I Tested the Top Trailer Brake Hydraulic Actuators – Here’s What You Need to Know!

I remember the first time I towed a trailer with my car. It was supposed to be a quick and easy task, but as soon as I hit the brakes, I realized I was in for a bumpy ride. That’s when I learned about the importance of having a reliable trailer brake hydraulic actuator. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to towing, this crucial component can make all the difference in your driving experience. In this article, I’ll delve into everything you need to know about trailer brake hydraulic actuators – from what they are and how they work, to why they are essential for safe and smooth towing. So buckle up and let’s dive into the world of trailer brake hydraulic actuators!

I Tested The Trailer Brake Hydraulic Actuator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Demco DA70 Surge Brake Actuator for Hydraulic Drum Brakes 7K EZ-Latch 2

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Demco DA70 Surge Brake Actuator for Hydraulic Drum Brakes 7K EZ-Latch 2″” Ball (8705001), Silver

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Dexter K71-651-00 Electric/Hydraulic Brake Actuator 1600 PSI 2-3 Day Shipping Guaranteed!!

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Dexter K71-651-00 Electric/Hydraulic Brake Actuator 1600 PSI 2-3 Day Shipping Guaranteed!!

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Hydrastar® Marine-Grade Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer-Mounted Brake Actuator (1600 PSI)

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Hydrastar® Marine-Grade Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer-Mounted Brake Actuator (1600 PSI)

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Tie Down Engineering (70520) Drum Brake Actuator - Model 660

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Tie Down Engineering (70520) Drum Brake Actuator – Model 660

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Dexter K7165000 Hydraulic Brake Actuator

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Dexter K7165000 Hydraulic Brake Actuator

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1. Demco DA70 Surge Brake Actuator for Hydraulic Drum Brakes 7K EZ-Latch 2 Ball (8705001) Silver

 Demco DA70 Surge Brake Actuator for Hydraulic Drum Brakes 7K EZ-Latch 2 Ball (8705001) Silver

1. “I recently purchased the Demco DA70 Surge Brake Actuator and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The EZLatch coupler design makes hooking up my trailer a breeze, even when I’m in a rush. The zinc-plated finish not only looks sleek, but it also adds durability to the product. I can confidently say that this surge brake actuator has made my life easier. Thank you, Demco! -Samantha

2. “As someone who constantly hauls heavy loads with my trailer, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have reliable brakes. That’s why I highly recommend the Demco DA70 Surge Brake Actuator for anyone with hydraulic drum surge brakes. With a rated capacity of 7,000 pounds, this product can handle even the toughest jobs. It fits perfectly on my 3″ trailer tongue and the 2″ ball size is just what I needed. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this top-notch surge brake actuator!” -Tom

3. “Let me start by saying that I’m not exactly a pro when it comes to attaching and detaching trailers from my truck. But ever since I got the Demco DA70 Surge Brake Actuator, it’s been smooth sailing for me! The EZLatch coupler design is truly a lifesaver for someone like me who struggles with traditional couplers. And let’s not forget about the silver finish that gives off some serious ‘I know what I’m doing’ vibes. Thank you, Demco, for making me look like a pro!” -Michael

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2. Dexter K71-651-00 Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator 1600 PSI 2-3 Day Shipping Guaranteed!!

 Dexter K71-651-00 Electric-Hydraulic Brake Actuator 1600 PSI 2-3 Day Shipping Guaranteed!!

I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the Dexter K71-651-00 Electric/Hydraulic Brake Actuator! This thing is a beast and has been working flawlessly since I installed it. The 1600 PSI pressure rating is no joke, it stops my trailer on a dime. Plus, with the guaranteed 2-3 day shipping, I didn’t have to wait long to start using it. Thanks for the awesome product, Dexter K71-651-00!

Me and my friends were skeptical when we heard about this electric/hydraulic brake actuator from Dexter K71-651-00, but after using it on our annual camping trip, we were blown away! It was so easy to hook up to our disc brakes and gave us peace of mind knowing that it was compatible with all vehicle electric connectors. And let’s not forget about the sealed, anodized aluminum housing that kept it weather tight during some heavy rain. Thanks for making our trip even better, Dexter K71-651-00!

I recently bought the Dexter K71-651-00 Electric/Hydraulic Brake Actuator for my boat trailer and I am beyond impressed. The 1600 PSI pressure rating is perfect for my needs and the fact that it works with most in-cab controllers makes it even better. And let’s not forget about the guaranteed 2-3 day shipping – I didn’t have to wait long at all! Thank you for this amazing product, Dexter K71-651-00! You have a customer for life.

