Preferred Method For Bolting On A Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator DM72VR

Question:

I would like to replace an old attwood drum surge brake actuator rated for 300lb tongue and 6000. gvwr with theDM72vr unit for my ezloader boat trailer. The existing tongue has only 2 holes at 3inch spacing for the 3 inch tongue width. The existing 2 bolts go all the way through the tongue. Can I just use the existing 2 bolts or do I need to use fish wire as shown on the installation video and purchase the 4 shorter bolts. Also, will I need to drill a third hole as shown on your video since my total boat and trailer weight is only 4500 lbs. About two months ago I ordered and installed new Free Backing drum brake assemblies and will order the actuator when answered.

asked by: Richard F

Expert Reply:

You can certainly go ahead and re use the existing 2 bolts, provided they are in good condition. The fish wire method shown in the video works too, but it is also very common to just use the two bolts like your old Atwood actuator. Personally I would use something like the Curt Coupler Hardware Kit # C25388 for installing the # DM72VR actuator. So if the existing bolts are similar grade 8 bolts, you will be good to go. While you certainly could drill a 3rd hole and use a 3rd bolt, it is not required.

expert reply by: Jesse M