How Would Trailer Get Converted from Electric Over Hydraulic to Surge Brakes

Published 08/31/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Surge Brake Actuator w Drop and Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 12.5K

(129)

$412.42

Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi

(55)

$759.59

Question:

I have a titan brake rite II electric/hydraulic system on my boat trailer that is often soaked in salt water loading/unloading the boat. This system often shorts out and locks up the brake system. Considering switching to a surge brake actuator to eliminate the electrical components. Is there anything else required to convert from the Brake Rite system to the DEMCO surge brake actuator?

asked by: Daryl T

Expert Reply:

To go from an electric over hydraulic setup to a surge brake setup all you have to do is remove the actuator, install a surge actuator, and then run the hydraulic line of your trailer to the surge actuator. The Demco actuator part # DM8104311 that you referenced would be a great option that would fit and perform great. It's galvanized which helps prevent corrosion from the salt water.

If you liked the EOH setup but wanted something more reliable Hydrastar has an actuator that was designed for marine applications like yours with the part # HS381-8067. We really like the Hydrastar actuators here because they are the most reliable and quickest reacting. In general they are a lot more reliable than Titan actuators.

expert reply by: Jameson C