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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: $245.29
You Save: $22.21
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 (122)
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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   (122 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:

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:

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



by:

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



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:

works great!

Jason

12/19/2023

Its still working like new!



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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

Unbelievably fast transaction quality p roduct



by:

Solid construction and bolts matched pe rfectly



by:

much improved from the old coupler I replaced which was completly shot. the ez latch feature is awesome. very easy to install...just had to re prime the brakes.



by:

Direct replacement for older model. Customer service kept me up to date on delivery which was very much appreciated. Worked great with the Demco DA66B lockout solenoid and cover fit perfectly.


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Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Demco Brake Actuator

  • Do All Mounting Holes Need Used on the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator DM72VR
    Yes, you'll need to use all of the mounting holes on the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # DM72VR in order to be covered under warranty or retain the capacity rating. Unfortunately, if one of the holes does not line up with an existing this mean drilling a new one.
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  • How To Bleed Trailer Brakes
    You are in luck! We happen to have a video on the proper procedure for bleeding trailer brakes. I have attached the video below as well as outline the method here for you. First top off the master cylinder with appropriate fluid. Next you will want to pump the fluid from the master cylinder. You can do this by unbolting the plate that holds the lever in place and then use that lever to actuate the master cylinder and force the fluid through. On some units, you will have to manually activate...
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  • Coupler Latch Adjustability on Demco Brake Actuating Coupler # 8605001
    The coupler latch assembly shown in the attached dimension photo shows the latch in the open position of # 8605001. When the coupler trigger latch is closed the wedge simply needs to be on the underside of the hitch ball. As long as you can't lift the coupler off of the ball and the connection stays secure, your coupler latch is working correctly. 3/4 of the way down the hitch ball is about right in most cases. If there is not a good connection meaning you can lift the coupler while...
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  • Replacement Coupler For An Atwood Surge Coupler
    The circled item in the picture is where when towing the bolt will push into the actuator to apply pressure onto your actuator. Since Atwood is no longer in business it is very hard to find replacement parts for it. I would recommend switching to The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM72VR. This hydraulic actuator will activate the trailer's brakes when the tow vehicle slows or stops. It has an EZ-Latch coupler mechanism which gives you a simple, secure hookup and disconnect. This coupler...
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  • Solution for Needing Replacement Master Cylinder for Atwood Surge Coupler
    Atwood has been out of the coupler business for long enough that there are no longer any replacement master cylinders for their actuators. Best option is a new coupler/actuator with the Demco part # DM72VR.
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  • Surge Brake Actuator Replacement Recommendation Atwood 85736
    I would recommend the Demco actuator part # DM72VR. This is for drum brakes, has a much easier to use coupler latch, and is really well made so it will be reliable for a really long time. It would provide better braking action that the Atwood you have now as well.
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  • Surge Brake Actuator Replacement for Atwood Coupler 84132
    The number you mentioned actually represents the Atwood 84132 drum brake actuator which is no longer available. We have the perfect replacement for your Atwood 84132 drum brake actuator though, the Demco # DM72VR. Just like your Atwood, the Demco is for hydraulic drum brakes, rated for 7,000 lbs instead of 6,000 lbs, mounts to a 3" wide trailer tongue and fits a 2" ball. It also has a trigger-style latch, zinc plating and is made in the USA.
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  • How to Bleed Trailer Surge Brakes
    I attached a video that details how to bleed surge brake actuators for you to check out. First top off the master cylinder with appropriate fluid. Next you will want to pump the fluid from the master cylinder. You can do this by unbolting the plate that holds the lever in place and then use that lever to actuate the master cylinder and force the fluid through. On some units, you will have to manually activate it at the point where the hitch ball moves in and out. The model in the video...
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  • Will Trailer Brakes Lock When Backing Up Trailer w/ Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator # DM72VR
    I can understand how this can be a bit confusing. Brake actuators, like the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator, # DM72VR, with no lock-out are typically more economical and are perfect for trailers equipped with free-backing brakes because the lock-out is not needed. As for whether or not you can back up slowly without locking up the brakes is going to depend on the weight of your trailer and whether you are on level ground. A very heavy trailer is going to engage the brakes much...
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  • Replacement Trailer Coupler Solution for Atwood 61101 on Trailer
    The Atwood coupler you have has been discontinued for quite some time now which means there are no replacement parts available for it. Now would be the time to replace the coupler with something like the Titan part # DM72VR which we have found works really well and is very reliable. This is a drum brake actuator which based on the number you mentioned is the type you are in need of.
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  • Replacement for DICO 15637 Trailer Hub/Drum
