Recommended Surge Brake Actuator For Drum Brakes To Replace Older Atwood 61101 Actuator

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Question:

I have a 1999 Shorelandr trailer model R2028/31W with drum brakes. I need to replace the Atwood 61101 actuator on it. I understand Demco 8605001 is a direct bolt on replacement and that Demco DM72VR will also work. Is the only difference between the two Demcos is that the DM72VR has the EZ latch system and 7000 GTW? I cant get to the trailer today so Im not sure if its brakes have free-backing plates. If it doesnt what reverse lockout solenoid do you recommend? What brake line kit do you recommend and will those lines match up to either Demco actuators? Tow vehicle is 2004 GMC Sierra pickup with GM 7 way plug. Thanks.

asked by: GMan

0

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

You are correct that the Demco 8605001 is a direct replacement for your Atwood 61101 Surge Brake Actuator, but the 8605001 has been discontinued by the manufacturer and replaced with the # DM72VR you mentioned.

The key differences between the 8605001 and # DM72VR are that the # DM72VR has a slightly higher weight capacity at 7000lbs and uses an EZ latch coupler mechanism as you mentioned, but will still be a direct replacement for your current actuator.

If your trailer does not have free backing brakes you will need to add a reverse lockout solenoid # T4748800 which will thread into the actuator, and the your existing brake line will thread into the solenoid. If your existing brake lines are in good shape there is no need to replace them.

Now I recommend replacing your 4-way connector with a 7-way connector using # since that is what is on your 2004 GMC Sierra and will be able to be used to power the reverse lockout solenoid. You will match the functions of your 4-way connector to the functions of the 7-way connector shown in the included diagram. In addition you will need to use # 12-1-1 to connect one wire from the solenoid to the center pin of the 7-way connector which will tie into the reverse lights on your vehicle and activate the solenoid as needed.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

0

7-Way Connector Wiring Diagram
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

Atwood is no longer in business, which means replacement parts are unfortunately no longer available for your Atwood 61101 surge brake actuator. The best option available if yours is no longer working is to replace the actuator, which you can do…

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Answer 2

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…

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Answer 3

Since the break away lever on the top plate activated the trailer brakes on your 1998 Four Winns Trailer it sounds like brake fluid is at least getting sent to your brakes which means the master cylinder is working correctly. Chances are when…

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Answer 4

The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator #DM72VR is 18-1/8" long. I have included an image with this measurement and others you may be needing. You will be able to secure this to your truck using the etrailer Surge Brake Coupler Lock #e98888.

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Answer 5

Actually you can add an electric lockout to the Demco actuator part #DM72VR pretty easily with the part #DM5836 and you'd be set!

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Answer 6

Assuming you have drum brakes, the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs #DM72VR will work well as a replacement for your Atwood 61101. If you have disc brakes, I recommend the Dexter #099-175-20 which comes with…

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Answer 7

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…

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Answer 8

The Surge actuator you currently have installed is an older Atwood model. The cap for the brake fluid confirmed that for me once I saw it. Problem there is that Atwood is no longer in business and no replacements are available, unfortunately. We do…

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Answer 9

Since Atwood went out of business none of their actuator (or other product) replacement parts are available unfortunately, so your only real option to having a working actuator is to replace the entire unit. I am attaching a link to our selection…

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Answer 10

The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator #DM72VR is the best replacement for your Atwood 82543. As this surge brake actuator does not have a reverse lockout you will need either free backing brake assemblies or a Solenoid Valve for Titan Brake Actuators…

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Answer 11

While we don't offer a version of the Demco Actuator part DM72VR with a reverse lockout we do offer a lockout that will work great with it that you can order separately with it as part #DM5836.

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Answer 12

You are correct, pushing the trailer with the #DM72VR uphill will cause the brakes to activate so this will be a problem. Typically you could add an electric lockout using the #DM5836, but since you are pushing it forward you would need some custom…

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Recommended Surge Brake Actuator For Drum Brakes To Replace Older Atwood 61101 Actuator

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