Dexter Hydraulic Brake Fluid DOT 3
Dexter Hydraulic Brake Fluid DOT 3 is a default best-in-class choice for surge brake hydraulic systems on horse trailers due to its OEM-level compatibility, consistent DOT 3 performance, and wide availability that keeps replacement costs low. Compared with the other fluids in this list it offers a balanced combination of corrosion inhibitors and temperature stability tailored to trailer actuators, making it a cost-effective option for owners who want reliable, service-friendly maintenance.
Trailer-grade stopping
High boiling point
Trailer-grade stopping
High boiling point
Review Summary
"Users report dependable OEM-quality DOT 3 performance in surge actuator systems with reliable stopping power and corrosion protection. A few note the normal hygroscopic nature of brake fluid means periodic replacement is required."
Grandpa-trusty feel
Meets DOT 3 specification commonly recommended for trailer surge brake systems.
Grandpa-trusty feel
Meets DOT 3 specification commonly recommended for trailer surge brake systems.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Dexter Hydraulic Brake Fluid DOT 3 is a default best-in-class choice for surge brake hydraulic systems on horse trailers due to its OEM-level compatibility, consistent DOT 3 performance, and wide availability that keeps replacement costs low. Compared with the other fluids in this list it offers a balanced combination of corrosion inhibitors and temperature stability tailored to trailer actuators, making it a cost-effective option for owners who want reliable, service-friendly maintenance.
Trailer-grade stopping
High boiling point
Grandpa-trusty feel
Meets DOT 3 specification commonly recommended for trailer surge brake systems.
Good for topping off master cylinders and surge actuators on horse trailers.
Trailer-grade stopping
High boiling point
Grandpa-trusty feel
Meets DOT 3 specification commonly recommended for trailer surge brake systems.
Good for topping off master cylinders and surge actuators on horse trailers.
$10-20 USD
Tie Down Engineering Brake Fluid #11650
Tie Down Engineering Brake Fluid #11650 positions itself as a premium, heavy-duty option for surge brake actuators on horse trailers, offering higher-temperature tolerance and seal compatibility for sustained towing and frequent stops. While generally priced above basic DOT 3 blends like Dexter, its technical advantage under repeated heavy loads can reduce actuator wear and maintenance intervals, delivering longer-term value for commercial or high-mileage users.
Surge-optimized formula
Seal-protecting chemistry
Surge-optimized formula
Seal-protecting chemistry
Review Summary
"Buyers praise Tie Down #11650 for consistent performance, direct compatibility with Tie Down surge actuators, and good value. A small number of reviews mention occasional shipping damage to containers but not product performance issues."
Built for long hauls — mountain-ready
Formulated with corrosion inhibitors to protect internal actuator and brake components.
Built for long hauls — mountain-ready
Formulated with corrosion inhibitors to protect internal actuator and brake components.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
Tie Down Engineering Brake Fluid #11650 positions itself as a premium, heavy-duty option for surge brake actuators on horse trailers, offering higher-temperature tolerance and seal compatibility for sustained towing and frequent stops. While generally priced above basic DOT 3 blends like Dexter, its technical advantage under repeated heavy loads can reduce actuator wear and maintenance intervals, delivering longer-term value for commercial or high-mileage users.
Surge-optimized formula
Seal-protecting chemistry
Built for long hauls — mountain-ready
Formulated with corrosion inhibitors to protect internal actuator and brake components.
Sized and labeled for trailer/actuator use to reduce risk of cross-contamination.
Surge-optimized formula
Seal-protecting chemistry
Built for long hauls — mountain-ready
Formulated with corrosion inhibitors to protect internal actuator and brake components.
Sized and labeled for trailer/actuator use to reduce risk of cross-contamination.
$12-25 USD
UFP A-60 Actuator Fluid
UFP A-60 Actuator Fluid is a specialty actuator fluid formulated for A-60-style surge systems and horse trailer actuators, designed to optimize seal life and low-temperature responsiveness where standard DOT3 blends can stiffen. In contrast to generic DOT 3 products it targets specific actuator materials and operating windows, offering a technical advantage for trailers used in cold climates or that require smoother actuator engagement, often translating to fewer service visits despite a modest price premium.
Silicone actuator fluid
Stable across extremes
Silicone actuator fluid
Stable across extremes
Review Summary
"The UFP A-60 actuator fluid is frequently cited as the go-to choice for surge brake actuators due to seal compatibility and long-term reliability. Some users mention higher cost and limited availability compared with generic DOT 3 fluids."
Glides like butter in actuators
A-60 actuator fluid specifically designed for hydraulic surge brake actuators rather than conventional vehicle brake systems.
