Does Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Draw Power from Breakaway Battery for Normal Braking
Updated 02/22/2026 | Published 02/16/2026
Question:
I am reading that the hydrastar unit’s pump gets a lot of its power from the breakaway battery and not the tow vehicle , is this correct? It seems to me that this battery could becomes depleted if the brakes are applied frequently.
asked by: Daniel S
Expert Reply:
Hey Daniel, the Hydrastar actuator part # HS381-8067 that you referenced is not powered by the breakaway battery under normal use. It draws power for that from the tow vehicle battery. The breakaway battery is only ever used if the pin of the switch is pulled. The tow vehicle battery does also keep the battery topped off. Do you have a surge setup currently?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Brake Actuator
- Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- Boat Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Disc Brakes
- Hydrastar
more information >
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on Brake Actuator
Daniel S.
2/19/2026
I converted my 2005 tandem boat trailer from surge drum brakes to Hydrastar disc brakes . Did the install myself. Your videos are very helpful. I’m changing my aftermarket brake controller as the current one is reported not compatible with the Hydrastar. Your video on installing a Redarc in a Cadillac Escalade was very helpful.