EOH Brake
 

I have a Velocity VR 1 on a Ameratrail tandem aluminum trailer. The trailer has disc brakes on both axles. The boat hauls well and stops ok. However after reading many posts about surge vs EOH I think I would like to upgrade. My tow vehicle is a 2013 Yukon XL (Suburban) with the tow package. It does not have a brake controller but I understand it is just a matter of plugging one in.

All that being said, how difficult a job is this? What brands and models do you like? Are there any to stay away from? Are all controllers pretty much the same and do some work better with GM vehicles?

Thanks,

Padraig

It's not that hard and you won't be sorry if you make the change. It is so much better with EOH... There are a plethora of controllers to choose from. I would look at Tekonsha or even Hopkins. If I remember correctly, any aftermarket unit will connect to a set of marked wires (must be hardwired in) from the harness under the dash. You should have a wire tucked away between the battery and fender that has to be connected to the fuse stud (30v) in the fuse box under the hood, to get power to the controller. Also a wire down low under the master cylinder that must be connected to one of the fuse studs (40v) for power back to the 7 way trailer connector. Pretty simple to make it work.
GM service bulletin for installing aftermarket controller. Info from etrailer:
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-tb-0007...e-Control.aspx

You have to remove all your surge stuff and weld the coupler solid. Then decide where and how you want to mount the unit and battery. It takes a couple of hours to make the complete install. I like the Carlisle Hydrastar as the unit is completely sealed, but lots of people swear by Titan. Make sure you purchase one for disc brakes.

Tenkosha Prodigy, whatever the latest edition is, is probably your best bet on the controller for the truck.

I would look at BrakeRite or Hydrastar EoH actuator for the trailer. Be certain to mount it as far forward on the trailer, and at least 6-8" higher than the trailer frame, so it never gets wet on a shallow or poorly designed ramp.

I also used the HydraStar plug and play kit on my triple axle trailer. Front two axles are disc brakes. If you don’t feel like welding the surge coupler or if it’s a bit worn, just replace it with a new solid coupler. In all it took me a few hours to install including time to bleed the calipers, nothing complicated if you’re reasonably handy with mechanical work. The difference over surge brakes is tremendous, it was the best $700-800 bucks spent on that rig. Best part of EOH is that if you get a slight sway at highway speed, just dial in a little bit of drag to straighten everything out instantly.

I am new to this size boating and this is what I have for a Formula 311 and Ford V10 Excursion. I just towed about 900 miles...without any issues.

I run Dexter, and its submersible ( water proof )

I installed the BrakeRite 2 RF, the in cab controller is a radio controlled.Just plug it in cigarette lighter on any vehicle and your good to go.
https://www.brakecontroller.com/brakeriterf.htm.
Also installed Kodiak SS disc brakes.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Bra...ak/K2R35S.html.

Thanks everyone!
Sydwaz, any good suggestions to raise the mounting height?
I will likely buy a new Coupler rather then weld up the existing one. Might as go all new and never really liked the latching mechanism on the one I have now. Any suggestions. looking at bolt on.
I see that E trailer sells a complete kit with junction box, break away etc. Is that a good way to go vs piecemeal?

Padraig

I bought a kit from E trailer and I had good results

Which kit did you buy? How was the install?

Thanks,

Padraig

This one
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1fc74ad950.jpg

The installation was not that bad at all

Hydra Star has the most compact , Ive used the Dexter also. You have to be careful if it is a new vehicle with intergrated controller , certain Actuators wont work with certain vehicle brands.
EOH will be the best investment in towing you can make .

I used the Hydra Star kit and on the kits now they included a module (HBA-CAM) so if it doesn't work with your brake controller it should then.

I did put mine in a tool box but the install was pretty easy. At the same time though I put new springs, hubs, dual SS disk brakes Etc. You will never tow without EOH afterwords.

Since you have the tow package, but not the integrated controller, you can buy the complete system without the controller assistance module (CAM) to use with most aftermarket controllers. I believe that Tekonsha controller has a setting for and will recognize the EOH, whereas the OEM integrated controller will not unless you have the CAM or another type of "fooler". Will save you some bucks. The only places that sold the plug and play Hydrastar at the time I got mine was Carlisle or Easternmarine. Etrailer only sold the hard wire version at that time. Easternmarine was about $50 cheaper than Carlisle. While Carlisle doesn't recommend submersion for their units, they do have a video of one in a fish tank and claim it is waterproof.

nice clean install.

Padraig

Thanks almost like it was made to be there .

I got all my stuff from Eastern marine.

This is the route I went...Tekonsha Prodigy P2 (which has an EOH option).

I'm very happy with the Hydrastar unit on my trailer, when done right the EOH systems IMO are a must have.

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.

Any particular reason for going with the Titan? Cost? Looks? Just like it better, etc. Just curious?

Sydwaze, thanks. The wireless is more expensive and looks somewhat vulnerable hanging out in the elements. I will go with a dash mounted controller.

Shunter, the price is not that much different then the Hydrastar. The Titan seems more compact and a good plug and play set up including wiring and plugs. More then willing to listen to arguments pro and con. My feeling don't get hurt easily. Now i need to get all on order and be ready when I pull my boat out of storage.

Padraig

No arguments here. I was just wondering if there was any particular reason you decided on Titan. When I bought my Hydrastar it was mostly because I didn't like the look of the Titan.

Have you looked at the Hopkins InSIGHT controller? I don't know how reliable they are, but I like to idea that they have a small footprint. The readout can sit on the dash, the slide bar can be mounted anywhere you want and the main box is out of sight. Just a thought.
https://hopkinstowingsolutions.com/p...ers/47297.html

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

HOLEY MOLEY! I love EOH. Finished it up today and test drove it. I cannot believe the difference from surge brakes. Should have done it years ago. Went with the plug and playby Brakerite. Good and bad no wiring but you loose flexibility. Hard wiring would give a neater installation. Also the brakerite activator does not lend itself to mounting on boat trailers. The mounting holes don't fit on the aluminum tubing tongue. If I was to do it again I would go hydrastar

Padraig.

A couple of pics. Please ignore the filthy trailer. Will wash after launching boat.
Padraig
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...df66b97680.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...88338a3fee.jpg
Need to neaten the wiring

nice, bring everything above the trailer, dont have anything hanging lower than the beams.

I don`t know how big or heavy the boat is but be careful with those aluminum hitches.


I have the same unit , been working great so far



https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...897047e760.jpg

Good to know! Still can't believe how much better it is then surge brakes.

Thanks,

Padraig

Yes the aluminum hitches are known to break. I had one towing my Velocity. Never had a problem, but didn't want to take a chance. Bought a heavy duty kurt to replace it.