Recommended Replacement Surge Brake Actuator For Atwood 85778 For Drum Brakes or Disc Brake Upgrade
Question:
I have the atwood coupler now and need to rebuild or replace. I understand parts are no longer available? If replacing, what do you recommend and should I upgrade to disk vs drum brakes. existing is 6,000 lb, 2, drum brakes 2 wheels. coupler has manual lockout when backing.
asked by: TD
Expert Reply:
You are correct that parts are no longer available for your Atwood 85778 brake actuator.
I recommend the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Manual Lockout # DM8760011 as a replacement if you wish to keep your drum brakes. A Demco Trailer Coupler # DM12688-95 will attach to the 3" channel on the actuator for a 2" ball connection.
It really comes down to if you are happy with the performance of your current drum brakes. I like seeing disc brakes used in heavy duty applications, on boat trailers and trailers that see a lot of braking use. The disc brakes are easier to service and will allow for much better braking capability.
The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout # DM62VR would be the actuator that I recommend if you wish to switch to disc brakes. You will also need a Hopkins 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector # HM47913 to switch the trailer connector to a 5-way for the reverse lockout.
If your tow vehicle only has a 4-way flat a Curt Trailer Connector Adapter # C57187 will give your vehicle a 5-way adapter. For a vehicle with a 7-way blade connector the Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow Trailer Connector Adapter # HM47570 will convert the 7-way blade to a 5-way flat.
The Kodiak Disc Brake Kit # K2R526S uses stainless steel rotors, calipers and mounting brackets. These will slide onto a idler hub with a 6 on 5-1/2" lug pattern and fit 15" and larger wheels. If you can let me know what axle you have I can recommend the correct idler hub to replace your drum brake assembly.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 5-Way Flat - Vehicle End
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 5 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Demco Trailer Coupler - Adjustable Channel Mount - eZ-Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - 10,000 lbs
- Adjustable Trailer Coupler
- Coupler Only
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Trigger Latch
- Demco
more information >
Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Straight Tongue Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 7000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Disc Brakes
- Electric Lockout
- Demco
more information >
Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow Trailer Connector Adapter - 7-Way to 6-Way, 5-Way or 4-Way
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Multi-Function Adapter
- 7 Round - Blade
- Plug Only
- 6 Round
- 5 Flat
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Hopkins 5-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ LED Test Lights - Trailer End - 24"
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 5 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Stainless Steel - 5,200 lbs to 6,000 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Disc Brakes
- Marine Grade
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- Rotor
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- Kodiak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Manual Lockout - Drum - Zinc - 8" Adjustable Channel - 8K
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Straight Tongue Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 8000 lbs GTW
- Channel Only
- Drum Brakes
- Manual Lockout
- Demco
more information >
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