Just fab up a quick piece of aluminum tube, and mount that to the trailer. Then mount the actuator on top of that.

I have used all of the major EOH systems and found the Hydrastar unit to be the best! I haul boats all over the USA, over 50K miles on one trailer alone with a Hydrastar and have never had any issues.

If for NO OTHER REASON... if you are backing a boat down the ramp, with an EOH you have FULL CONTROL of the trailer and do not need to lock up the truck's brakes taking any chances of it beginning a slide into the water.

I saw another post suggesting the Dexter is waterproof and this is simply not true. Water will go right into the poor cap design and if you own one, do yourself a favor and order a second cap. Also buy a small buddy bearing bra and zip-tie the Dexter cap to the EOH to keep it from coming loose.

Here are a few install pics:

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b9ae652252.jpg
Hydrastar unit installed on a Myco trailer for my 43' Scarab AVS

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...df88558271.jpg
Dexter EOH on a Manning Trailer for a 43' Black Thunder
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...5a5b5aae8c.jpg
Note, all ground wires are outside the box for easy cleaning and to keep the wires inside box separate.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...04b620cd09.jpg
Another Hydrastar unit on a Myco trailer carrying a 38' Contender
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1ca7d9fb2e.jpg
Used trailer bunk brackets for mounting the battery and electrical distribution box.

Thanks everyone. Lots of great suggestions!
As I will be getting a new coupler, any suggestions on a couple? My wife hates fighting with the latch on the one we have.....so one that latches and unlatches easily would be good.

Padraig

This is the one I use on every trailer I build. It has a spring loaded catch that locks down on the ball until you physically pull it away and hold it back under pressure to raise the trailer from the towing vehicle.

https://www.easternmarine.com/3-chan...-coupler-91562

What size ball you want to use? UFP has a very easy latch system. For 2" here is a solid coupler. You can get it in bolt on and weld on. You can find them all over. I just used this place as an example.
https://www.pacifictrailers.com/coll...-bolt-on-34318

2 5/16" gets a 20K coupler. Also in bolt on and weld on. With bolt on, you also will need an adjustable channel mount bracket that has to be welded onto the tongue and bolt coupler onto it. What I used for mine. Overkill for my boat? Yes. However, I love the coupler. It is very easy to open and close.
https://www.pacifictrailers.com/coll...-bolt-on-40563

Well I was going to do this last year but the China Flu restrictions interfered. Getting ready to order parts...Anything new and improved on the market or any new advise?

Padraig

I used a Hydrastar when I did mine, make sure to get the electronic adapter so any brake controller will work.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8855aefa7b.jpg
I cut out the old master cylinder and and used the space for the new one.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b0467e9a93.jpg
I covered the unit with an aluminum cover to protect it.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...68f5ebd3d1.jpg

I made a bracket to keep mine above water , my only issue was was fitting the caliper bolts between the frame and the caliper .. I had to cut them shorter.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...18d72d4736.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...abde8f14fc.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...7de51dd9d6.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...5d3371bcad.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d099ad856f.jpg

Thanks for all the replys! I have decided on the Titan plug and play from Etrailer. Looking at controllers I noticed this wireless one. Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional Curt Trailer Brake Controller C51180 (etrailer.com)
Anyone using it or have any thoughts about it pro or con?
Padraig

GF uses a wireless one for her vintage camping trailers, and because she drives a VW Touareg diesel with no provisioning for an electric brake controller.
That is NOT the one she is using. However, I think they are absolute junk. She has problems with the controller and handheld devices losing their pairing. And there are so many (non-)moving parts that it's a PITFA to troubleshoot.
It doesn't help that she doesn't test her shlt before she takes off for a trip, and I'm out there in my pajamas trying to fix it before my coffee either.

Your truck should have the wiring from under the dash to the trailer hitch plug. There is no reason NOT to use that, with a simpler and more reliable input.