Can Surge Coupler/Actuators Be Converted from Drum to Disc Brake Operation

Updated 05/20/2016 | Published 05/16/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(422)

$176.83

Demco Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Free Backing - Galvanized - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(182)

$73.52

Replacement Master Cylinder for Demco Actuators - Disc Brakes

(42)

$80.77

Question:

Im wanting to replace the 2inch surge brake coupler on my boat trailer with drum brakes n would like to know if I can use the same new coupler in the future if I switch out to disc brakes? I can back up my trailer now without having to make any changes, do I need to get a coupler that says no lock out? Thank You.

asked by: Leo

Expert Reply:

Surge couplers for drum and disk brakes use different master cylinders that operate at different pressures, lower for drums and higher for discs. It is possible to swap out the master cylinder in a surge coupler to convert it from one type of operation to the other. Depending on the number of brake assemblies, trailer length, etc, larger brake lines are sometimes also called for with disc systems.

It sounds like you have free-backing drum brakes like # 40715 on the trailer now, which allow you to back up without having to engage a reverse lockout on the coupler (these lockouts come in manual and electric types). If this is the case then you can use a coupler/actuator with no lockout, like Demco # DM72VR or one of the others shown on the linked page. A disc-capable master cylinder # 5672 is available to convert this drum actuator to disc operation.

expert reply by: Adam R