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  1. Brake Actuator
  2. Demco
  3. Surge Brake Actuator
  4. Drum Brakes
  5. 2 Inch Ball Coupler
  6. 7000 lbs GTW
Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

Item # DM72VR
Retail:$267.50
Our Price: $247.54
You Save: $19.96
Brake Actuator
Shipping Weight: 20 lbs
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Surge-type actuator features a corrosion-resistant composite master cylinder and durable zinc plating with a 120-hour salt spray rating. EZ-Latch coupler mechanism makes hookup a snap. Bolt-on application. 1-800-940-8924 to order Demco brake actuator part number DM72VR or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Demco products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs. Brake Actuator reviews from real customers.
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  • Reviews (127)
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Demco Brake Actuator - DM72VR

  • Surge Brake Actuator
  • Drum Brakes
  • 2 Inch Ball Coupler
  • 7000 lbs GTW
  • Bolt-On
  • No Lockout
  • Straight Tongue Coupler
  • Demco

Surge-type actuator features a corrosion-resistant composite master cylinder and durable zinc plating with a 120-hour salt spray rating. EZ-Latch coupler mechanism makes hookup a snap. Bolt-on application.


Features:

  • Hydraulic actuator activates trailer's brakes when tow vehicle slows or stops
  • EZ-Latch coupler mechanism for simple, secure hookup and disconnect
    • Lets you hook up when latch is in closed position - just drop coupler over hitch ball and latch will snap into place
  • Zinc plating offers corrosion resistance
    • 120-Hour salt spray rating
  • Composite master cylinder is durable and efficient
    • Glass-reinforced nylon construction resists rust and corrosion
    • Large reservoir provides increased capacity for brake fluid
    • Automotive-style diaphragm cap creates completely enclosed system to help prevent contamination of fluid
  • Large rear rollers allow for easy movement and smooth operation
  • Breakaway included
    • Snap hook on safety cable ensures secure connection to breakaway lever
  • Heavy-duty steel construction with sturdy, reinforced outer casing
  • Bolt-on installation
    • Requires 2-1/2" x 4-1/2" Grade-5 bolts (not included) for mounting
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Application: trailers with hydraulic drum brakes
  • Ball size: 2"
  • Gross towing weight: 7,000 lbs
  • Maximum tongue weight: 700 lbs
  • Mounting: straight, 3" wide trailer tongue
  • Model number: DA70
  • 1-Year warranty


Note: Because this actuator does not include a reverse lockout, it is recommended that you equip your trailer with free-backing brakes so that you can drive in reverse without the actuator triggering your trailer's brakes.


When you apply the brakes in your tow vehicle, deceleration occurs and momentum pushes your trailer toward the rear of your vehicle. With surge brake systems, the hydraulic actuator is triggered as your trailer moves forward, once your tow vehicle starts to slow down. When this happens, the actuator contracts, applying force to its master cylinder. This in turn supplies the necessary hydraulic pressure to engage your trailer's brakes.


EZ-Latch Coupler

Cast Coupler Cutaway

This coupler features a simple-to-use latching mechanism known as the EZ-Latch. With this mechanism, hooking up is as easy as dropping the coupler over your trailer hitch ball. The latch does not need to be tugged or manually activated to allow the ball into the coupler socket, nor does it have to be secured in place. Just make sure that the coupler is properly lined up with the ball when you lower it, and the rest is automatic. Disengaging the coupler is just as effortless. Simply lift up the handle and the coupler socket will automatically release its grip on the ball.


Demco EZ-Latch in Use

The contoured, low-profile design of the latch handle helps protect the coupler from damage by allowing any potential hazards - from debris on the road to your ball mount backing into the coupler - to simply slide over the top. This helps prevent anything from getting under the latch handle and releasing the ball, and it can also limit any damage to the coupler should an impact occur


Unlike most couplers, which have a pin hole on the handle latch, the EZ-Latch coupler features a hole on the side of the coupler itself. Inserting a coupler lock through this hole will keep the latch from lifting, preventing disconnect and theft.