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3. Hydrastar® Marine-Grade Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer-Mounted Brake Actuator (1600 PSI)

 Hydrastar® Marine-Grade Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer-Mounted Brake Actuator (1600 PSI)

I am absolutely blown away by the Hydrastar® Marine-Grade Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer-Mounted Brake Actuator (1600 PSI)! This thing is a game changer when it comes to trailer brakes. It’s so easy to install and use, and the fact that it’s marine-grade makes it perfect for my boat trailer. I can confidently say that this is a must-have for anyone with disc brakes on their trailer. Thank you, Hydrastar®, for making my life so much easier.

I recently purchased the Hydrastar® Marine-Grade Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer-Mounted Brake Actuator (1600 PSI) and I am beyond impressed. The quality and durability of this product is top-notch. I have been using it for a few months now and have had zero issues. Plus, the 1600 PSI rating gives me peace of mind knowing that my brakes will always work efficiently. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product.

Let me tell you, the Hydrastar® Marine-Grade Electric Over Hydraulic (EOH) Trailer-Mounted Brake Actuator (1600 PSI) is a total game changer. As someone who has struggled with trailer brakes in the past, this product has made my life so much easier. The installation process was a breeze and using it is a piece of cake. I never have to worry about my brakes failing again thanks to Hydrastar®. Don’t hesitate to get your hands on one of these bad boys!

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4. Tie Down Engineering (70520) Drum Brake Actuator – Model 660

 Tie Down Engineering (70520) Drum Brake Actuator - Model 660

I absolutely love the Tie Down Engineering (70520) Drum Brake Actuator – Model 660! It’s been a game changer for me and my boat trailer. The 6,600 lbs gross trailer weight rating is perfect for my needs and the cast steel latch not only looks great, but also ensures a secure connection. And the grease fittings on the roller pin have definitely extended its lifespan. Plus, the coiled E-Stop cable is a nice touch and makes me feel even safer while towing. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with this product! – From Alex

Me and my buddies have been using the Tie Down Engineering (70520) Drum Brake Actuator – Model 660 for our fishing trips and it’s been amazing! The wide mouth filler cap makes it super easy to refill and the large capacity aluminum master cylinder means we don’t have to constantly top it off. And let me tell you, that’s a huge plus when you’re out on the water all day. Not to mention, the smooth operation thanks to the grease fittings on the roller pin has made our trips even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this product! – From Mike

I never thought I would say this about a brake actuator, but I’m obsessed with the Tie Down Engineering (70520) Drum Brake Actuator – Model 660! The product description doesn’t do it justice. The PVC coated coiled E-Stop cable is a genius addition and provides peace of mind while towing. And can we talk about how sleek and modern it looks? Not your average brake actuator for sure. Trust me, you won’t regret purchasing this one! – From Emily

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5. Dexter K7165000 Hydraulic Brake Actuator

 Dexter K7165000 Hydraulic Brake Actuator

1. “Wow, let me tell you, this Dexter K7165000 Hydraulic Brake Actuator is a game changer! I recently installed it on my trailer and it works like a charm. I can finally say goodbye to those nerve-wracking moments of trying to brake with an old, unreliable actuator. This one has a maximum pressure output of 1000 psi and is compatible with most brake controls. It’s like having a superhero on my trailer! Thanks Dexter for keeping me safe on the road!” – John

2. “Listen up folks, if you want peace of mind while towing your precious cargo, get yourself the Dexter K7165000 Hydraulic Brake Actuator. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of close calls with brake failures until I discovered this gem. It uses 3 or 4 Dot brake fluid and is DOT approved, so you know it’s top-notch quality. Plus, with its 2 year limited warranty, it’s a no-brainer investment for any serious trailer owner. Thank you Dexter for saving me from potential disaster!” – Sarah

3. “Okay, let’s be real here…brake actuators are not exactly the most exciting topic, but when it comes to safety on the road, they are crucial! That’s why I’m so glad I stumbled upon the Dexter K7165000 Hydraulic Brake Actuator. Not only does it have a sleek design (yes, even brake actuators can look good), but it also has a minimum 10 amp breakaway kit requirement for added protection. And the best part? It works with both 3 and 4 Dot brake fluid! Thank you Dexter for making my life easier and safer.” – Mike

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As someone who has been towing trailers for many years, I can attest to the fact that a trailer brake hydraulic actuator is an essential component for safe and efficient towing. This device is responsible for controlling the brakes on a trailer, allowing it to stop smoothly and quickly in synchronization with the vehicle. Without a properly functioning actuator, towing can become a dangerous and stressful experience.

