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Bolt it on your boat trailer and get it back into action! The plating on this actuator is 2 times stronger than standard zinc, and EZ-Latch is a step above the usual trigger latch, making hitching up practically automatic. Proudly made in the USA.
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Specs:
If your trailer isn't married to just one tow vehicle, this Demco actuator will be a great option for you. Just keep in mind that because it doesn't have a reverse lockout on it to keep your brakes from locking up, you will need to have free-backing brakes instead.
Few things matter in towing as much as a secure connection to your hitch ball. The thing of it is, some coupler latches don't really have a way to show you that they have a firm grasp on the hitch ball. You either just have to eyeball it or try to wiggle the coupler latch until it closes. And if you opt for just trusting your coupler and assuming it's on there, you might not notice the gap between the ball and your coupler's ball socket, an issue known as highballing, until it's too late and you lose your trailer on the highway.
That won't be an issue with the EZ-Latch on this Demco actuator. Just center your coupler over the hitch ball, and lower your trailer tongue as you normally would.
As the coupler's socket slowly accepts the hitch ball, you'll see the latch rise. Keep lowering your trailer tongue until you hear the metalic clink . When you do, you'll know for certain that you've got a good, strong connection, without the need to tug or wiggle the latch into place. This gets you on the road a little bit quicker and with a lot more confidence.
The EZ-latch is so easy to use that you don't even need a safety pin to keep the ball secured inside the socket. But you can, as a theft deterrent, put a locking pin through the dedicated hole on the side of the coupler.
You might see the phrase "hard plastic" and think, how durable could that really be? But the truth is, it's tougher than it looks and you'll probably never break it.
Its real name is acetal copolymer. It has a self-lubricating surface. It's extremely resilient, durable, and smooth. And it wears well over time. In fact, this same can even be found in some automotive applications, making it perfectly suited for a telescoping brake actuator on a boat trailer.
When you slow to a stop as you're towing, momentum pushes your trailer toward the rear of your vehicle. When this happens, the surge brake actuator compresses the master cylinder inside, which forces it to push hydraulic fluid out to your brake lines, ultimately engaging your trailer brakes. When you start moving again, the actuator will telescope back out, stopping the flow of fluid back to the brakes and allowing your trailer's wheels to start rolling again.
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Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today we're going to take a look at the Demco Hydraulic Drum Brake Actuator with the 4" drop, has a 20,000 pound weight capacity. Now this hydraulic actuator will activate your trailer brakes when your tow vehicle slows or stops. You notice it has the built-in 4" drop right here on the coupler to help you match your tow vehicle height. A master cylinder at the very back here. You can see it's underneath here. It's a composite master cylinder, it's very durable and efficient. It's a glass-reinforced nylon construction which will help resist rust and corrosion.
Also it has a large reservoir which will provide increased capacity for the brake fluid, and if you notice on the top here it has an automotive style diaphragm cap, and this will create a completely enclosed system to help prevent any contamination of your brake fluid. Now on the coupler front here, they do use this easy-latch coupler mechanism for a nice simple hook up and disconnect. Basically what the easy-latch system lets you do is it'll let you hook up when the latch is in the closed position like it is right now. Basically you'll just drop the coupler over the hitch ball and the latch will snap into place. Now this is designed to fit on a 2-5/16" size diameter hitch ball, and I happen to pull one, I just want to show you how the easy-latch system would work. Here's your 2-5/16" diameter hitch ball. So basically with this on there, and as you drop your coupler right on top of the hitch ball, you can see it'll just automatically pop and lock into place.
Ball's not going anywhere, and then to release it just pull up on the lock lever back here and lift it up, and it releases it from the coupler. Now this is a heavy-duty steel construction. Has a nice zinc plating to offer corrosion resistance. It does go through a 200-hour salt spray rating. On the inside of this actuator, it uses an inaudible 00:01:43 co-polymer lining, and that'll provide a nice smooth operation as this actuator will telescope in and out. Up at the top here you can see the breakaway is all included. If you notice on the end right here, they do use this large snap hook, has a snap on it and that's to hook on the safety cable to ensure your secure connection to the breakaway lever. Now this actuator is a bolt-on installation if you notice down here on the base, it has five holes on each side.
It's a universal, the five mounting holes on each side here is what will mount to your trailer tongue. Now it does require a 1/2" X 4-1/2" grade five bolts to mount this. Now they are not included, we do sell them separately on our website. Now this part is made in the USA. Again a few specs on this. The application is for trailers with hydraulic drum brakes.
Again the coupler is designed to fit a ball size diameter of 2-5/16". The drop, which will be measured from the top here to the coupler, you can see right at 4". Now this does have a gross towing weight capacity of 20,000 pounds and a maximum towing weight capacity of 2,000 pounds, and again this is designed to mount on a straight 3" wide trailer tongue, and this also goes by the model number of DA20, and one last thing I do want to note on this, is because this actuator does not have 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 brakes. That should do it for the review on the Demco Hydraulic Drum Brake Actuator with the 4" drop, and a 20,000 pound weight capacity.
Solid construction and good design
Great. Item came early notices were very fast. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Thank you very much.
Easy install, no issues
Ordering was simple, delivered very quickly. Great job, guys.
Nice coupler, however packaging is very insufficient and has been dropped where brake line threads, threads were damaged in the master cylinder and the brass adapter to the hose is bent. The packaging only has a couple pieces of shipping paper in it, not near enough to prevent shipping damage
Very happy with the product however shipping care could be improved. Although packing paper was placed in shipping box, it was not wrapped around item thus leading to a slightly damaged emergency brake cable. A lot of weight bouncing around unprotected.
Retrofitted with the old hitch great, match up
Excellent product and it’s working great !!!!
Perfect for my 30foot triple axle trail er.
Product as describe, customer service went above and beyond. They definitely provided beyond 5 star rating. I appreciate everyone’s help at etrailer to make this shipment possible!!!
Bolted in place of the old one with minor drilling. Easy to bleed the system and works great.
The actuator works great and I have now sold the trailer and the new owner is very happy with the unt
I live on a farm where it seems we're always fixing trailers or building trailers for use. I have bought several hitches from etrailer and they have ALWAYS been helpful. Great selection to choose from also. Recommend them highly.
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