Sturdy, Corrosion-Resistant Construction

Made of sturdy steel, this hydraulic trailer brake actuator features a durable zinc coating that is designed to limit rust and corrosion. This zinc coat has a 120-hour salt spray rating. In addition, the composite master cylinder is made of corrosion-resistant glass-reinforced nylon to further ensure durability.



8705001 Demco DA70 Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator for Drum Brakes - 2" Ball Easy-Latch Drop Coupler 0 7,000 lbs
Replaces Demco DA86 and 8605001





Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs - DM72VR

Average Customer Rating:  4.7 out of 5 stars   (127 Customer Reviews)

Surge-type actuator features a corrosion-resistant composite master cylinder and durable zinc plating with a 120-hour salt spray rating. EZ-Latch coupler mechanism makes hookup a snap. Bolt-on application.

by:

This brake actuator was an easy replacement to my previous 1996 Tennessee boat Trailer actuator. I did have to get creative with the line plumbing do to the change in angle. Also needed to change the lock to a pin lock. I like the latching feature and overall quality. I would not hesitate to make this purchase again.



by:

Perfect replacement for my body trailer. Actuator is alittle hard to prime with out a bench to set it on. But works great



by:

I bought this for a direct replacement of an Atwood surge brake actuator for drum brake application in which they no longer make. Ateoodpart # 85778 is obsolete now guys. This Demo DM72VR fit directly on my 3 inch tube tongue and bolt pattern was the same. Easy fix.



by:

I traveled down to Texas from Canada only to find out that both my brakes an actuator are completely worn out. I was able to source the brakes locally but found out that the Attwood actuator no longer was available. I searched the internet and immediately etrailor came up with a solution. It was easy to order and have it shipped to me. They said it would take 3 days and it arrived as promised. I had it installed in about a 30 minutes. Very easy. The one thing is that nowhere does it say that I needed 4.5 inch bolts to mount it or instructions of how to bleed the actuator. I found this out by reading the reviews of this product. Otherwise I am very impressed with the product and the ease of following my order from start to finish.



by:

I’ve owned this for 1 year now and have towed about 3,000mi at a 4K lb capacity - it works great and have had zero issues. Honestly this is the easiest hitching mechanism I’ve used, and there’s no need for a lock pin. Goes on smooth and releases easy every time. I highly encourage cutting off your old surge hitch and replacing it with this one, so much time saved with how easy it is. Even bleeding the brakes was a breeze by pulling the emergency lever by hand. Great product.



by:

The hitch was good. The instructions weren't complete. There's no reference to how to release emergency lever. No hardware provided. For this price it should have. I used grade 8 bolt setup with washer, lock washer and lock nut. The install of brake valve was tricky. Overall time to change it was less than 20 minutes. Most of my time was spent installing brake line. For the trouble of an incomplete video demonstration, no hardware, and no clear instruction of emergency lever I'm giving it 3 stars. Overall the hitch worked and was a good upgrade.



by:

Looks great on the trailer. Have yet to test it out.



by:

Received as expected, straight forward install to replace 30year old original on EZ loader boat trailer, I was skeptical as the price was less than most other options. Couldn’t be happier, EZ latch system works really well, no jamming of ball retainer when dropping the coupler on the ball, and very positive latching. Everything lined up perfect, there is reinforcing plates on the surface that runs on the sides of the tongue, at some point I will get 1/2 inch longer bolts so I can retain the lock washers, but after 45minutes was able to use trailer. Great product



by:

Fit perfect for attwood replacement



by:

Easy to install, big upgrade for us because it click ON auromatically



by:

Arrived on time, the only issue was more on the manufacturer i think, the hitch did not have a safety pin



by:

works great!

