Surge Brake Actuator Recommendation for 6k Axle Boat Trailer with Drum Brakes

Question:

I notice a variety of surge brake actuators drum brakes 6000 pound designs. It seems there are three types, the atwood where the ball part pivots, demco which appears to have a hydraulic piston that pushes the master cylinder at an angle, and the straight line style, simplest to understand, where the ball hitch pushes straight back against the master cylinder, with some springs involved to allow the master cylinder to pressurize the lines without exploding. Im wondering what the overall best method is? I want to be sure my brakes have enough line pressure to cause them to actually brake. Incidentally, it seems to me some adjustment would be wise. So that if say hte brake lines are so highly pressurized that the trailer jerks back at the slightest vehicle braking, the system coudl be sort of relaxed somewhat. But I dont see any talk of adjustment. I have a sailboat with an 800 pound keel and I think the whole trailer and all weighs a ton but I havent exact numbers.

asked by: Bill C

Expert Reply:

I would recommend going with a Titan or Demco style of actuator. We don't see a lot of questions from customers with this style of coupler but with the Atwood style we get a lot of troubleshooting questions as to why they aren't working.

For a 7k capacity surge actuator the Demco part # DM72VR would be a great option and the one I recommend. Our customers love this coupler and it would work well for you. These surge actuators are not adjustable though.

I attached an install video for this coupler for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C