Adding Surge Actuator to Trailer with Swing Away Hinge and Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 08/19/2020 | Published 08/17/2020

Question:

I have an 1999 Escort 18foot boat trailer. It is a single axle and came with factory surge style brakes. Whomever owned the trailer/boat prior to me added a Fulton swing away hitch and removed the surge hitch assembly. There is currently a normal hitch mounted to the tongue. That being said the brake line is still present in the frame, just disconnected. I would like to add brakes back onto the trailer, but dont know where to start. Electric? Hydraulic? Not sure if I can use the same brakes that are there.

asked by: Matthew L

Helpful Expert Reply:

I would assume the trailer uses drum brakes so what you could do is install the Demco Hydraulic Surge Actuator part # DM8608601 for a surge setup that would attach to the brake line you have now. Since it's a swing away you will need to use a flexible line to connect before the hinge and after like with the part # T0776500.

expert reply by: Jameson C