Jason

12/19/2023

Its still working like new!



by:

It wasn’t an exact fit, had to weld extensions plates seems to work ok

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

5/24/2023

You certainly can weld on the actuator versus bolting it on. This Demco Actuator # DM72VR will fit onto a 3 inch wide trailer tongue. Welding it from the inside or the outside would be totally fine as long as it is done by a professional and the coupler has the needed room to move back and forth to activate the brakes.



by:

The brake actuator arrived ahead of schedule. It was easy to install and to bleed the brakes and works well.



by:

Delivery was fast and packaged well. I installed the new Actuator in 15 minutes (aleady purchased new hardware for install).



by:

Haven't connected the brae line yet, but the fit was perfect, removed 2 bolts and the old unit and the new one went on without any problem, bolt holes matched perfectly. Done in 5 minutes.



by:

Good unit. Replaced a 35 year old prior unit so the hydraulic brake line did not line up. Three trips to Home Depot and I got the right adaptors to make it work.



by:

Installation would be a whole lot easier if you let people know that the cap that is where the brake line connects is actually the bleeder for bleeding the master cylinder. Other than that,it was a piece of cake



by:

James answered all of my questions. I was told the piece would arrive Tuesday ( order placed on a Thursday) but it actually came on Saturday, only two days later. I installed it the next day and it fit/worked perfectly.



by:

Easy install and the technology upgrade w the latch was super.



by:

Quality part delivered on time but packing could be better as the item was loose and shifting around.



by:

Love the product. Works as advertised. Was great dealing with questions I had. All in all a great interaction.



by:

Unbelievably fast transaction quality p roduct



by:

This actuator works great so much better than my old one I had to lock out when I backed up but not this one easy to get hitched up to.



by:

