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When you need flexibility in your trailer setup, the 8" adjustable channel makes things simple. It has three mounting positions that let you fine-tune your coupler height so your trailer tows level. The 3"-wide channel accepts different attachments like a standard ball coupler, lunette ring, or clevis mount (each sold separately), so you can match the connection to your exact setup without extra adapters or guesswork.
The glass-reinforced nylon master cylinder resists rust and corrosion, which keeps the brakes working smoothly even after long use. Its large reservoir holds more brake fluid, cutting down on refills and helping prevent the system from running low. An automotive-style diaphragm cap seals it tight to keep out dirt and moisture, so the braking system stays clean and responsive.
With a gross towing weight rating of 8,000 lbs and maximum tongue weight of 800 lbs, this surge actuator is built for tough jobs. The heavy-duty steel body stands up to regular use, and the durable black powder coat finish adds protection against corrosion. Whether it’s bolted or welded on a 3" straight tongue, the frame stays solid under load for reliable performance every time you slow down or stop.
Inside the actuator housing, an acetal copolymer liner keeps the telescoping parts moving smoothly as it compresses under braking. That means consistent pressure to your drum brakes without sticking or jerky motion. The built-in breakaway system adds peace of mind by automatically applying the brakes if the trailer ever disconnects from the tow vehicle.
Every part of this actuator is designed to fight corrosion from moisture and debris. The glass-reinforced nylon master cylinder won’t rust like metal ones, and the black powder coat on the steel housing adds another layer of defense. It’s a setup that stays looking clean and works reliably through years of towing in all kinds of conditions.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Hello everybody, this is Jeff at etrailer.com. Today, we're gonna take a look at the Demco eight inch Adjustable Center Channel Hydraulic Drum Brake Actuator, has an 8,000 pound gross towing weight capacity. Now, this hydraulic actuator will activate your trailer 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 towards the rear of your tow vehicle. So with the surge brake system, the actuator is triggered as your trailer moves forward once the tow vehicle starts to slow down. So when this happens, the inner portion of the actuator right here will contract and apply force to the master cylinder at the back here, and then this in turn supplies the necessary hydraulic pressure to engage your trailer's brakes.
This one here happens to use an acetal copolymer lining around the actuator inner portion that goes into the outer portion, this will provide a nice smooth operation as the actuator telescopes in and out. This one has have an adjustable center channel, has three different mounting positions for your coupler. Now, the coupler's not included, that would be sold separately. This does have a nice black powder coat finish to it to resist rust and corrosion. It is a heavy-duty steel construction.
On the very back here, they do use a composite master cylinder, which is durable and efficient. It's a glass-reinforced nylon construction that'll resist rust and corrosion, has a very large reservoir, which provides increased capacity for your brake fluid, and if you noticed on the top here, the cap that you'll open to put the brake fluid in, uses an automotive-style diaphragm cap, which will create completely enclosed system, helps prevent contamination to brake fluid. This does include the breakaway cable and a hook that is required by law, and what this does is prevent a trailer runaway situation. Basically, what you'll do is when you hook your trailer up to your tow vehicle, you do wanna take this hook, hook it to your tow vehicle, so in case this happens to come detached from your tow vehicle, this cable will pull on this lever, which the lever will activate the master cylinder to apply pressure to the brakes, prevents a runaway situation. Now, this is a bolt-on or weld-on installation.
Go ahead and put the this back here, there we go. It is a bolt-on or weld-on installation, it does mount to a straight three inch wide trailer tongue. This part is made in the USA. Application on this is for trailers with hydraulic drum brakes. We mentioned the gross towing weight capacity is 8,000 pounds, maximum tongue weight capacity, 800 pounds.
Now, the channel up front here, the width of it, which will measure the inside, is gonna be right at three inches. The overall height of it, bottom to the top is right at eight inches tall. Now, this part also goes by a model number DA91. One last note I do wanna mention on this actuator is because this does not include a reverse lockout, it is recommended that you equip your trailer with either a reverse lockout solenoid that installs in the back here, or to have free backing brakes on your trailer, so that you can drive in reverse without the actuator triggering your trailer's brakes. But that should do it for the review on this Demco eight inch Adjustable Center Channel Hydraulic Drum Brake Actuator with the 8,000 pound gross towing weight capacity..
Customer Satisfaction Score:
99% were satisfied with this product
1% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
Sturdier than the other brands, easy to bleed brake lines when installing.
Repeat customer. Great service and quick shipping. I will continue to be a repeat customer.
These actuators are great. As long as you keep your brakes shoes adjusted also you can't beat it.
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I was very pleased with this purchase. Not only for the product but also for the fantastic customer service and follow up messages.
product was as described and worked great.....shipping was fantastic as well.
great job guys defiantly will shop again. IF anyone has reservations don't my experience was great. I don't normally write reviews however theses folks deserve it.
Perfect as always
works well
I am very excited to find this site. It has so many of the items we use, ordering is simple, pricing is great. Thank you!
The product was delivered as promised and is of exceptional quality.
Very good
Was a direct replacement for the original one on our trailer
Quick and easy, good onfo on part, fast shipping. Thanks
Everyone I spoke to was super helpful. My original order was back-ordered, I was able to change my order with one phone call.
Really BIG...Heavy, solid.. seems a bit overkill on my car trailer but it works. Tends to clunk when pulling away from a stoplight..
Very very very good
Jose
9/16/2025
Excellent product. Works very good
Thanks for your great service and easy transaction buying at etrailer.
Attached is a picture of the product already installed and for the hitch that I bought in past from etrailer store.
This is a bolt-on hydraulic brake actuator, this worked perfect for our Vermeer wood chippers with hydraulic brakes. Always bleed the brakes.
Do you have a question about this Brake Actuator?
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Jose
6/24/2025
Excellent. Fit very good with the bulldog coupler. To use a strong screw