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  1. Brake Actuator
  2. Dexter
  3. Surge Brake Actuator
  4. Drum Brakes
  5. 2-5/16 Inch Ball Coupler
  6. 20000 lbs GTW
Dexter Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Drop and Electric Lockout - Drum - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 20K
Dexter

Dexter Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Drop and Electric Lockout - Drum - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 20K

Part Number: T4854020
$867.10
Brake Actuator
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Surge brake actuator bolts onto a 4" wide trailer tongue and includes a heavy-duty drop coupler. Zinc plating resists corrosion. Electric lockout lets you back up without activating trailer brakes. Efficient roller design reduces resistance. 1-800-940-8924 to order Dexter brake actuator part number T4854020 or order online at etrailer.com. Free expert support on all Dexter products. Great prices and Fastest Shipping for Dexter Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Drop and Electric Lockout - Drum - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 20K. Brake Actuator reviews from real customers.
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Dexter Brake Actuator - T4854020

Highlights

  • Back Up Easily: Electric lockout stops the brakes from engaging when reversing.
  • Smooth, Controlled Stops: Hydraulic surge system automatically applies drum brakes as you slow.
  • Built for Heavy Loads: Rated for 20,000 lbs GTW and 2,000 lbs tongue weight.
  • Perfect for Wet Use: Zinc-plated steel resists rust and corrosion on boat or utility trailers.
  • Quick, Safe Coupling: Trigger latch with circle grip makes hook-ups simple and secure.
  • Ready to Mount: Bolts onto a 4"-wide tongue with built-in drop to match tow height.
Made in USA

Features to know about

Confident Backing: Electric Reverse Lockout

This actuator makes backing up simple with an electric reverse lockout that stops the brakes from engaging when you shift into reverse. The built-in solenoid connects through your trailer wiring—using a 5-pole flat, 6-way round, or 7-pole connector—and automatically keeps the hydraulic system from activating. It means you can maneuver up ramps or into tight spots without worrying about brake drag or lockup.

Strong and Steady Control: 20,000 lbs GTW Hydraulic Actuation

Built to handle heavy-duty towing, this surge actuator delivers solid braking for trailers with hydraulic drum brakes. With a 20,000-lb gross towing weight and 2,000-lb maximum tongue weight rating, it keeps braking smooth and consistent as momentum shifts forward during deceleration. Its efficient roller design reduces resistance in the telescoping movement so the actuator pushes straight and evenly for better stopping response.

Smooth Coupling Every Time: Drop Coupler with Trigger Latch

The integrated drop coupler helps line up your trailer height to your tow setup for easier hook-ups. The trigger latch design makes coupling and uncoupling quick and secure, while the circle grip gives you good leverage even with gloves on. Once latched onto a 2-5/16" hitch ball, the connection stays solid for confident towing on long hauls or rough ground.

Ready for the Elements: Zinc-Plated Steel Construction

A corrosion-resistant zinc finish protects the sturdy steel housing from rust and wear, making it a smart choice for use around water or in wet conditions. Inside, a built-in shield guards the solenoid valve from road spray and debris. This durable build holds up against bending or jackknife stress so you get reliable performance over years of use.

Quick Mounting: Bolt-On Fit for 4" Tongue

Installation is straightforward thanks to a bolt-on design made for 4" wide trailer tongues. The included breakaway kit adds an extra layer of safety by helping stop the trailer if it ever disconnects during travel. Once mounted, this actuator is ready to deliver dependable braking strength trip after trip.

Specs

Application

  • Application: trailers with hydraulic drum brakes

Weight and Capacity

  • Gross towing weight: 20,000 lbs
  • Maximum tongue weight: 2,000 lbs

Compatibility

  • Ball size: 2-5/16"

Mounting

  • Mounting: straight, 4" wide trailer tongue

Warranty

  • Warranty: 1-Year warranty

068-256-02 Dexter Axle Model 20 Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout and 2-5/16" Ball Coupler - Drum - 20,000 lbs

Replaces Titan 4854020





Ratings & Reviews

5.0

1 reviews
Review sort icon
Surge brake actuator bolts onto a 4" wide trailer tongue and includes a heavy-duty drop coupler. Zinc plating resists corrosion. Electric lockout lets you back up without activating trailer brakes. Efficient roller design reduces resistance.

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See what our Experts say about this Dexter Brake Actuator

  • Can I Add Hydraulic Brakes to an Old Car Hauler ?
    Yes, it’s definitely possible to convert your old car hauler over to surge brakes, but there are a few things to think about before diving in. Since surge brakes use hydraulic pressure instead of electricity, you won’t need a brake controller or a 7-way plug — your 5-flat connector will work fine once you wire in a reverse lockout. The main difference is that a surge coupler on the trailer tongue does all the work: when your truck slows down, the coupler compresses a small master cylinder...
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Trailer Surge Brakes That Activate in Reverse with New Truck
    A surge coupler/actuator will activate the brakes on the trailer unless it has a lockout feature, either a manual lockout as with coupler # T63FR or an electric lockout as on part # T4854020. Since the same trailer backs up without any problem using your other truck, the 2012 F-150, most likely that truck has a reverse light circuit present on the trailer wiring to deliver a lockout signal for the coupler's solenoid. If your new truck has only a 4-pole wiring setup then you'll just need...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Replacement Drum Brake Surge Coupler for 2-5/16-Inch Hitch Ball
    You can view drum brake surge couplers for 2-5/16-inch balls by clicking on the linked page. Simply click on the filters to select the features you want, such as weight rating, bolt-on versus weld-on installation, and a-frame or straight tongue trailer design. For example, for a 20K-rated coupler with electric lockout for a 4-inch wide straight tongue you can use # T4854020 from Titan.
    view full answer...
  • Drum Brake Surge Brake Actuator Comparable to Demco DM8104311
    Hi William! If you're looking for a drum brake version that's similar to the Demco part # DM8104311, the closest Demco option is the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator with Drop, Part # DM8204011. It has the same basic design and is built for drum brakes, but it does not include an electric reverse lockout. If you do need an electric lockout, the closest option we offer is the Dexter Hydraulic Brake Actuator with Drop and Electric Lockout for drum brakes part # T4854020, as Demco does not...
    view full answer...
  • Hydraulic Drum Brake Actuator With Electric Lockout
    There are only a few hydraulic drum brake actuators that come with electric lockouts, and the right one will depend on the size of the channel you are bolting it to. The Titan Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Drop and Electric Lockout # T4854020 is large, fitting on a 4" wide channel and coupling to a 2-5/16" hitch ball. Based on your trailer's GVWR of just under 6,000 lbs you likely have a 3" wide channel (though you will need to verify this). So what I recommend instead is the Titan Brake...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for Image 2 for
  • Wiring New Trailer Connector with Reverse Light Signal to 2015 Trailstar Tandem Axle Trailer
    The easiest way to add a reverse light circuit to your TrailStar trailer is to tap into the reverse light circuit on your 5-pole, IF that is the assigned function. Often boat trailers with surge couplers have an electric reverse lockout feature that allows you to back up the trailer without having to first get out of the truck to manually engage a lockout (which prevents the brakes from actuating as you back up against the coupler). If your trailer coupler has an electric lockout feature...
    view full answer...

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Info for this part was:

Employee Lindsey S
Edited by:
Lindsey S
Employee Jeff D
Installed by:
Jeff D
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Hannah L
Updated by:
Hannah L
Employee Manda E
Updated by:
Manda E
Employee Amanda M
Written by:
Amanda M

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