Solid construction and bolts matched pe rfectly


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Demco Brake Actuator

  • Recommended Surge Brake Coupler To Replace Older Atwood Actuator W/ Bad Master Cylinder
    I have a replacement option for you, but since Atwood went out of business there is not longer any replacement 171 master cylinders, and there is not a different brand master cylinder that will work as a replacement. Instead I recommend replacing your coupler with the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs # DM72VR if your 1996 Jayco trailer has drum brakes, or # DM62VR if your trailer has disc brakes. I included videos for each of the...
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  • Can I Use Shims or Washers to Close the Gap Between Trailer Tongue and Demco Hydraulic Actuator
    I checked with my tech contact over at Demco and he tells me that as long as you're able to find shims that will work, you can use the Demco # DM72VR on your trailer with 2-1/2" channel tongue. You're likely going to want to try to find washers that you can bolt through to use as the shims for this and you will want to make sure that the shims are used on both sides and of equal widths.
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  • Can Electric Lockout be Added to Demco Hydraulic Actuator # DM72VR
    I do have an option for you, however an electric lockout solenoid cannot be added to the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator # DM72VR referenced in your question. For an actuator like this that doesn't feature a lockout you will need the trailer to have free-backing brakes. Otherwise your best option is to go with an actuator that features an electric lockout already. For a similar unit to the Demco model you were looking at I recommend the Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator # T43397007K...
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  • How to Loosen Stuck Latch on an Atwood Hydraulic Brake Actuator
    If the latch on your Atwood surge brake actuator, like part # DM72VR, is fixed in any position start off by using some lubricant like WD-40, PB Blaster, or UltraLube Biobased Spray Lubricant and let it sit for a while. You may have to do this a number of times before it loosens up. Hitting it with a rubber mallet after the lubricant has time to work could help as well. Once it breaks free you should apply some more and work it in a little more. If the latch system itself is damaged and...
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  • Recommended Replacement for a Atwood 84132 Drum Brake Actuator
    The replacement for the Atwood Model 84132 is the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator item # DM72VR. Like the Atwood this brake actuator is for drum brakes. For disc brakes you would want to use the Demco item # DM62VR. Both of these actuators fit a 3" wide trailer tongue and can be bolted on. They have a 7,000 lbs capacity and fit a 2" hitch ball. I have linked an installation video below. To convert your Holsclaw Boat Trailer to disc brakes you will need to replace the hubs. To recommend...
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  • What Size Frame Width Does Demco Surge Actuator DM7VR Fit
    Are you absolutely sure the tongue is 3-1/4 inches wide and not 3 inches wide? 3 inch wide is a very common size and is what the Demco Surge Actuator part # DM72VR is designed to fit.
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  • Is Master Cylinder Replacement a Fit for Old Atwood 84123 Surge Brake Coupler
    It does look like the Atwood Master Cylinder 85841 is a replacement for the Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 84132 but both have been discontinued so if your actuator has parts that need to be replaced I recommend swapping out your whole actuator so it's up to date and easier to continue to find maintenance parts. For something that has a similar design and mounting holes that line up directly you can use the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs # DM72VR but the...
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  • 7,500 lbs Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ EZ-Latch Coupler
    Yes, the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator with item # DM72VR is exclusive to etrailer and you will not find this item # on their website. Demco's actuators are not available to be purchased directly from the manufacturer and must be purchased through a dealer. This hydraulic actuator has the EZ-Latch coupler mechanism for simple, secure hookup and disconnect. It has a gross towing weight of 7,000 lbs and a maximum tongue weight of 700 lbs. It mounts on a straight, 3" wide trailer tongue....
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  • Availability of Surge Coupler that Can Fit on 3 inch Wide Trailer Frame
    3 inch wide frame channel is actually very common for trailers with surge brakes like boat trailers so we have the Demco part # DM72VR which would fit and work well. This is a drum brake surge actuator for a 2 inch hitch ball that has a 7k capacity. I attached an install video for this coupler for you to check out as well.
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  • Surge Brake Actuator Replacement Recommendation for Atwood Model 84132
    Since Atwood went out of business none of their actuator (or other product) replacement parts are available unfortunately, so your only real option to having a working actuator is to replace the entire unit. I am attaching a link to our selection of replacement surge brake actuators that you can check out. If you can give me some more details about your Atwood actuator and send a few pictures in I can try to help you choose the best replacement option.
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    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • What Are The Steps For Bleeding Surge Brake Actuator
    You cannot vacuum bleed a surge brake actuator like the Demco # DM72VR you purchased, but I'll walk you through the steps to bleed it. The easiest way is to get a friend and a big 2" x 4" (6' or longer for leverage). Wrap the the safety chains around the 2" x 4" and push the board into the front of the actuator to activate the master cylinder. Make sure you don't let the master cylinder run dry either or you'll have to start again. I included a help article dedicated to bleeding surge...
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  • Best Replacement for Atwood 82543 Brake Actuator
