Solution for Replacing Atwood Coupler on Boat Trailer with A-Frame

Question

Question:

I have a 1996 Oklahoma tandem boat trailer with Atwood #82541, but its welded in between the A-frame peak of the tongue. The coupler linkage is worn out and wont securely tighten on the ball. It also does not currently have working brakes, so I dont know the condition of the master cylinder or supporting hardware. I understand this is an obsolete assembly, but was hoping to possibly replace the guts and not have to cut it off and weld a new unit in. Any suggestions? Thanks!

asked by: Scott

0

Expert Reply:

Basically Atwood is now totally gone so all of their couplers and repair kits are no longer available. The best solution we're going to have would be to replace the coupler with one like the Titan part # T63FR that you referenced. You'd have to find a local welder to find the best way to install this.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Your best route is to replace your entire surge brake assembly as Atwood no longer produces any parts for their brake actuators. The Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator #T47457207K is going to be your best replacement available. It is specific to disc…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In order to find out what you need for a replacement actuator you will want to start by finding out what kind of brakes you have. A different brake actuator is needed if you have drum brakes or disc brakes. You will also want to choose a replacement…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Yes, you can replace a weld-on surge brake actuator with a bolt-on surge brake actuator and you can weld a bolt-on surge brake actuator to the trailer. If you are handy with a welder and have one available then I prefer this method over the other as…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

view full answer...

Answer 7

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

view full answer...

Answer 8

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 9

The replacement I recommend for an Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778 is the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part #DM62VR. It has the same ball size, offers a bolt-on install, and has a greater capacity. The only difference is it has an electric…

view full answer...

Answer 10

There really isn't a particular maximum trailer weight that is used to determine when brakes need to be added to both axles of a tandem axle setup. While I do still recommend checking your local laws, I am also not aware of any general laws that…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part #DM72VR should be a direct replacement for the Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator that you have now. This newest updated it rated at 7K instead of 6K. This is a bolt on option that mounts on 3" centers.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I'd be happy to help you out, John! To replace the brakes on your 5th wheel trailer you need the etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes #AKEBRK-7-SA which come with a self-adjusting feature so once you initially set them up you won't have to adjust…

view full answer...