    I do more than likely have the correct trailer hub/drum that you need however, the 15637 number that you provided is just a casting number and this does not give us any information that is needed to determine a replacement. I spoke with Dexter to confirm this. FYI, Titan bought Dico and Dexter bought Titan. Therefore, in order to determine the correct replacement for your trailer you will first need count the number of lug studs. Then once this is done you can measure the contact surface...
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  • Solution for Needing Replacement Atwood Master Cylinder 85841
    Since replacement parts for your actuator are obsolete, your only option is to replace the entire actuator assembly. The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM72VR is the closest one we have to replace your Atwood 6K actuator. Since your current actuator is welded on you'd need to have it cut off and the new one welded in place.
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  • How To Find Replacement Actuator For Old Atwood Actuator With Bad Master Cylinder
    I may have a replacement actuator option for you, but unfortunately as atwood went out of business years ago there is not a replacement master cylinder still available, unless you get lucky and find a used one somewhere. If you can send me the part number of your actuator, or the weight it is rated for and the width of your trailer tongue I can help find a replacement for you. A common option is the Demco # DM72VR which uses a 2" hitch ball, is rated for 7,000lbs with drum brakes, and...
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  • Advice for Removing Deteriorated Master Brake Cylinder Cap on Hydraulic Brake Coupler
    The challenge here is to keep the remains of the cap in one piece long enough to remove it. I would suggest mixing up some 2 part epoxy and coating the cap with it. If you are careful to avoid getting the epoxy down into the threaded portion of the cap, once it cures you should be able to get the cap off. If you should get pieces of the cap into the master cylinder, most hydraulic couplers are set up so that the master cylinder is removable, you could remove it if needed and clean it out.
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  • Could Demco Coupler part # 8605001 be Used on a Truck Bed Trailer
    If the truck bed trailer had a channel width of 3 inches where the coupler would attach the coupler part # DM72VR would fit it and work well. The capacities for this coupler are 7,000 lb total trailer weight and 600 lbs tongue weight. I attached an install video for you to check out as well.
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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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  • Replacement Surge Brake Actuator For Obsolete Atwood 82543 Drum Brake Actuator
    You will need to replace your Atwood 82543 with one like the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM72VR. Your Atwood is obsolete along with the replacement parts for it. This actuator is rated for trailers up to 7,000lbs which is slightly higher than the 6,000lbs on your Atwood.
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  • Could Demco Actuator Replace Actuator on Demco Kar Kaddy
    The Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator # DM72VR that you referenced has a master cylinder fitting that has a female threaded portion which is pretty standard on trailer actuators. Typically brake line fittings spin on the line so that they can thread into the cylinder but then once torqued down they seal. Based on your picture this would be an easy replacement for what you have.
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  • Recommendation to Replace Atwood Drum Brake Actuator # 84132
    I do have a solution for you, however the Atwood 84132 actuator referenced in your question is no longer available from the manufacturer. For a very similar unit that you can use to replace your actuator, I recommend taking a look at the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator # DM72VR. This hydraulic actuator features a zinc plating to offer corrosion resistance and a leverlock coupler mechanism for easy hookup and disconnect. Like the Atwood model, this bolt-on actuator has a 6,000 pound...
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  • Replacement Actuator for 1997 Four Winns Boat Trailer
    I have some great replacement brake actuator options but that is the route you'll need to go as Atwood has been out of business for quite awhile so replacement parts are almost non existent. The best replacement option we offer is the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part # DM72VR which is designed for a 3" tongue. I have attached a full list of options below as well.
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  • Would Demco Brake Actuator Be Proper Replacement for Tie Down Engineering Model 660
    The Tie Down Engineering (TDE) 6600 was compatible with 3 inch channel tongues, as is the Demco # DM72VR. Functionally speaking, they'll both work exactly the same, and the bolt holes on both actuators are 3 inches apart on center so you'll be able to utilize the existing holes. The Demco calls for (2) 1/2 inch x 4-1/2 inch grade 5 bolts. Really the only difference of consequence between the two is that the TDE model has a 6600 lb capacity, while the Demco has a 7000 lb capacity. So,...
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  • How To Bleed Brakes With Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator
    I have attached a video for you to help you bleed the surge brakes and also given an explanation below. You want to top off the master cylinder and pump the fluid from the master cylinder. You can do this by unbolting the plate that holds the lever in place on part # DM72VR and use the lever to actuate the master cylinder to force fluid through. Find the bleeder valve and open it, slide a rubber hose into the bleeder valve and run the other end into a clear container. Make sure the...
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  • Replacement Shock for Atwood Surge Trailer Coupler Model 85778
    I do have an option for you but Atwood has went out of business some years ago so there are no longer any replacement parts available for their trailer couplers. Therefore, the only option you have would be to replace the entire trailer coupler but we have a great option for this in the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part # DM72VR.
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  • 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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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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