Trailer brake help vacum over hydraulic - Diesel Forum

chaseakarl · 11-02-2009, 09:21 PM

Does anyone know what I would have to do to have the set up on my 08 f 350? The trailer I want has this braking system or does anyone have some rec.? Are there any kind of kits? What all is involved?

gmoore · 11-02-2009, 11:41 PM

I may be taking this wrong, but I think your referring to electric over hydraulic braking. A lot of the newer trailers have hydraulic braking, that is controlled via an electric brake controller from the tow vehicle.

If you have the factory tow command already, it will work with most of the later model hydraulic systems. It works better with some systems than others. Check with the manufacture of the trailer brake system to see if it's compatible with the ford system. If not, you can add the brake controller of your or their choice to control the hydraulic trailer brakes.

Good luck

**SmokeyWren** · 11-03-2009, 04:53 PM

Some high-end boat, horse and race trailers had vacuum-over-hydraulic brakes for a few years. MasterBrake of Dallas sold a bunch of the systems to trailer manufacturers. MasterBrake sold out or went bankrupt, and about all that's left is their BrakeSmart electric-over-hydraulic brake controller now sold by someone else.

To prepare your truck to hook up to a trailer that has vacuum-over-hydraulic brakes, you need two main things. First is a much-bigger vacuum pump than the one that came on your truck. And next is a trailer brake controller designed specifically for vacuum over hydraulic brakes.

I'd find a high-end trailer manufacturer or retailer and ask where to find the vacuum pump and brake controller required for your trailer. One such outfit with optional vacuum-over-hydrailic brakes on some of their trailers is Texas Bragg Trailers in east Texas.
contact texas bragg trailers

Or you could contact the manufacturer of your trailer. Or better yet, the manufacturer of the brake system on your trailer.

wittmeba · 11-04-2009, 02:26 PM

I just found this. May not help, but is interesting.

Vacuum Brakes

There is some info on E/H systems here: Look for Carlisle and Dexter. Id be interested to learn how this system works more in depth.
BrakeControllerSelection

MaxxOldF250 · 12-02-2009, 09:35 PM

I bought a trailer years ago that required Vac/hydraulic brake system. It was a monster steel 7 horse 3 axle pain in the rear (pun intended) trailer. I spent a lot of money to put the vacuume system in my new 94 Dodge 1 ton CTD. It was more hassle than I thought the system was worth. It worked and it stopped that mega trailer but I would not bother with that style again nor would I tow such a beast with a pick-up again.

Bill1013 · 12-04-2009, 01:33 PM

Could it be that the vacuum system is designed for gassers that have engine vacuum, not for diesel's that only have a small vacuum pump?

**SmokeyWren** · 12-04-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill1013

Could it be that the vacuum system is designed for gassers that have engine vacuum, not for diesel's that only have a small vacuum pump?

Covered above: "To prepare your truck to hook up to a trailer that has vacuum-over-hydraulic brakes, you need two main things. First is a much-bigger vacuum pump than the one that came on your truck...."