Can an 8,000 Pound Brake Actuator be Used with a 4,000 Pound Trailer

Updated 08/10/2015 | Published 08/09/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator - Drum - Lunette Ring - Bolt On - 8,000 lbs

(4)

$464.69

Brophy Safety Chain Mounting Bracket - 6-1/8" Long x 1/2" Diameter - Weld On - Qty 1

(18)

$4.17

Brophy Safety Chain Mounting Bracket - 8-3/8" Long x 5/8" Diameter - Weld On - Qty 1

(11)

$6.47

Question:

Hi my gross trailer weight would not exceed 4,000lbs on plain surface hope this would suffice the specific part#T4093200 without any compromise on braking effects? Further, this does not have safety chain, what are my disadvantages on that? What capacity is the break-away cable rated for?

asked by: Pradhyun

Expert Reply:

A gross trailer weight of 4,000 pounds is within the capacity of the Titan lunette ring actuator # T4093200. But the lower weight would not actuate the brakes as well as a heavier load closer to the 8,000 pound capacity of the actuator.

Safety chains are usually attached to the trailer, not the coupler. If the trailer does not have mounts on it to attach safety chains then some will have to be installed such as # MB12 or # MB58.

Breakaway cables do not have a capacity because they are not meant to support any weight. They just need to be strong enough pull the lever on the coupler should the trailer come off the pintle.

expert reply by: Michael H