Dexter DX Series Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator
Dexter's DX Series electric-over-hydraulic actuator delivers proportional, low-maintenance trailer braking and a compact installation footprint for Brake Systems and Axles applications. It stands out as a market-leading choice due to wide OEM adoption and easier retrofit capability compared with bulkier hydraulic actuators like the Carlisle Hydrastar, while offering finer modulation for disc kits such as Kodiak without dramatically increasing system cost.
Smooth power — whisper-quiet
Easy install — plug-friendly
Smooth power — whisper-quiet
Easy install — plug-friendly
Review Summary
"Users report the Dexter DX Series EOHD actuator delivers consistent, strong braking and reliable service over long-term use, with easy mounting and good compatibility; a minority note occasional electrical/setup issues and the need for careful bleeding. Overall it's regarded as a durable, high-performance actuator for trailers and RVs."
Proportional stop — traffic-smart
Electric-over-hydraulic design for smooth, proportional braking and easy retrofit to hydraulic brake systems.
Proportional stop — traffic-smart
Electric-over-hydraulic design for smooth, proportional braking and easy retrofit to hydraulic brake systems.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Dexter's DX Series electric-over-hydraulic actuator delivers proportional, low-maintenance trailer braking and a compact installation footprint for Brake Systems and Axles applications. It stands out as a market-leading choice due to wide OEM adoption and easier retrofit capability compared with bulkier hydraulic actuators like the Carlisle Hydrastar, while offering finer modulation for disc kits such as Kodiak without dramatically increasing system cost.
Smooth power — whisper-quiet
Easy install — plug-friendly
Proportional stop — traffic-smart
Electric-over-hydraulic design for smooth, proportional braking and easy retrofit to hydraulic brake systems.
Integrated reservoir and built-in isolation valve improve reliability and reduce installation complexity.
Smooth power — whisper-quiet
Easy install — plug-friendly
Proportional stop — traffic-smart
Electric-over-hydraulic design for smooth, proportional braking and easy retrofit to hydraulic brake systems.
Integrated reservoir and built-in isolation valve improve reliability and reduce installation complexity.
$600-1000 CAD
Lippert Forward Self-Adjusting Brake Assembly
Lippert's Forward self-adjusting brake assembly minimizes routine maintenance by automatically compensating shoe wear, making it an excellent choice for drum-based axle setups in Brake Systems and Axles projects. It is typically more cost-effective upfront than disc conversions like Kodiak and pairs simply with torsion axles such as TruRyde, though it trades off some high-speed fade resistance found in modern disc options.
Self-adjusting — set-and-forget
Low upkeep — weekend-win
Self-adjusting — set-and-forget
Low upkeep — weekend-win
Review Summary
"Buyers praise the Lippert Forward self-adjusting brake assembly for reducing maintenance and keeping brakes properly adjusted over time, with solid construction and reliable stopping power; some users experienced fitment or parts-availability headaches. It’s generally seen as a convenient, durable option for trailer brake upkeep."
Even wear — tire-saver
Self-adjusting mechanism maintains optimal brake shoe clearance for consistent stopping power and reduced maintenance.
Even wear — tire-saver
Self-adjusting mechanism maintains optimal brake shoe clearance for consistent stopping power and reduced maintenance.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Lippert's Forward self-adjusting brake assembly minimizes routine maintenance by automatically compensating shoe wear, making it an excellent choice for drum-based axle setups in Brake Systems and Axles projects. It is typically more cost-effective upfront than disc conversions like Kodiak and pairs simply with torsion axles such as TruRyde, though it trades off some high-speed fade resistance found in modern disc options.
Self-adjusting — set-and-forget
Low upkeep — weekend-win
Even wear — tire-saver
Self-adjusting mechanism maintains optimal brake shoe clearance for consistent stopping power and reduced maintenance.
Bolt-on replacement assembly simplifies installation on compatible axles and reduces downtime.
Self-adjusting — set-and-forget
Low upkeep — weekend-win
Even wear — tire-saver
Self-adjusting mechanism maintains optimal brake shoe clearance for consistent stopping power and reduced maintenance.
Bolt-on replacement assembly simplifies installation on compatible axles and reduces downtime.
$250-400 CAD
Kodiak Disc Brake Kit 13 Inch Rotor
Kodiak's 13-inch disc brake kit delivers superior heat dissipation, stopping power, and fade resistance for demanding Brake Systems and Axles installations. While its initial cost is higher than drum assemblies like Lippert's, it reduces long-term maintenance and pairs especially well with proportional actuators such as Dexter's DX Series for precise braking under heavy loads.
Bitey stopping — mountain-ready
Fade-resistant — all-day confidence
Bitey stopping — mountain-ready
Fade-resistant — all-day confidence
Review Summary
"The Kodiak 13-inch disc brake kit is frequently lauded for superior stopping performance, cooler running and reduced fade compared with drums, though a subset of owners report fitment/hardware issues and occasional noise or rotor runout. Overall reviews indicate strong braking capability and good value when properly installed."
Smooth modulation — driver-grin
13-inch rotor delivers stronger, fade-resistant stopping compared with drum brakes, especially in wet conditions.
