/
Demco/
Surge Brake Actuator/
Drum Brakes/
2 Inch Ball Coupler/
6000 lbs GTWItem # 8605001
Retail:$199.51
Our Price: $136.66
You Save: $62.85This item qualifies for Free Shipping
Surge-type actuator features a corrosion-resistant composite master cylinder and durable zinc plating with a 200-hour salt spray rating. Easy-to-use leverlock coupler fits 2" hitch balls.
Features:
Specs:
Note: Because this actuator does not include a reverse lockout, it is recommended that you equip your trailer with free-backing brakes so that you can drive in reverse without the actuator triggering your trailer's brakes.
When you apply the brakes in your tow vehicle, deceleration occurs and momentum pushes your trailer toward the rear of your vehicle. With surge brake systems, the hydraulic actuator is triggered as your trailer moves forward, once your tow vehicle starts to slow down. When this happens, the actuator contracts, applying force to its master cylinder. This in turn supplies the necessary hydraulic pressure to engage your trailer's brakes.
Sturdy, Corrosion-Resistant Construction
Made of sturdy steel, this hydraulic trailer brake actuator features a durable zinc coating that is designed to limit rust and corrosion. This zinc coat has a 200-hour salt spray rating. In addition, the composite master cylinder is made of corrosion-resistant, glass-reinforced nylon to further ensure durability.
Installation Details 
Video of Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 6,000 lbs
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today on our boat trailer, we're going to be installing the Demco hydraulic trailer brake actuator, part number 8605001. To begin an install, we'll first need to remove the old or manufacturer's actuator and coupler. To do that remove the 2 bolts that secure it to the frame of the trailer, then we'll disconnect the hydraulic line. Here's our new coupler and actuator, the back side there's a cap covering up the master cylinder and a threaded adapter. Go ahead and make sure the adapter is tight first. Then we'll thread the old line into the new master cylinder.
Once we have it tight, we'll then go ahead and install the new actuator and coupler on to the frame, note inside the frame there was a spacer that'll line up with our attachment points so that you don't crush the frame if you tighten it down. As you can see, the bolt isn't quite long enough with the new coupler, so we'll go ahead and replace the old bolt with one slightly longer using a grade A bolt. Once I have the bolt in place, I'll install a flange nut. Now I'll go ahead and repeat the same process for the rear attachment point. Now with it mounted, we'll go ahead and remove the cap on the master cylinder and install some brake fluid.
We'll go ahead and fill it up, then we're going to move back to the wheel cylinders behind the wheels and open up the bleeder valve, this will allow our system to gravity bleed. We'll need to bleed the system to get all the air out, once we have all 4 bleeders open, we'll allow it to sit and bleed out of each wheel cylinder individually then once we start to get fluid out of the wheel cylinder we can go ahead and close it and wait for the others to catch up. Now that we've bleed out our breaking system, we'll go ahead and top off the master cylinder, reinstall the master cylinder cap and we're ready to hit the road. That does it for the install of the Demco hydraulic brake actuator, part number 8605001. .
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (253 Customer Reviews)
Surge-type actuator features a corrosion-resistant composite master cylinder and durable zinc plating with a 200-hour salt spray rating. Easy-to-use leverlock coupler fits 2" hitch balls.Deliver the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 6,000 lbs - 8605001 to my mechanic, who is doing a complete overall to my trailer brake system. The product looks very good and was delivered as promised. Thanks, Russ 565180
The Demco H.T.B. works great and has made my trailing experiences a much improved success. I recommend this product,
Russ - 09/14/2019Everything went as it was supposed to. Very satisfied! 575389
The new unit fit perfectly on my 1988 boat trailer. Installation couldn't have been easier - bolt holes lined up exactly. I watched an etrailer video demonstrating the install procedure, and by watching the video I realized that the anti-collapsing spacer tube which goes inside the trailer tongue tube was missing. I made two steel spacers and installed them inside the tongue when I installed the new brake actuator unit. I very happy I made this necessary upgrade. 501067
The unit fit exactly like the original that it replaced. Working better than the 30 year old one.