Glides like butter in actuators
A-60 actuator fluid specifically designed for hydraulic surge brake actuators rather than conventional vehicle brake systems.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
UFP A-60 Actuator Fluid is a specialty actuator fluid formulated for A-60-style surge systems and horse trailer actuators, designed to optimize seal life and low-temperature responsiveness where standard DOT3 blends can stiffen. In contrast to generic DOT 3 products it targets specific actuator materials and operating windows, offering a technical advantage for trailers used in cold climates or that require smoother actuator engagement, often translating to fewer service visits despite a modest price premium.
Silicone actuator fluid
Stable across extremes
Glides like butter in actuators
A-60 actuator fluid specifically designed for hydraulic surge brake actuators rather than conventional vehicle brake systems.
Stable viscosity across temperature ranges to maintain consistent actuator response.
Silicone actuator fluid
Stable across extremes
Glides like butter in actuators
A-60 actuator fluid specifically designed for hydraulic surge brake actuators rather than conventional vehicle brake systems.
Stable viscosity across temperature ranges to maintain consistent actuator response.
$30-60 USD
Kodiak Disc Brake DOT 3 Hydraulic Fluid
Kodiak Disc Brake DOT 3 Hydraulic Fluid brings a disc-capable DOT 3 formulation to the horse trailer market, with a focus on higher wet/dry boiling points and friction stability that benefits trailers equipped with disc or mixed brake systems. Compared with the others, Kodiak emphasizes thermal performance under hard braking (useful when hauling horses downhill) and sits in the mid-price range, offering a technical uplift over entry-level fluids without the cost of top-tier specialty actuator fluids.
Disc-friendly response
Fast pedal feel
Disc-friendly response
Fast pedal feel
Review Summary
"Kodiak DOT 3 hydraulic fluid is generally praised for effective braking performance and a competitive price. Several users advise routine fluid changes because of moisture absorption and a few felt it ran slightly thinner than other brands."
Sporty stopping — feels nimble
DOT 3 formulation suitable for many trailer disc-caliper systems and surge actuator top-ups.
Sporty stopping — feels nimble
DOT 3 formulation suitable for many trailer disc-caliper systems and surge actuator top-ups.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Kodiak Disc Brake DOT 3 Hydraulic Fluid brings a disc-capable DOT 3 formulation to the horse trailer market, with a focus on higher wet/dry boiling points and friction stability that benefits trailers equipped with disc or mixed brake systems. Compared with the others, Kodiak emphasizes thermal performance under hard braking (useful when hauling horses downhill) and sits in the mid-price range, offering a technical uplift over entry-level fluids without the cost of top-tier specialty actuator fluids.
Disc-friendly response
Fast pedal feel
Sporty stopping — feels nimble
DOT 3 formulation suitable for many trailer disc-caliper systems and surge actuator top-ups.
Additives help reduce corrosion in lines and calipers common on horse trailers.
Disc-friendly response
Fast pedal feel
Sporty stopping — feels nimble
DOT 3 formulation suitable for many trailer disc-caliper systems and surge actuator top-ups.
Additives help reduce corrosion in lines and calipers common on horse trailers.
$12-25 USD
Carlisle SynTec Brake Fluid 79032
Carlisle SynTec Brake Fluid 79032 is a synthetic, premium DOT 3 option that prioritizes extended service life, advanced corrosion inhibitors, and broad seal compatibility for surge brake hydraulic systems on horse trailers. Although typically the most expensive item in this list, its longer drain intervals and superior chemical stability can reduce lifecycle costs for owners who prefer longer maintenance cycles and maximum protection for trailer actuators and lines.
Synthetic longevity
Corrosion inhibitor
Synthetic longevity
Corrosion inhibitor
Review Summary
"Owners report Carlisle SynTec 79032 delivers solid DOT 3 performance and good compatibility with trailer surge brakes, matching OEM expectations. Occasional comments call out a higher price compared with off-brand fluids but overall reliability is rated highly."
Smooth-service longevity — likes endurance
Higher-performance synthetic formula offers improved boiling resistance and fade control.
Smooth-service longevity — likes endurance
Higher-performance synthetic formula offers improved boiling resistance and fade control.
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Carlisle SynTec Brake Fluid 79032 is a synthetic, premium DOT 3 option that prioritizes extended service life, advanced corrosion inhibitors, and broad seal compatibility for surge brake hydraulic systems on horse trailers. Although typically the most expensive item in this list, its longer drain intervals and superior chemical stability can reduce lifecycle costs for owners who prefer longer maintenance cycles and maximum protection for trailer actuators and lines.
Synthetic longevity
Corrosion inhibitor
Smooth-service longevity — likes endurance
Higher-performance synthetic formula offers improved boiling resistance and fade control.
Suitable for heavy-use horse trailers and applications where extended fluid life is desired.
Synthetic longevity
Corrosion inhibitor
Smooth-service longevity — likes endurance
Higher-performance synthetic formula offers improved boiling resistance and fade control.
Suitable for heavy-use horse trailers and applications where extended fluid life is desired.
$25-50 USD