Best Replacement for Atwood 82543 Brake Actuator

Published 05/19/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(436)

$158.11

Hopkins Wiring Harness with 5-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - Trailer End - 18" Long

(29)

$14.07

Replacement Solenoid Valve for Dexter Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts

(280)

$79.10

Question:

I have a jet boat trailer that I’m needing to rebuild/replace the surge brake assembly. Year: 1990 Length: Hauls a 19’ Jet Boat Current Surge Actuator: Atwood 82543, 6000 lb. capacity, 900 lb. tongue rating Note: Atwood model 82543 has been discontinued including the master cylinder, so it can no longer be serviced. Current Brakes: Drum, 10” x 2 14” wide Hub/Drum Seals: 2.33” OD, 1.68” ID I’m looking at the Demco 8705001 ETrailer P/N# DM72VR – Which is a “Non-Reverse Lockout system. Based on that, my understanding is I need “Free Backing” brake assemblies. There seems top be a few 10” drum brake “Free braking” kits, are they all the same, just different finishes?

asked by: Rob B

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # DM72VR is a great option to replace an Atwood 82543. That said, it does not come with any sort of reverse lockout feature therefore in order to reverse without the brakes locking up you will either need to add an electric solenoid such as the Replacement Solenoid Valve part # T4748800 or switch to free backing braking assemblies. The latter is more expensive and time consuming. Therefore, I recommend the former but you also need to switch to a 5-way for the trailer and vehicle using the 5-Way Trailer Side Connector part # HM37918 and the 4 to 5-Way Vehicle Side Connector part # 47515.

There are several variances with braking assemblies, finish being one but size and mounting flange configuration are also factors which determine compatibility.

expert reply by: Conner L