What Brake Controller do you Recommend for Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes Using Hydrastar?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello James,

Great question, and you’re definitely on the right track here.

You are correct that the Tekonsha Voyager does not work with electric over hydraulic actuators like Hydrastar. It is a time-delay controller and does not send the proper signal needed to activate an EOH system, so issues with weak braking or no activation at all are common with that setup. The Curt TriFlex you were looking at will not work with EOH actuators either.

A really solid option I recommend for your Hydrastar is the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller # RED44FR. This controller is fully compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes and provides true proportional braking, so it responds smoothly based on how your vehicle is slowing down. It works with up to 3 axles and has a very clean install since only a small control knob is visible on the dash while the main unit mounts out of sight. If you only need up to 2 axles and do not need the off-road mode, you could also go with the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED52VR.

One of the big advantages of the Redarc is that it automatically works with both electric and EOH systems without needing special settings. The Elite version also includes an off-road mode, which gives you more control in situations where you may want manual-style braking. Overall, it is a much more modern and responsive controller compared to the Voyager.

I wasn’t able to find your vehicle in our fit guide, but I’m happy to help with that. If you can send over your year, make, and model, I can check if there is a custom plug-in pigtail available for your vehicle to make installation easier.

What kind of trailer are you hauling most? Something for fun, or work trailer?

expert reply by: Kate F

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Universal Splice in Harness
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James O.

5/4/2026

I've got 2001, 2002 and 2003 Ford F350s, they are all set up with Tekonsha Voyager. Will the Redarc's work in these trucks? I think the wiring is the same in all of them. I've got boat trailers for work, I wish they were for fun :-) I converted an EZ Loader surge brake to the Hydrastar EOH system. The Voyager pretty much just locks the EOH system up. The other two boat trailers are just regular Dexter electric brakes with 6000# torsion axles.

Kate F.

5/5/2026

@JamesO Ya, unfortunately the Voyager is not compatible with EOH brakes, as you already found out. The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional # RED96CR is the correct part number for the brake controller and vehicle-specific pigtail for a super easy install. I confirmed that the pigtail works on the 2001, 2002, and 2003 F-350. If you need off-road capability or support for up to 3 axles, # RED54CR is the better option (pigtails included). I really like that the Redarc can install anywhere in any direction, so no more knee knocker =) I’ve got a Ranger in my garage, it’s been a very expensive boat this past year since we had to put a new motor in it. But honestly, what’s the point of working if you don’t use the money to do what you enjoy? My problem is I’ve got too many hobbies, so I’m always broke, but at least I’m living.