The primed finish on this actuator makes it easy to weld or paint to match your trailer. Since it’s not coated, you get a clean surface that’s simple to work with whether you’re setting up a new rig or replacing an old unit. The heavy-duty steel construction gives it strength for long-term use, and the bolt-on or weld-on design gives you flexibility in how you mount it.
The composite master cylinder is made from glass-reinforced nylon, so it won’t rust or corrode like metal cylinders can. Its large reservoir increases brake fluid capacity, helping you keep steady pressure on hydraulic drum brakes during long hauls. The automotive-style diaphragm cap keeps the system sealed tight, protecting the fluid from contamination so you get consistent braking every time.
With an 8" adjustable channel, this actuator lets you mount different coupler attachments (sold separately) such as a ball coupler, lunette ring, or clevis attachment. The three mounting positions make it easy to line up your coupler so your trailer rides level behind your tow setup. The straight 3" wide tongue fit and 8,000 lb gross towing weight capacity give it the versatility to handle a variety of heavy-duty applications.
Inside the actuator, an acetal copolymer lining keeps the inner parts moving smoothly as the actuator telescopes in and out during braking. A built-in breakaway system is included to apply your trailer brakes automatically if it ever disconnects during towing. It’s a dependable backup that adds another layer of safety for every trip.
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.
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 channel center, hydraulic drum-brake actuator. Has an 8,000 pound gross towing weight capacity and a prime finish. 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 this surge brake system, the actuator is then triggered as your trailer moves forward once the tow vehicle starts to slow down.
And once this happens, the inner portion of this actuator will contract and apply force to the master cylinder in the back here. So this in turn supplies the necessary hydraulic pressure to engage your trailer's brakes. This actuator here uses a nice Acetal copolymer lining around the inner and outer case. Provides a nice smooth operation as the actuator telescopes in and out. You notice, this one has an adjustable center channel, has three different mounting positions for your coupler.
Now the coupler is not included. We do sell that separately. Now we mentioned it's a channel center design, which means if you notice, the channel's actually centered equally up or down. The channel height on this, if we put a ruler on it, from the bottom to the top's eight inches. The inside width, inside to inside, is measured three inches.
This is a nice heavy duty steel construction. You can see it has a prime finish on it. Gives you better corrosion resistance. Now the brake cylinder, or the master cylinder, in the very back here, it is a composite master cylinder. It is durable and efficient.
It is a glass-reinforced nylon construction, so will resist rust and corrosion. And it has a large reservoir to provide increased capacity for the brake fluid. The very top where you put your brake fluid in, you can see it uses an automotive style diaphragm cap. Creates a completely enclosed system. Helps prevent contamination of your brake fluid. Right in the top here in the center, this is your breakaway cable and your hook with the latch included. This breakaway cable and hook is required by law and the reason is it prevents a trailer runaway situation. So basically, when you attach your trailer to your tow vehicle, you'll take this hook, hook it to your tow vehicle, and then what happens is in a case of where your trailer come detached from your tow vehicle, it will pull on this cable which will activate the lever and that again will supply the hydraulic pressure to engage the trailer's brakes and prevent a runaway situation. So this part is included and it is required by law. Now this is a bolt-on or a weld-on installation. It is designed to mount to a straight three-inch wide trailer tongue. This part is made in the USA. Application: this is for trailers with hydraulic drum brakes. Gross towing weight capacity of 8,000 pounds. Maximum tongue weight of 800 pounds. Also goes by the model number of DA91. And one last note I do wanna mention on this actuator, because it does not include a reverse lockout solenoid in the back here, it is recommended that you equip the trailer with either a reverse lockout solenoid that'll attach right here or 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 the Demco eight-inch adjustable channel center, hydraulic drum-brake actuator. Has an 8,000 pound gross towing weight capacity.
Ratings & Reviews
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 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
Great
Everything arrived in advance of expected delivery date and customer service was excellent.
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.
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