Can Surge Coupler/Actuators Be Converted from Drum to Disc Brake Operation
Question:
Im wanting to replace the 2inch surge brake coupler on my boat trailer with drum brakes n would like to know if I can use the same new coupler in the future if I switch out to disc brakes? I can back up my trailer now without having to make any changes, do I need to get a coupler that says no lock out? Thank You.
asked by: Leo
Expert Reply:
Surge couplers for drum and disk brakes use different master cylinders that operate at different pressures, lower for drums and higher for discs. It is possible to swap out the master cylinder in a surge coupler to convert it from one type of operation to the other. Depending on the number of brake assemblies, trailer length, etc, larger brake lines are sometimes also called for with disc systems.
It sounds like you have free-backing drum brakes like # 40715 on the trailer now, which allow you to back up without having to engage a reverse lockout on the coupler (these lockouts come in manual and electric types). If this is the case then you can use a coupler/actuator with no lockout, like Demco # DM72VR or one of the others shown on the linked page. A disc-capable master cylinder # 5672 is available to convert this drum actuator to disc operation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Free Backing - Galvanized - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- RH
- 3500 lbs
- Brake Assembly
- Free Backing
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- Demco
more information >
Replacement Master Cylinder for Demco Actuators - Disc Brakes
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Master Cylinder
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Straight Tongue Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 7000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Drum Brakes
- No Lockout
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Drop - Drum - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 12,500 lbs
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Kit - Free Backing - Galvanized - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 7K
- Search Results: surge coupler
- Shop: Replacement Master Cylinder for Demco Actuators - Disc Brakes
- Shop: Replacement Master Cylinder w/ Bypass Electric Lockout for Demco Actuators - Disc Brakes
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w Drop and Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 16K
- Q&A: Replacement Inner Slide Assembly for a Dico Model 10 Actuator
- Shop: Replacement Master Cylinder w/ Inline Solenoid for Demco Actuators - Disc Brakes
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - Hydraulic Brake Actuator - DM8102511
- Shop: Replacement Inner Slide Assembly with Coupler for Dexter Model 10 Actuator
- Video: Review of Dexter Brake Actuator - Replacement Inner Slide - T4721700
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - Replacement Master Cylinder - DM5918
- Search Results: demco master cylinder
- Search Results: titan model 10
- Search Results: slide
- Search Results: 12426
- Video: Kodiak Trailer Brakes 20TR-BLKIT Review
- Video: Demco Actuator Replacement Master Cylinder with Inline Solenoid Installation
- Video: Best Trailer Brake Options
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - Surge Brake Actuator - DM8101801
- Search Results: drum brake actuator
- Search Results: surge brake
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Model 70LP Surge Brake Actuator
- Q&A: How to Bleed Brakes with Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator
- Q&A: Replacement Bearings and Seals for Lippert 4,400 Lb Axle
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: How To Confirm Fit of Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Convert Trailer to Surge Disc with Welded on Atwood Actuator and 3,500 lb Axles
- Q&A: Availability of Inner Member of the Dexter DX 7.5L A-60 # DX89FR