What Disc Brake Kit and Roadmaster Comfort Ride do I Need for My 2025 Cougar 320RDS?

Updated 05/05/2026 | Published 04/30/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(244)

$928.52

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

(132)

$276.21

Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers - 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - 6K

(33)

$2026.53

Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shocks - Tandem 5.2K Axles

(200)

$2010.00

Question:

Hello - Looking to upgrade the suspension and brakes on my 2025 Cougar 320RDS. It has 6K axles, 6 lug wheels and I pull it with a 2026 3500HD dually. Considering the Roadmaster slipper spring set up and disc brakes. On the disc brakes, I have read a lot about compatibility issues with the disc brake controllers and GM trucks. Is that really an issue or are there any versions that work better than others? Thanks, Roy Smith

asked by: Roy S

Expert Reply:

Hello Roy,

Looking to swap to disc brakes, you will not be disappointed. Pairing that with the Roadmaster Comfort Ride system makes a huge difference in both braking performance and overall ride quality, especially with a fifth wheel like your Cougar.

I do not have a database that supplies us with exactly what is put on each individual camper, but based on my research your 2025 Cougar 320RDS should have a tandem axle setup with each axle rated at 6,000 pounds. You will want to check the tag on your axle to confirm this before ordering, just to be 100 percent certain.

For the disc brakes, I would go with the Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers, 12 inch Rotor, 6 on 5-1/2, 6K # HYD74VR. This kit is a great option because it is a complete system that includes the Hydrastar electric over hydraulic actuator, rotors, calipers, and brake lines, so everything is designed to work together right out of the box. The biggest benefit here is performance. You will get significantly stronger and more consistent braking compared to electric drum brakes, along with smoother engagement, better control in emergency stops, and far less brake fade on long downhill grades or in wet conditions. Maintenance is also reduced since you will not need to constantly adjust brakes like you would with drums.

Most OEM brake controllers, especially on GM trucks, can have some compatibility quirks with electric over hydraulic systems. To avoid any issues, you will also want to add the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers # HBA-CAM. This module ensures proper communication between your truck and the actuator, prevents common warning messages like “Service Trailer Brakes,” and gives you consistent, reliable braking performance without the frustration of intermittent faults.

For the suspension, you will want the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shock Absorbers, Tandem 5K Trailer Axles # RM-2460-2560. This is one of the most noticeable ride upgrades you can make. By adding shock absorbers, it helps control bounce and chucking, giving you a much smoother towing experience. It also keeps the tires planted better on the road, which directly improves braking performance and stability, while reducing wear and tear on the trailer frame, suspension components, and even the interior of the camper.

Overall, this combination of Hydrastar disc brakes and the Roadmaster suspension system is one of the best upgrades you can make to your setup. You will notice stronger, more confident braking, better control, and a smoother, more stable ride every time you tow.

When you check your axle tag, if you are rated for something other than 6K please let me know so I can get the right part numbers for you.

Where are you located, and where do you typically tow? Have you been out for any trips this year?

expert reply by: Kate F

Roadmaster Comfort Ride Installed
(click to enlarge)

Mike

5/5/2026

Without a doubt you should convert to Disc Brakes. I installed Hydrastar kit in a day and will never go back to the old electric drum brakes. Not a difficult job at all, hubs/rotors are basically bolt on replacements time consuming part was deciding where to run the hydraulic break lines and install the electric over hydraulic pump. I did not need anything outside what comes in the kit for Ford 450 and have had zero problems. Note when you apply the breaks the trailer will stop on a much lower trailer break setting in the truck. Too high of a setting and for sure the trailer breaks will lock up and smoke the trailer tires. Cant stress enough the safety benefit to this. Every new trailer should come with disc brakes.

Kate F.

5/5/2026

@Mike I agree Mike, disc brakes are the way to go. As long as the drum brakes are still more cost effective the OEM's are going to keep putting them on there. People should be educated and given the option.

Gordon S.

5/5/2026

Hey Roy, We changed our electric over hydraulic drum setup a few years back and are really impressed by the quality and power. We pull 38k trailers all over the country. The brakes are more powerful and the pads last much longer. We have issues on our EOH drum setups not adjusting, and failing. On the hyrdo setup once you loss pressure or get a leak, all the brakes fail. When we had a fleet of GM's duramax's, all the trailers needed the HBA CAM brake controller to supply power to the actuator, Our Ram's have not given us any issues with trailer connectivity in the last 8 years and function without that resistor. Despite the price, you will be very satisfied with the hydraulic disk brake setup. Will stop much quicker and last longer, without adjustment. Manufactures should offer this option.

Kate F.

5/5/2026

@GordonS It would be nice if they could make great quality OEM brake controllers. Thanks for the detailed response, helps to hear that first hand experience when making a big investment like this.