This actuator comes with a primed finish and a 15" long weld-on mount that makes attachment strong and secure. Because it’s already primed but not painted, it’s easy to weld in place without worrying about compromising the coating. Once it’s mounted, you can finish it any way you like for a clean, durable look that blends right into your trailer.
The composite master cylinder uses glass-reinforced nylon, so it won’t rust or corrode like steel or aluminum. Its large reservoir keeps more brake fluid on hand, which cuts down on maintenance and helps keep your braking consistent on long hauls. An automotive-style diaphragm cap seals the system completely to keep contaminants out, giving you reliable hydraulic pressure every time you stop.
The built-in 8" adjustable channel gives you flexibility when setting up your coupler (sold separately). With three mounting positions, you can line up a standard ball coupler, lunette ring, or clevis attachment at the right height so your trailer sits level. This design makes it simple to adapt to different towing setups without extra parts or guesswork.
Built from heavy-duty steel, this surge-type hydraulic actuator is designed for trailers with hydraulic drum brakes and handles up to 20,000 lbs gross towing weight and 2,000 lbs maximum tongue weight. The acetal copolymer lining keeps movement smooth as the actuator telescopes in and out during braking. It’s a rugged setup that delivers steady stopping power under serious load.
A built-in breakaway feature adds another layer of protection by automatically engaging the trailer brakes if it ever disconnects from your tow vehicle. It’s one less thing to worry about when hauling heavy gear or navigating rough ground—your trailer will stop safely even if something unexpected happens.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Jeff: Hello everybody. This is Jeff at etrailer.com. Today, we're going to take a look at this Demco eight inch adjustable channel center hydraulic drum brake actuator. Has a 20,000 pound weight capacity. Now this hydraulic actuator will activate your trailer's brakes when your tow vehicle slows or stops. Basically what happens is when you apply the brakes in your tow vehicle, deceleration occurs and the momentum will push your trailer toward the rear of your vehicle.
So with the surge brake system, this actuator is triggered as your trailer moves forward once your tow vehicle starts to slow down. So when this happens, this inner slide portion of this actuator will actually contract back and it applies force to the master cylinder that's back here, and this in turn supplies the necessary hydraulic pressure to engage your trailer's brakes.What's nice is where this inner slide moves. It uses an acetal copolymer lining, which provides a nice smooth operation as the actuator telescopes in and out. If you notice on the front, it is an adjustable channel, has three different mounting positions for your coupler. Now, the coupler's not included.
That is sold separately on our website. This is a heavy duty steel construction. Has a nice prime finish to it. And in the very back here we mentioned that uses a composite master cylinder. It's very durable and efficient.
It's a glass reinforced nylon construction. That'll help resist rust and corrosion, and it offers a nice large reservoir which provides increased capacity for the brake fluid. The very top here you can see uses the automotive style diaphragm cap, which creates completely enclosed system to help prevent contamination of the brake fluid.If you notice, the breakaway cable right here is included. Now the breakaway cable is required by law, and what that's used for is it prevents a trailer runaway situation. What you'll do is take the end with the latched hook here, hook this to your tow vehicle, and then this cable runs to the lever right here.
And what happens is in the case of if your trailer would come disconnected from your tow vehicle, it'll pull this cable, which will activate the lever, which will apply pressure in the master cylinder to apply the brakes in a runaway situation. So it is required by law, but you don't have to worry. It is included.Now this is a weld on installation. It is made in the USA. Few specs on this, this is for trailers with hydraulic drum brakes. We mentioned the gross towing weight capacity is 20,000 pounds. Maximum tongue weight capacity is 2000 pounds. Now the channel width, right up front here, the inside width inside the inside is right at three inches. Overall channel height, bottom to the very top, is eight inches. It is designed to mount onto a three inch wide trailer tongue, and this also goes by the model number of DA20. Last note I do want to mention on this is because this actuator does not include a reverse lockout in the rear here, it is recommended that you either equip the trailer with a reverse lockout solenoid that screws in right here, or free backing brakes so that you can drive in reverse without the actuator triggering your trailer's brakes.But that's going to do it for the review on the Demco eight inch adjustable channel center hydraulic drum brake actuator, with the 20,000 pound weight capacity.
Ratings & Reviews
Everything arrived in advance of expected delivery date and customer service was excellent.
Heavy duty steel, quality product. Thank you
Great customer service. Product arrived lightning fast! We would buy again. Thanks!
Very nice working with you guys. Timely response and delivery. Thank you
I purchased the 20k lbs surge brake.So far really good. Heavy duty.
Thanks you! a great experience with the ordering and receiving my parts that I needed. I would recommend Etrailer.com to anyone needing competitively priced and quality parts fast.
Etrailer is the best store for parts.best prices,fast deliver,on time and safe,300 per cent hapy.the etrailer be mi store for ever.
Really happy with customer service and flexibility with shipping to Hawaii.
I think the demco actuator is grate
excellent quality, unbelievable delivery time.
Excellent product,service and price. I was notified at every stage where my item was on its journey without contacting etrailer other than placing my order. They have their "stuff " together.
Package wasn't the greatest, it was a heavy item and should have been packaged a little better, box was torn and one of the clips that holds the pins in place was missing
We're replacing old brake units on our fleet of tank trailers. These Demco actuators have a longer adjustment channel than the ones we could get locally, and they were cheaper. Great customer service also!
It does the Job. I tried to talk them in to going with an electric over hydraulic Disc system but the did not want to spend the money with this set up at least is has some brakes.
It worked out very well for us and was very affordable.
Anna did a GREAT job on getting the trailer parts I needed give her a raise :-)
Great quality excellent service
The product delivered was exactly what we ordered. It arrived within only a few days and the package showed up with zero damage. We will continue to order from eTrailer. 5 Stars!!
Quality is great and exactly what I was looking for in a Brake Actuator. Customer service was super friendly and online invoice and tracking was speedy and easy to obtain! Highly recommend.
Worked perfect, exactly as described.
A perfect fit and it took paint beautifully. Upon brake testing, it performed as an OEM! Customer Service was extraordinary.
Welded it together, haven't used it yet.
I am building a very strong utility trailer for a Mustang Skid Steer- I'm a welder by many years- and strong matters. I will put a 'dully' axel under a dump truck body with hydraulic breaks- thus you product was a perfect fit- strong, functional and safe. Thank you for your design intelligence and craftsmanship. I am set up for two trucks- a big one, Mack B-81SX, and a pick-up.
Well built just replaced a old unit that been sitting for years and had been jackknifed
we received in the hitch, we installed it without a problem.
the tech tried to beleed the brakes.
the tech was having problems with the master cylinder sticking.
we ordered in a replacement master cylinder in. after the new master cylinder was installed the tech bled the brakes with no issue. we received the hitch in with a bad master cylinder
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