electric over hydraulic

[khaynes]

Hello everyone. I have surge brakes on my trailer. I would like to have brakes when I Back down our ramp. I'm looking at a electric/hydraulic actuator unit to install on my trailer. I've found Dexter DX series and Carlisle HydraStar. Has any body converted or used these unit. I'm alittle heavy on the boat and having brakes when backing sure would make me feel better. Thanks

 

[Quint4]

I put straight electrics on my trailer last year ( sealed all connections ) and they worked great all year...huge reduction of "pucker factor" when towing and backing down steep ramps. I almost went elec/hyd but they are very pricey.

 

[Sundancer]

The only thing I noticed was there was a slight delay before they engaged. The electric brakes are on immediately and it seemed like the electric over hydraulic had a disconcerting lag before I felt them. I have all electric now. Some folks haven't noticed this and others have. I don't know what the difference is or what causes it.

 

[Newbie]

We don't know where you live or use your boat, but if in salt- go elec/hydraulic. I wouldn't use electric in salt but it's fine for freshwater. Not a cheap upgrade but worth every penny when backing down a steep, pebble or sand covered ramp. SB

 

[Quint4]

"but if in salt- go elec/hydraulic"..my thoughts also...I'm just tired of repeating the location/signature speech....it should be required to post.

 

[keokie]

Straight electric actually work quite well even in saltwater. I have seen disassembled systems that have saltwater use and they do fine. Remember, the only thing the electricity is doin is activating the magnets, and the moving parts are simple and reliable Actaully, they are better for salt than hydraulic drum brakes in my opinion. The best for salt is arguably disc.

 

[Just Right]

I had a Dexter E/H 1600 installed a year and a half ago. The shop also switched me to discs. They work great, no lag since I have I have my controller dialed to have the trailer brakes come on a little harder/quicker than the truck.

Only down-side is that my E/H would not work with my digital controller, had to get an analog. I might guess the DX is digital. Of course if you also tow another trailer with TV controlled brakes, you might want to have a second controller so you have each controller tuned to one trailer. Then when you pull the other trailer, you can switch just plug in the 2nd controller and not have to re-tune.

Good luck.

 

[Newbie]

Straight electric actually work quite well even in saltwater. I have seen disassembled systems that have saltwater use and they do fine. Remember, the only thing the electricity is doin is activating the magnets, and the moving parts are simple and reliable Actaully, they are better for salt than hydraulic drum brakes in my opinion. The best for salt is arguably disc.

Exactly. I forgot to mention that most all surge/hydraulic systems these days are pushing disk calipers. I would assume the OP is wanting to retrofit an electrically controlled hyd. pump to existing disks but don't know what he has. Assuming he has disks already, I couldn't see any reason to go full elec vs elec/hyd. I had all but made the order for an actuator for my 260's trailer before I sold it. I needed it for being able to back UP hills when already parked facing downhill. Its a PITA to try to roll forward slowly, slamming to Rev. from neutral to minimize the pressure applied to the trailer disks. I had to carry wheel chucks for steep hills :smt013
SB

 

[khaynes]

I'm in Henderson Ky. So its fresh water. I have drum brakes. just installed new wheel brake cylinders and shoes. Also just installed a new master cylinder and spring packs. Then I heard about the hydraulic actuaters that will let you have brakes in reverse. Our river front ramp is steep and long. So I would feel much better with brakes when backing. Thanks again for the info.

 

[Quint4]

Good luck with it. Properly working surge breaks are okay but you will be happier and safer with elec/hyd or straight elec in my opinion.