Best Solution for Replacing Atwood Surge Actuator for Drum Brakes

Updated 05/01/2019 | Published 04/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Brake Actuator with Manual Lockout - Bolt On - Drum - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs

(66)

$404.73

Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,200 psi

(75)

$947.21

Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators

(12)

$85.83

Question:

I have a 1989 boat trailer with the atwood actuator for drum brakes. Its a weld on 2inch ball so its not going to be an easy task to replace by the looks of it. Is there any replacement actuator that would replace the Atwood 85841 without replacing the entire coupler? Or would there be an electric over hydraulic unit you would recommend instead?

asked by: Rodney M

Expert Reply:

The Atwood actuators were pretty unique and since they (and the replacement parts) were discontinued only solution is replacing the whole thing.

Going to electric over hydraulic would be the best option. For that the actuator I recommend is the Hydrastar part # HBA-12. This is the most reliable actuator we offer and it also reacts the quickest.

You most likely will need to upgrade the 4 or 5-way on your trailer to a 7-way which we have a kit designed specifically for that as part # HS381-9000. This comes with the wiring needed as well as a junction box.

expert reply by: Jameson C