Electric over hydraulic conversion

[Mischief Managed]

Late last year, I had an opportunity to tow a big flatbed trailer with electric brakes. I really liked the "right now" response of them and decided to install electric over hydraulic on my trailer this Spring. Has anyone here done this?

I'm planning to purchase a Titan BrakeRite II Severe-Duty Electric-Hydraulic Actuator Kit for 684.95. This is the kit. It's very comprehensive seems to take all the guess work out. I'd also need a breakaway battery kit ($69.95), a mounting plate ($8.50), an in-cab controller ($90 to $150) and a drum brake adapter ($18.95). Does anyone here have experience with this product?

 

[lime4x4]

Re: Electric over hydraulic conversion

I'm in the process of doing the samething. i got the exact same actuator. Still installing mine yet. By the way eastern marine has it for 659.00

 

[Splat]

Re: Electric over hydraulic conversion

I have never installed a eoh kit but have towed with them. Thy are very nice.

I really just wanted to add that personally I recommend the Tekonsha prodigy for a in cab controller. I've used many different ones in the past, and by far they are the best I've ever used. I prefer not the newest model with the fancy screen, but the one with the plain 2 digit readout, Im 99% sure they are comparable with eoh systems.

Bill

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Electric over hydraulic conversion

I learned that I could convert my rig to full electric for half the money. I did that instead. The entire backing plate/brake shoe/brake mechanism assemblies only cost $39 per wheel (or $51 for automatic-adjusting) for my 3500 lb Dexter axles. If I need to replace or reapir them due to corrosion issues, it's dirt cheap. I also like the simplicity of all electric.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Electric over hydraulic conversion

The only thing missing is trailer brakes in reverse, as in backing down a boat ramp.

Just sayin'

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Electric over hydraulic conversion

The only thing missing is trailer brakes in reverse, as in backing down a boat ramp.

Just sayin'

I can apply them with the in-cab controller, but I'm not sure how effective drum brakes will be in reverse. I never had them before with the surge brake setup, so if they don't work in reverse, I've lost nothing.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Electric over hydraulic conversion

You missed the point. With electric over hydraulic, braking is effective in either direction. With electric brakes where the brake actuator is driven by a magnet on the inside of the drum, it may not be effective in reverse, depending on the design. Most aren't. That's why they are different between left and right sides.

In other words you can hit full braking in the cab and the brakes won't hold.

 

[Splat]

Re: Electric over hydraulic conversion

A good brake controller like the prodigy I recommended will provide proportionate braking in reverse assuming your brakes are capable of it.

Not all of them will.

Bill

 

[180shabah]

Re: Electric over hydraulic conversion

In other words you can hit full braking in the cab and the brakes won't hold.

So, still no worse than the brakes he is replacing...although still a good consideration...