Aaron - 04/26/2019seems to work fine. had to extend my brake line about 3 inchs, not to big a deal. 134947
working fine
carl s - 06/12/2015Etrailer has great service, I ordered this on a Sunday and had it Wednesday. fit perfect I have ordered from them before and always had great service. To get a reply on Sunday that it was ready to be picked up by shipping company, that is service!!! 568964
Exactly what I was looking for, perfect fit, great pricing! 665216
Product worked as designed, however; your companies staff person (Sal M) was extremely helpful with options and patients getting my order filled to my expectations and my timeframe. He represented what customer service is all about! Thank You Sal!! Robert Wallace 384207
All i can say, that package was delivered very quick! And it was exactly as described in the website. I would totally recommend it to anyone! 384580
Fit perfectly in existing spot. Once hooked up and brakes were bled, worked phenomenally. Would definitely recommend this to anyone needing a new surge brake actuator 613373
Package arrived as expected. Was exactly what I ordered. Was installed within 1/2 hr. However the packaging lets a little to be desired. Otherwise I'm completely satisfied with my purchase . Will use etrailer for future purshses 266849
This was easy to install and works great; I installed it myself on my boat trailer in order to get the brakes to work. The boat is quite heavy (6k lbs) very happy with this product and would recommend. 108884
Installed today. Fit was good with 4-1/2" grade 8 bolts and flange nuts. Had blown out and used my existing brake lines as I was replacing the brakes also. Gravity bleed wasn't working for me, so I rigged up light air pressure from the compressor with the bleeders open to push the brake fluid through the lines. Then with a few times pumping the ball part of the hitch back and forth to the actuator and holding it in with a clamp as to bleed it like an auto brake, the air was bled out and the job was done. 658638
Best price on the internet for the whole assembly. I was going to rebuild my old one, but when I saw the price for a new replacement, I went with that. The quality is very good. No instructions came with it, but I found a video on the Etrailer site that showed me how to install the actuator and bleed the brake lines. Be sure to check the brass exit-fitting on the unit for tightness. Mine was very loose. The video does mention to do that. I'd suggest that Etrailer provide more packing when shipping these. Luckily there was no damage but the packing material was sparse. 177655
I recently ordered a master cylinder and two complete drum brake assemblies for my 1985 Mastercraft ski boat trailer. I received all of the items much quicker that I had expected. The master cylinder was pretty close to being an exact replacement for the 30+ year old assembly I had removed. The drum brake assemblies were exactly the same as the original units saving me a lot of time and money trying to find the parts I would have needed to rebuild the system. 403518
Demco surge brake actuator Demco brake cluster (2) Product shipped and was received within a couple of days. Finally warmed up enough to tackle this project. My tow-dolly is a 1998 so the job was a little different than the video shows. Had to wrench the bolts all the way out with a cheater ( think Loc-Tite ). Also needed a little help with a hammer to separate hub/spindle from backing plate. Went back together pretty well. New actuator went right into place. Great service. 351344
Very helpful on the phone and everything ordered fit perfectly! Thanks for all the help. 545838
Very fast shipping and great price 565364
Hi, I haven't installed it yet, but the coupler looks like top quality stuff. I may have trouble with connecting to the break lines (rustyl/old and may need an adapter to go in-between), but that's my problem. Thanks! 327801
Very well built. If you take the two bolts off on top that hold the plate on by the breakaway lever you can then use the lever to bleed the brakes. This was a relacement for a unit with a bad master cylinder. However i had to replace my bolts holding it on because its slightly wider due to double wall construction. Very happy with purchase. 241664
This was a replacement for the no-longer-available actuator on my '78 trailer. I had it welded on instead of bolting it on; figuring replacement parts will be available for a long time for this actuator. It has worked flawlessly, and was a great value for the price. 542218
I'm glad I had a pneumatic bleed kit to troubleshoot because several lines were full of sludge. Had a little trouble getting the surge actuator primed. It is best on this unit to take the 2 bolts holding the emergency lockout and then pulling in this device to prime the unit. Made it easy. 654971
Will send pictures after installed 576678
Very pleased with Coupler, I've not towed it yet, but am well pleased with the quality and price....I'll be a return customer...Thanks Freddie 141781
Works great...recommend this coupler to all...
