I'm upgrading the brakes on my boat trailer from cable operated to hydraulic electric breakaway. I'm looking at the Hydrastar 1200psi and the alko Q7. I have a Tekonsha P3 in the vehicle and both are compatible with it. Pros and cons on both? TIA.
I'm upgrading the brakes on my boat trailer from cable operated to hydraulic electric breakaway. I'm looking at the Hydrastar 1200psi and the alko Q7. I have a Tekonsha P3 in the vehicle and both are compatible with it. Pros and cons on both? TIA.
I do not know your system above, but have a hydraulic/disk over ride brake system on my boat trailer, one weak link I think is the steel hydraulic lines that go rusty. I now would prefer the cable system.
I am going a braided stainless hose kit from huntsman products, no steel piping at all.
If you already have the Tekonsha then I would stick with it. I have a P3 as well and I find it very good, especially as you have the manual brake lever as well.
Remember to always log on before heading offshore.
I was referring to outside the cab. The trailer isn't legal with it's current cable brakes which is why I am upgrading to electric hydraulic. thanks.
I did a fair amount of research when I was deciding on what brake system to install on my trailer. I ended up using alko Q7 with the P3. It is simple to install, has a built in break-away so no need to have another battery hooked up. I have it hooked up to S/S brakes with 12" rotas and she locks up if required. They don't have the same pressure but I don't see that being a problem as there is plenty of pressure to lock the wheels up as I have given it a work out. One thing I am doing is making a cover up over the Q7 to protect from sun as I am sure the plastic will fail over time as does most things sitting in the sun. I have heard that the seal sometimes leaks due to lack of use. The manual even says to run them up every couple of weeks to lubricate the seals. I made a plug up off my jump starter and run them up. I have it set up on a 4.3 ton trailer so have both axles braked.
Originally Posted by neil_stessco
Hi Neil
As a contrast I upgraded my Tinka from cable to elec over hyrdraulic and went Hydrastar and also uped the carrying capacity on the registration with a letter / notification form from the guy who did the job for me. Now legal brake wise and also carrying capacity too.
Extra battery is no big issue and the metal unit that is the Hydrastar is robust and not UV affected.
PM if you want other info or names
Cheers
Chimo
Thanks Chimo I think that this is the way I will go.
I went with the Hydrastar approx 5 years ago, works well still looks brand new I've been very pleased, i purchased mine from Northside of brisbane cost at the time was around $900.
have a look at the Brake Commander, Australian made-needs no wiring in the vehicle at all.
Uses a capacitor rather than a battery for breakaway and a standard brake master cylinder, wireless controller, about $1300 for everything
Hydrastar and the P3 is the most reliable set up ive owned.
I went through 2 Hydrastar HBA series actuators over a 3-4 yr period these units hate to sit and the boards fail
After upgrading my trailer from over riders cable system The first unit went after about 2 yrs. I had been using the trailer regular and then had some time off, when I went to use the boat the actuator didn't work Hydrastar didn't give a rat arse when I contacted them basically told me the board can fail And I should of had a cover on it (wtf) and it would be $600 for a new board to repair, when I decided to buy a new unit with warranty they asked if I could send my old unit to them for spares, I said no thanks
2nd new unit failed when I'd had my boat in a storage rack and sold the boat it failed. This unit had done no work at all, I told the purchaser that I only purchased the unit just over year ago and this guy I sold it to said Hydrastar didn't give a shit when he contacted
what shit service is that
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IQ7 with the P3 is the best combo on the market. we have been fitting this system standard on our trailers for a while and not 1 issue.
Add a 3.5 year old Hydrastar 1600psi unit to the list of failures......
I will look into replacement circuit boards. It has a solenoid inside clicking (so the electrics are powered), but no motor runs to create pressure.
How long have those with the Alko units had them in service?
I have a Brakerite system (not sure if spelling is correct) that came with my yanky trailer. 7.5 yrs and still going strong, with no issues (touch wood/noggin with both hands...).
I remember Billy Corten writing up about all his boat & trailer gear selection when he was putting his 685 together and he chose this unit for his rig/Aussy trailer too if I recall correctly. Hope he has got the reliability that I have had. Don't see too many of them around though.
Cheers
Brendon
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