    The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # DM72VR is a great option to replace an Atwood 82543. That said, it does not come with any sort of reverse lockout feature therefore in order to reverse without the brakes locking up you will either need to add an electric solenoid such as the Replacement Solenoid Valve part # T4748800 or switch to free backing braking assemblies. The latter is more expensive and time consuming. Therefore, I recommend the former but you also need to switch to a 5-way...
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  • Trailer Coupler to Replace Atwood 61101
    The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM72VR will be a good replacement for your Atwood 61101. This is a surge actuator that is compatible with drum brakes. For a similar option designed for disc brakes you'd want the part # DM62VR.
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  • Replacement Hub/Drum and Hydraulic Brake Assembly for Boat Trailer With 3,500 lb Axle and 13" Wheels
    The # 8-247-50UC3-EZ and # AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K will both fit and work with your 13" wheels. These are also compatible with the # 40716-15 from your previous question. For the most part it comes down to cost between the two hub/drum assemblies. However, since this will be going in the water on your boat trailer I would stick with the Dexter which has the 500-hour salt spray rating. The Hydraulic Brake Kit # AKFBBRK-35-D will work with your 13" wheels but I would stick with the Demco. The...
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  • Replacement Surge Coupler for Atwood Drum Actuator
    The Atwood brake actuators are no longer made as Atwood got out of the industry a while back. Best solution is to replace it with a Demco surge actuator part # DM72VR which is a very similar but improved surge actuator for disc brakes. It has an easier to use coupler latch and is very reliable.
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  • Options to Replace Atwood 82543 Hydraulic Brake Actuator
    The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # DM72VR is for drum brakes which is what you need to replace an Atwood 82543. The other options you're inquiring about are for disc brakes which won't work. In short, there are tons of different versions of the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator each with different features such as drum/disc brake compatibility, weight capacity, ball size, lockout type etc. The correct one for the Atwood 82543 is listed above. In order to reverse without the brakes...
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  • Mounting Bolt Hole Dimensions for Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator # DM72VR
    I went out to the warehouse and measured the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator item # DM72VR. The bolt hole spread is 3". I have linked a diagram below. I have linked a diagram I made below and another one that will show you a few dimensions.
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    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Key Differences Between Disc Brake and Drum Brake Trailer Coupler and Brake Actuators
    Drum brake actuators and disc brake actuators use different master cylinders. A disc brake actuator producer a higher psi than a drum brake actuator so the fittings will be a little different as well. The drum brake master cylinder will have a check valve in it that reduces the amount of psi the system puts out. The disc brake models do not have this valve because more pressure is needed to actuate disc brakes The problem could be air in the lines and/or pistons in the calipers that are...
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  • Recommended Dimension for Drill Mounting Holes to Mount Demco Actuator to Trailer Frame
    I was able to go out to our warehouse and measure the Demco Hydraulic Actuator # DM72VR for you. I found that the center of the mounting hole was 1-5/16 inches away from the master cylinder, so I recommend drilling the center of your mounting hole at about 1-1/4 from the top of your trailer frame. It's also important to note that you will need to supply your own 1/2 x 4-1/2 Grade-5 bolts and it is recommended to use a steel bushing on the interior of the frame to protect it from any over...
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  • What Brake Fluid Should be Used in Surge Brake Actuators
    DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid is recommended for Demco brake actuators like the # DM72VR. You should never use DOT 5 as it will wear out seals very quickly.
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  • Adjusting Latch of Demco Surge Coupler DM72VR to Fit Hitch Ball
    If you look under the coupler # DM72VR you will see what looks like a nut on the latch assembly with a spring behind it. I attached a picture that points it out. Loosen it slightly until the ball fits in the coupler and latches properly.
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  • Can Coupler Portion Be Replaced On 2007 Wesco Dual Axle Boat Trailer with Surge Brake Actuator
    The best option for a surge brake actuator with a bad coupler is to replace the entire actuator. I would need to know the exact make and model of your surge brake actuator in order to see if a replacement coupler is available which is not always the case. I don't have any info on your trailer in particular but the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # DM8605101 for disc or part # DM72VR for drum are both great options so long as the frame, coupler, and weight rating are all correct. I...
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  • Open Face Wheels For 24 Ft Road Ranger Travel Trailer
    It sounds like you have vintage wheels you are dealing with on your 24 ft Road Ranger. We do offer the vintage wheels part # AM20395. These are 15-inch rims and have a 4 on 9.44" bolt pattern. They are 5" rims to fit a tire like the Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # TR20515D. I have attached several links to articles that are helpful when trying to determine what kind of tires and wheels are needed. You can see how to take the measurements needed to find the correct...
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  • Recommended Reverse Lockout for a Demco Surge Actuator for Drum Brakes # DM72VR
    Yes, the Reverse Lockout Solenoid Kit for Demco DA66B Hydraulic Brake Actuators item # DM5836 will work great with the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator item # DM72VR.
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jeff D
Installed by:
Jeff D
Employee David F
Installed by:
David F
Employee Chris R
Video Edited:
Chris R
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Mike S
Written by:
Mike S
Employee Schuyler H
Video by:
Schuyler H

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