Drum Brake Actuator for use with Free Backing Hydraulic Drum Brakes

Question:

I have the ATWOOD T2605 actuator presently on my pontoon trailer which is for a 24foot long pontoon. It has the lockout feature but Ive never used it and I have not experienced any brake lockup while backing up. I just put the vehicle in reverse and go backwards. Does this mean that my brake drums are freewheeling reverse brakes? Just purchased the pontoon and trailer set last week. And, does this also mean that I could switch to the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - Zinc Plated - 2inch Ball - 6,000 lbs with no problems?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

I can't say that your trailer definitely has free backing brakes but it's certainly possible. You also could be reversing slow enough that doesn't cause the actuator to apply enough pressure to the brakes or the trailer isn't heavy enough.

If you do have free backing brakes the Demco Brake Actuator # DM72VR will work just fine for you.

Without free backing brakes I recommend getting an actuator with a lock out or adding a lockout like # T4748800 to an existing actuator, so you have it when you need it.

expert reply by: Charles S