Freddie M - 07/18/2015Installed it on Friday and hauled the boat around all weekend. Arrived at my doorstep sooner than expected without any issues. Etrailer gained another new and happy customer. I recommend them for all of your trailer needs. 149493
I ordered this surge brake unit on Tuesday and received it on Thursday as was promised, great service and great to work with. I replaced another brand with this Demco it bolted wright to my trailer tongue and just had to adjust the brake line a small amount, put brake fluid in and blead the brakes,hooked to my truck and road tested and it worked great. The price was far less then one I could buy local.if in the future I need trailer part's I will buy them here also. 298137
Thank you for contacting me about my purchase , the. Brake actutor works very well, it is the same brand as the original Actuator that lasted 15 years on my boat trailer. If I ever need more trailer parts I will consider ordering from etrailer.
Paul B - 10/17/2017There is slop where coupler goes into the actuator box. When towing my 20' boat I can feel it bouncing up and down a bit after each bump. I'm considering changing out to different brand as I concerned it will round out the bolt holes and make the slop even worse. 465677
James,Thank you for your review. I have contacted demco and there will always be some movement of the coupler body in the outer case. Typically the movement measures 14 approximately. There should not be any more slack than that.
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Heather A - 01/12/2018I would like to say that your customer service department was very thorough in helping me sizing up the product to my trailer it lined right up with the original holes in the trailer still need to bleed the system before I can use my trailer thank you again for all the help I will let you know how it works after I get it on the road 243164
My brake actuator got to me pretty quick the price was great. And fairly easy install and hookup. There was no hardware to attach the line to the actuator but after $10-$15 at lowes I got all the stuff to make it work. Awesome product thabks guys. 140311
So far so good only issue was no paper work what so ever. No instructions and no warranty card, not even a packing slip. Took a bit to find installation instructions on line because I couldn’t get anyone to email me or call me back after I purchased. All installed and gave it a test run and so far so good. 512493
Highly recommend company! I am pleased with the direct fit of my new hitch. I took the measurements of the trailer tongue 3", bolt holes center to center 3". The hitch is rated for 6k and my pontoon boat and trailer come in at 4.4k. Nice product, heavy duty and much better than factory. Shipping was extremely fast, easy to track with etrailer email notifications. The customer email service is superior to many other companies. 541261
It was easy to install. I like the fact that it works like a standard coupler. This makes it easy to hook up to vehicle. Costomer service was helpful when ordering. it is nice to talk to a person when ordering from etrailer. Seems to work well when pulling my boat. 576467
still works good
john - 10/23/2019The trailer actuator actually arrived a day early which was excellent timing. The trailer actuator fit perfectly on the trailer and was a bit beefier than the one I had. After installation the unit worked perfectly. 575235
Heavy, seems to be made of quality meta l. 729157
Quick easy ordering & delivery. Product is an exact fit for old actuater. Price is best I've seen on-line or in retail stores. Will be ordering additional brake parts for my 1980s boat trailer. 727339
Great value and processing and shipping was very quick. 727179
Perfect fit for replacing the old unit. Watched the video that was available and it made everything easy to understand on how to use it... Wish more products would do this... 724468
Great product, fast delivery and easy i nstall. 722131
Perfect replacement for the old Attwood with a better coupler. Very pleased. 719048
Everything from ordering and recieving was perfect thank you 718178
Good product but mounting holes for bolts did not line up with our trailer frame. We had to drill out four new holes to make it fit. Other than that appears to be fine. Have not yet pulled trailer with new ball receiver 715917
Good packaging, fast shipping been using for a year now, no issues with the product and seems to be doing well. Have no complaints. will get again when another trailer needs brake replacement. 715907
works great, make sure to grease the latch, its a little sticky at times 714891
One year post purchase and actuator works great. Boat trailer more stable after replacement and working exactly as it should. Easy to install as well 713829
Product arrived fast! It was just what I needed, good quality at a good price. 711979
WORKED AS EXPECTED. EASY TO INSTALL 711902
Received order quickly. The hitch is installed and working. Thanks for quick response. My boat was stuck in the driveway. 711689
Adrianna is a great sales person. I was a pleasure working with her. She is a great assit to your company. Give her a raise in pay. She is worth it . 710837
Item works grate 706706
I removed this bad unit from a tracker trailer, easy swap, had to use brake line connector off old unit, removed plastic cover pushed in activator and had to fill reservoir and bleed out air, then bleed brakes, great quality for price 703951
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