Electric over hydraulic (EOH) brakes offer optimal control and response from your
trailer braking system. An in cab proportional controller sends an electronic signal to a hydraulic power unit which pumps fluid at the appropriate pressure in sync with tow vehicle deceleration.
Braking
Electric brake systems utilize a controller in your truck that communicates a signal
to your trailer that activates both regular and trailer brakes when you press down on
its brake pedal. They require connecting plugs for both vehicles to establish
communication, an electric over hydraulic brake actuator that converts electrical
signals to fluid pressure for disc brakes, as well as plumbing lines from actuator to
brake calipers on each axle axle to complete this setup.
With this system, it isn’t necessary to adjust the gain on your brake controller. For
lighter loads, start at setting 2 (or 20). Test the brakes; if braking is too weak,
increase gain to higher settings. It may also be possible to purchase axles preequipped with mounting flanges that save both time and money; these axles still
require an actuating arm/electromagnet that attaches securely at their lower ends
for effective braking action.
Control
Electric over hydraulic brake systems allow drivers to control their brakes from
within their cab using either proportional or time-delayed controllers, respectively.
Proportional systems detect when your vehicle’s brake pedal is depressed and apply
equal braking pressure across electromagnets on trailers for smoother, more
consistent stopping power across various driving conditions.
Recently introduced brake controllers feature Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring
and controlling on the go, with user-friendly mobile apps offering multiple trailer
profiles for saving or changing brake controller settings quickly and seamlessly.
Furthermore, many can mount discreetly under your dash for clean installation
without disrupting visibility.
Time-delayed system delivers an electrical signal to the surge actuator on your
trailer, which then compresses and activates its brakes. Braking force depends on
how hard you press on your brake pedal; results may feel jerky depending on this
factor. You can test sensitivity by driving at up to 25 mph with brakes applied while
pressing them; if the trailer stops too slowly you may increase this setting.
Safety
This system utilizes your standard electric brake controller to operate a hydraulic
disc brake actuator installed specifically on your trailer. A pulse from the controller
activates this hydraulic actuator, applying pressure against its disc or drum brakes
and stopping your vehicle.
Conventional surge brakes operate by using compression of a tow vehicle’s brake
pedal to activate a time delayed actuator in the trailer coupler and apply its brakes,
creating an erratic towing experience. Furthermore, to safely back up a trailer when
connected to the tow vehicle it requires manually flipping a pin that prevents its
master brake cylinder from engaging and activating its trailer brakes – both are
cumbersome processes that add time and frustration when backing up trailers with tow vehicles.
Electric over hydraulic braking systems use electronic signals sent from your tow
vehicle through a seven-way plug to the Titan Actuator and then apply consistent
hydraulic pressure, just like on your tow vehicle, directly to disc or drum brakes on
trailers – no adjustments necessary unlike with electric brakes.
Maintenance
Electric over hydraulic trailer brakes are easy to troubleshoot and require less
maintenance than other forms. When bleding your electric over hydraulic brakes,
ensure the actuator has been warmed up by driving about 1/4 mile between 25 to 45
mph or by making several stops to allow the system to adapt to your load. Use steel
tubing instead of rubber wires running from actuator to calipers to guarantee
greater lifespan and performance from these brakes.
Contrary to conventional surge brakes that rely on compression of the trailer coupler
to activate, electric signals from controllers send hydraulic pressure through an
actuator in the trailer which then sends pressure through lines directly to calipers
and wheels for activation – providing an efficient and cost-effective option for long
distance travelers who haul heavy loads or want to reduce trailer sway.