Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778

Question

Question:

Hi! The brake lockout knob on my coupler broke off. We never really cared for that coupler so as a complete novice I ordered a different brand figuring I could just swap them. Once I got to the guts I realized I was sadly mistaken. Here are my questions... 1. Can I tow the trailer safely with the broken knob? 2. Where do I find a 85778? 3. Can I use a different coupler? 4. How difficult is it to replace one of these things? Thank you very much for your help! Picture is of the former location of the lockout knob

asked by: Scott C

0

Expert Reply:

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you don't put yourself in the situation where you have to back your trailer up.

Since Atwood went out of business there aren't any exact replacements for your coupler but you can use a different brand. The only thing I was able to find online about the 85778 is that it has a 2" coupler, is rated for 6,000 lbs and that it was used for either drum or disc brake applications. I recommend checking out the Demco Hydraulic Actuator # DM72VR for Drum or # DM62VR for Disc brakes. These are rated for 7K and are compatible with a 2" hitch ball. The drum brake option doesn't have a lockout while the disc brake application has an electric lockout. These fit a 3" wide trailer tongue and have bolt holes that are 3" apart on center.

The installation itself is pretty straightforward and I have attached a video of the drum brake actuator being installed that you can reference.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

click to enlarge

Frank P.

10/8/2024

How do I bleed this Atwood 85778

Jon G.

10/8/2024

@FrankP We actually have a great article on how to bleed a surge brake actuator that I'm linking to this comment for you to check out!

Helpful Links

faq-bleed-trailer-brakes.aspx

Answer 1

We actually have a video showing how to replace the master cylinder on an Atwood surge brake actuator like your part 85778 which I have linked for you to reference. In the video you can see that once you remove the 4 screws the master cylinder can be…

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Answer 2

The replacement I recommend for an Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778 is the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part #DM62VR. It has the same ball size, offers a bolt-on install, and has a greater capacity. The only difference is it has an electric…

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Answer 3

The Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part #DM72VR should be a direct replacement for the Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator that you have now. This newest updated it rated at 7K instead of 6K. This is a bolt on option that mounts on 3" centers.…

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Answer 4

Since Atwood went out of business none of their actuator (or other product) replacement parts are available unfortunately, so your only real option to having a working actuator is to replace the entire unit. I am attaching a link to our selection of…

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Answer 5

The #DM5939 is only compatible with the DA91 like the #DM8759131. Unfortunately, there is no option for manual lockout on a DA70 like the ##DM72VR. There are two ways you can keep your brakes from locking up with this brake actuator. The first is to…

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Answer 6

Thanks for the photo. That is a great help for getting you the correct replacement. I recommend the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs #DM72VR for a zinc plated option. This coupler does not…

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Answer 7

Hello Richard, Great news, the Demco actuator you’re looking for is the right one. The Demco DA86 Trailer Brake Actuator for drum brakes, zinc, 2 inch ball, 8,600 lbs #DM98CV is Demco’s 8668601, so you’re on the correct track. I totally get wanting…

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Answer 8

Your best route is to replace your entire surge brake assembly as Atwood no longer produces any parts for their brake actuators. The Titan Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator #T47457207K is going to be your best replacement available. It is specific to disc…

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Answer 9

Hey Carl. To replace the surge brake actuator on your 2012 Jayco Pop-Up camper, I recommend the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator item #DM72VR. This actuator fits a 3" wide channel and bolts directly to it. It has a 7,000 lbs capacity, fits a…

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Answer 10

The best replacement option we offer for an Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778 is the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part #DM62VR. It has the same ball size, offers a bolt-on install, and has a greater capacity. The only functional difference is it…

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Answer 11

Thanks for reaching out, Maria. For your Demco DA70 actuator you can use the Reverse Lockout Solenoid #DM11993.

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Answer 12

I do have an option for you but the coupler on your trailer is very old and we simply don't carry parts for them anymore as they were discontinued by the manufacturer. Therefore, the only option we can offer is a new coupler, the Demco Hydraulic…

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Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778

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