What Do I Need to Convert from Surge Brakes to an Electric Over Hydraulic Set Up?
Updated 07/31/2026 | Published 07/30/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2001 Hoosier Pontoon trailer with tandem torsion axles and 10 wheels. It has surge drum brakes. I want to convert to Electric over hydraulic brakes, what should I buy? I'd like to keep the existing hydraulic drum brakes. they are the tiny 7" ones. I have a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller on my truck, I think it is compatible with the hydrastar unit
asked by: Brian O
Expert Reply:
Hey Brian,
To convert your trailer to an electric over hydraulic (EOH) set up while keeping your hydraulic drum brakes, I suggest using the Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/Breakaway and 7-way RV Harness part # HS381-9065.
The EOH brake actuator is rated for 1,000 psi, will improve brake response time, and allow you back up without needing to manually lock out your brakes. The vented end plate releases pressure, moisture, and heat to protect internal components and the built-in bleeder screw make flushing the air out of the lines easy. This kit also includes a breakaway system to lock up your trailer brakes if it were to ever disconnect from your tow vehicle and the insulated 7-way trailer connector and 7-pole junction box to easily install a central connection point and protect your wires.
If your surge coupler has a lockout feature, you can continue to use it while it's locked out. Otherwise, you'll need to get a standard straight coupler like the Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler part # DM13203-95. This coupler fits a 3" channel, bolts on, works with a 2 5/15" ball, and is rated for 18K towing capacity. It also has the eZ-Latch Coupler to make it easy to connect/disconnect from your trailer. If your channel or hitch ball is a different size, we can find a different coupler to work with your trailer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 25' Long, 3/16" Main Line
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- 25 Feet Long
- Brake Lines
- Steel Line and Flexible Hose
- Brake Line Kits
- Tandem Axle
- Hydrastar
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: What Do I Need to Convert from Surge Brakes to an Electric Over Hydraulic Set Up?
- Search Results: brake hose
- Search Results: brake lines
- Shop: Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,000 psi
- Shop: Hydrastar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 25' Long, 3/16" Main Line
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: etrailer VS Dexter Self Adjusting Brakes Comparison
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: All About the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator-DM72VR
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Replacement for Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Search Results: trailer jack
on Accessories and Parts
