How Do I Know If I Have Free-Backing Brakes?

Question

Question:

How do I know if my trailer is equipped with free backing brakes? I need to replace the surge brake hitch the current hitch does have some sort of lever for backing only but never have used it.

asked by: John

0

Expert Reply:

Your trailer must have free backing brakes if you have never used the surge brake actuating coupler reverse lockout. If you did not have free backing brakes, your brakes would most likely brake even if they didn't lock up when you back up because of the trailer weight pushing against the hitch ball.

The only way to know for sure is to pull your hub/drum off the spindle and look at the hydraulic cylinder. Free-backing brakes like # AKFBBRK-7R-D will have only one pin coming out and it will be toward the front brake shoe. If it has a pin on each side, then it is not a free-backing assembly.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Gene G.

5/22/2020

I have a ski nautique 1994 that needs, wheel bearings, seals, master cylinder, 2 1/4,x 10 inch shoes, wheel cylinders, the master cylinder is an attwood 171 if that helps. any chance I could get a quote on above for both left and right for one axle. thanks and a quote for disc brake conversion.

Reply

Chris R.

5/25/2020

I would need to know what bearings are used in your existing hubs to make sure I recommend the right replacements. You can pull one of the hub assemblies and check for the bearing numbers, which should be stamped right inside the bearings themselves.

Helpful Links

faq-adding-hydraulic-disc-brakes.aspx

faq-popular-wheel-bearings.aspx

Reply

Answer 1

Thanks for the photo. That is a great help for getting you the correct replacement. I recommend the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs #DM72VR for a zinc plated option. This coupler does not…

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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…

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Answer 3

It looks like there are different versions of the 60 series tail lights from Truck Lite. If you have a sealed version meaning there is no way to open up the light then the bulb cannot be replaced. If you can access the inside of the light it looks…

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Answer 4

We do have a surge actuator that can add an electric lockout for drum brakes. I recommend the Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator, part #T43397007K. This actuator is adjustable to fit 1-7/8, 2, and 50-mm hitch balls and is a bolt-on for 3 inch wide…

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Answer 5

Tom, I wish I could say yes but Atwood hasn't made any coupler parts in a long time. The best I would be able to recommend would be to get a new coupler. You may be able to find something at a junk yard but you may spend a long time searching for…

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Answer 6

Hey Albert, are you brakes drum brakes? If so, all you need is the Demco actuator part #DM72VR which will replace everything and comes with everything you'd need.

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Answer 7

The proper replacement inner assembly member for your UFP 34043 would be indeed be the the Dexter #DX99FR which is compatible with disc brakes. The replacement has an electric lock out and has a 7500K capacity and is intended to work with a 2 inch…

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Answer 8

So the Atwood 83000, 83005, 83010 brake actuators are obsolete, and Atwood is no longer in business so there isn't a replacement master cylinder. You'll need to replace the whole actuator, and for one like the Atwood with the same 8,000 lb…

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Answer 9

Based on what information I could find about AL-KO 8490 hub and drums, it is rated for 3,500 pound axles, has a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern, and is a 10 by 2-1/4 inch drum. If this is the case, we have several options for you. I have attached a link to…

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Answer 10

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.…

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Answer 11

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 12

Hey John, I am confident we have just what you need but I would need to know more info to pick out what you need. First thing I need is the axle capacity of your trailer and how many axles. Is this a saltwater boat trailer? Does the trailer have…

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How Do I Know If I Have Free-Backing Brakes?

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