box. If you already have those you can skip that part and just get the actuator itself.

See All (6) Replies to Allen D. ∨

2/17/2026

hey buddy ,,,, don't go electric !! you will be disappointed !!! that hydro star is a good option ,, just get the correct one for the application,, your 24 ram brake controller should do just fine ,,, to be sure go to trailer settings and confirm it has a EOH option !!!

Jesse M.

2/17/2026

@Mg Hey thanks for sharing! Definitely worth checking to see if the OEM controller has an EOH mode. Sometimes they do. Good call!

2/17/2026

i am 99.9 % sure it does !! i have never seen a oem ram hd after 2013 that never did !! chevy n fords are a problem somtimes

Bill L.

2/17/2026

The Hydrastar electric over hydraulic brake actuator is the only Safeway to Trailer heavy cargo. I move very expensive multimillion dollar boats. The weight can vary from 10,000 pounds to 30,000 pounds. I have a Dodge Dually with a factory installed brake controller. One trailer I built in 2011 and this actuator is still working perfectly. I just built a four axle trailer with three axles that have stainless steel rotors and calipers. They actuator works perfectly, especially when controlling speeds on a downhill grade. Surge brakes do not really provide secure and safe stopping when you have excessive tongue weight or your vehicle is being pushed downhill by heavy cargo. With the brake actuator, you’re actually able to control your speed downhill by just using your trailer brake controller. In addition when you have different weight cargo being able to adjust the hydraulic breaking pressure is of upmost importance for safety concerns. You never have a backing up and having the trailer brakes lock up because the solenoid switch is malfunctioning. One scary instant in particular happen to me and the system saved my truck and trailer and a 41’cigarette nighthawk boat worth 1.4 million. Backing down a snowy hill to deliver the boat my four-wheel-drive truck Lost traction, even though the truck brakes were locked up the weight of the boat was causing me to slide backwards uncontrollably. I hit my brake controller on maximum hydraulic pressure and the trailer brakes stopped the backwards slide. With surge brakes, I would’ve been off the edge of the road with a 40 foot drop to the ravine below.

Jesse M.

2/17/2026

@BillL Hey Bill, really appreciate you sharing that experience! When you’re moving that kind of weight, having full control from the cab makes a huge difference, especially on grades and in low traction situations like you described. Being able to manually apply and adjust braking pressure is something surge systems just cannot offer, and that control can absolutely be the difference between a close call and a disaster. Glad to hear the Hydrastar has treated you well over the years, and that everyone and everything came out safe in that situation. Real world stories like yours help others understand why electric over hydraulic can be such a smart investment for heavy loads.

Alan H.

2/18/2026

The Hydrastar electric over hydraulic is a hands down winner! It will work fine with your factory brake control on the truck. One of the big winners is having brakes on the trailer when backing downhill. We winter fish and frequently back down icy boat launch ramps. Sure nice having brakes on the boat trailer! Stopping distances are much shorter too.

Jesse M.

2/18/2026

@AlanH Thanks for the feedback, Alan! Glad to hear you are happy with your Hydrastar EOH unit. I'm sure the additional stopping power makes a big difference on those slippery ramps.