Comparing DeeMax and Hydrastar Disc Brake Kits
Published 08/24/2026 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
What is the difference between HYD22FR and DE84NR, beside the $1000? I have a Ex Loader H1000 set up. What options do I have to replace the A70 surge actuator brake controller? Thank you,
asked by: Tim S
Expert Reply:
Hey Tim, Deemaxx and Hydrastar are both really nice higher end brands in terms of quality. Both the # HYD22FR and the # DE84FR would work really well for you. That said the DeeMaxx brand is like the most premium and the price tag matches. Hydrastar is for the guy who basically wants the best but doesn't really want to pay for the best...
So if it were me and it was my money I would go with the Hydrastar kit part # HYD22FR all day. The actuator that comes with it has a great reputation as being super reliable and quick reacting and it has stainless steel calipers whereas the DeeMax has a z-max coating for everything. Nothing beats stainless in terms of corrosion protection. How do you like the drum brakes you have currently?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit w/ Actuator for Tandem Axle Trailers - 10" Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Standard Grade
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Hub and Rotor
- 1/2 Inch Studs
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Hydrastar
more information >
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Tim S.
8/24/2026
Jamison, thank you for the fast and detailed reply. Current hubs are great, one drum brake was dragging on the way back from the San Juan Islands trip. Disassembly revealed the shoes were cracked and the shoe hyd. piston was stuck inplace. Started pricing parts and it’s not a large increase to just do the complete update to disc.