Features
If there is one single option our high mileage gooseneck customers consider a “must-have” it is our Dexter hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes will stop faster, last longer, and are typically cheaper to maintain for high mileage trailers. All of our axles from 7k to 12k can be ordered with hydraulic disc brakes with hydraulic drum brakes available on 15k axles.
How do hydraulic disc brakes work?
Electric over hydraulic brakes use your standard electric brake controller to control a hydraulic disc brake system that resides solely on the trailer. The trailer has its own hydraulic disc brake actuator mounted inside the gooseneck or tongue. The tow vehicle does not need anything other than an electric brake controller to use this hydraulic brake system. This actuator converts the electrical signal from your brake controller into hydraulic pressure to press the brake pads against the rotors, in turn stopping the trailer.
Electric Brakes vs Hydraulic Disc Brakes
The one advantage that electric brakes have over hydraulic disc brakes is the initial cost is lower and that is an only true advantage. As most hot shot truckers will tell you, the hydraulic disc brakes are more expensive upfront but are cheaper to maintain. Hydraulic disc brakes outperform electric brakes in stopping power, have less brake fade and better heat dissipation. If you live in an area with hills or mountains, upgrading to hydraulic disc is even more important.