Smooth modulation — driver-grin
13-inch rotor delivers stronger, fade-resistant stopping compared with drum brakes, especially in wet conditions.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
Kodiak's 13-inch disc brake kit delivers superior heat dissipation, stopping power, and fade resistance for demanding Brake Systems and Axles installations. While its initial cost is higher than drum assemblies like Lippert's, it reduces long-term maintenance and pairs especially well with proportional actuators such as Dexter's DX Series for precise braking under heavy loads.
Bitey stopping — mountain-ready
Fade-resistant — all-day confidence
Smooth modulation — driver-grin
13-inch rotor delivers stronger, fade-resistant stopping compared with drum brakes, especially in wet conditions.
Corrosion-resistant calipers and hardware increase longevity in harsh environments.
Bitey stopping — mountain-ready
Fade-resistant — all-day confidence
Smooth modulation — driver-grin
13-inch rotor delivers stronger, fade-resistant stopping compared with drum brakes, especially in wet conditions.
Corrosion-resistant calipers and hardware increase longevity in harsh environments.
$500-800 CAD
Carlisle Hydrastar 1600 PSI Brake Actuator
Carlisle's Hydrastar 1600 PSI brake actuator provides a compact and robust hydraulic actuation solution for trailers that need high actuation force within Brake Systems and Axles configurations. It generally comes at a lower purchase price than electric-over-hydraulic units like Dexter's DX Series and integrates reliably with drum setups, but it offers less precise modulation than EOH systems and may require more manual adjustment than self-adjusting assemblies.
1600 PSI punch — stout stop
Fast response — traffic-friendly
1600 PSI punch — stout stop
Fast response — traffic-friendly
Review Summary
"The Carlisle Hydrastar 1600 PSI actuator is commonly reviewed as dependable with solid braking power and straightforward operation on surge-braked trailers; some long-term users mention installation complexity and rare seal or leakage issues. It’s typically regarded as a reliable, well-priced hydraulic actuator."
Compact unit — trunk-happy
1600 PSI-rated surge actuator provides reliable, consistent hydraulic pressure for trailer braking systems.
Compact unit — trunk-happy
1600 PSI-rated surge actuator provides reliable, consistent hydraulic pressure for trailer braking systems.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Carlisle's Hydrastar 1600 PSI brake actuator provides a compact and robust hydraulic actuation solution for trailers that need high actuation force within Brake Systems and Axles configurations. It generally comes at a lower purchase price than electric-over-hydraulic units like Dexter's DX Series and integrates reliably with drum setups, but it offers less precise modulation than EOH systems and may require more manual adjustment than self-adjusting assemblies.
1600 PSI punch — stout stop
Fast response — traffic-friendly
Compact unit — trunk-happy
1600 PSI-rated surge actuator provides reliable, consistent hydraulic pressure for trailer braking systems.
Compact, rugged construction suitable for direct mounting on trailer couplers.
1600 PSI punch — stout stop
Fast response — traffic-friendly
Compact unit — trunk-happy
1600 PSI-rated surge actuator provides reliable, consistent hydraulic pressure for trailer braking systems.
Compact, rugged construction suitable for direct mounting on trailer couplers.
$400-700 CAD
TruRyde 7000 lb Torsion Axle with Electric Brakes
TruRyde's 7000 lb torsion axle with electric brakes combines a smooth, low-maintenance ride with ready-to-install braking for medium-duty trailers in Brake Systems and Axles applications. It represents a balanced financial option—higher cost than basic leaf-spring axles but more affordable than heavy-duty suspension systems—and complements both Kodiak disc conversions and Lippert drum assemblies depending on whether buyers prioritize stopping performance or lower upfront expense.
Smooth ride — pillow-road
7000 lb rated — beast-ready
Smooth ride — pillow-road
7000 lb rated — beast-ready
Review Summary
"TruRyde 7000 lb torsion axles with electric brakes are favored for smooth ride quality, improved handling and easy bolt-on replacement, with many owners reporting long-term durability; occasional quality-control and alignment or missing-hardware complaints appear in a minority of reviews. Overall they’re seen as a strong, value-oriented axle solution."
Built-in brakes — tidy setup
7000 lb capacity torsion axle provides independent rubber suspension for a smoother ride and reduced maintenance.
Built-in brakes — tidy setup
7000 lb capacity torsion axle provides independent rubber suspension for a smoother ride and reduced maintenance.
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
TruRyde's 7000 lb torsion axle with electric brakes combines a smooth, low-maintenance ride with ready-to-install braking for medium-duty trailers in Brake Systems and Axles applications. It represents a balanced financial option—higher cost than basic leaf-spring axles but more affordable than heavy-duty suspension systems—and complements both Kodiak disc conversions and Lippert drum assemblies depending on whether buyers prioritize stopping performance or lower upfront expense.
Smooth ride — pillow-road
7000 lb rated — beast-ready
Built-in brakes — tidy setup
7000 lb capacity torsion axle provides independent rubber suspension for a smoother ride and reduced maintenance.
Includes integrated electric brake assemblies for effective stopping and easy connection to trailer wiring.
Smooth ride — pillow-road
7000 lb rated — beast-ready
Built-in brakes — tidy setup
7000 lb capacity torsion axle provides independent rubber suspension for a smoother ride and reduced maintenance.
Includes integrated electric brake assemblies for effective stopping and easy connection to trailer wiring.
$900-1400 CAD