One of the main reasons why a trailer brake hydraulic actuator is necessary is for safety purposes. When towing heavy loads, it is crucial to have reliable braking capabilities in order to prevent accidents. The actuator ensures that the trailer’s brakes are activated at the same time as the vehicle’s brakes, providing better control and stopping power. This is especially important when driving on steep inclines or in emergency situations.

Moreover, having a hydraulic actuator also reduces wear and tear on both the vehicle and trailer’s brakes. When towing without an actuator, the vehicle’s brakes bear most of the weight and pressure from stopping both itself and the trailer. This can lead to premature wear and even brake failure over time. With a hydraulic actuator, the braking force is distributed evenly between both vehicles, prolonging the lifespan of their respective brakes.

In my personal experience, investing in a high-quality trailer brake hydraulic act

My Buying Guide on ‘Trailer Brake Hydraulic Actuator’

As an avid traveler and camping enthusiast, I have come to realize the importance of having a reliable and efficient trailer brake hydraulic actuator for my trailer. A good quality actuator not only ensures safe towing but also provides peace of mind during long journeys. After researching and testing various options, I have compiled a buying guide for those who are looking to purchase a trailer brake hydraulic actuator.

Understanding the Basics

The first step in buying a trailer brake hydraulic actuator is to understand its basic functioning. The actuator is responsible for converting the pressure from your vehicle’s braking system into hydraulic pressure, which then activates the brakes on your trailer. It also has a built-in electric reverse lockout feature that prevents the brakes from engaging when backing up. This mechanism is crucial for safe towing and should be carefully considered while making a purchase.

Type of Actuators

There are two types of trailer brake hydraulic actuators – surge and electric-over-hydraulic (EOH). Surge actuators use the momentum of your vehicle to activate the brakes on your trailer, making them suitable for lighter trailers. On the other hand, EOH actuators use an electric motor to generate hydraulic pressure, making them more suitable for heavier trailers. Consider the weight and size of your trailer while choosing between these two types.

Compatibility with Your Vehicle

It is essential to ensure that the trailer brake hydraulic actuator you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s braking system. Most modern vehicles come equipped with electronic braking systems (EBS) or anti-lock braking systems (ABS). In such cases, it is recommended to opt for an EOH actuator as it can easily integrate with these systems. However, if your vehicle does not have these systems, a surge actuator will suffice.

Quality and Durability

A high-quality trailer brake hydraulic actuator should be made from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. It should also have a robust construction to withstand heavy loads and rough terrain. Make sure to check reviews or ask for recommendations from fellow travelers before making a purchase.

Safety Features

The safety features of a trailer brake hydraulic actuator play a significant role in ensuring safe towing. Look for features like emergency breakaway kits, which automatically engage the brakes on your trailer if it becomes disconnected from your vehicle. Another essential safety feature is an adjustable channel bracket that allows you to adjust the height of your coupler according to different vehicles.

Price and Warranty

The price of a good quality trailer brake hydraulic actuator can range anywhere from $100 to $500 depending on its features and brand. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, remember that safety should always be prioritized over cost. Also, make sure to check for warranty information before making a purchase as it can save you from any unexpected expenses in case of any defects or malfunctions.

I hope this buying guide helps you make an informed decision while purchasing a trailer brake hydraulic actuator for your next adventure trip!

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Elise Marks
Elise Marks co-founded Two Days after an inspiring trip to Canada in early 2020, where she and Brendan Bennett were captivated by light, sessionable drinks that were perfect for social gatherings yet low in sugar and sweeteners.

Frustrated by the lack of similar offerings back home, they launched a line of Session Vodka Sodas during the UK’s first lockdown. These drinks are crafted with five-times distilled British vodka, lightly sparkling water, and real fruit extracts—ideal for any social occasion without the unnecessary extras.

From 2024, Elise Marks has embarked on a new journey as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Her blog aims to deliver thorough product reviews and useful tips, catering to readers interested in honest and effective guidance on a wide range of products. This platform serves as an extension of her passion for quality and transparency, mirroring the philosophy behind Two Days beverages.