Repairing or Replacing Surge Brake Actuator on 2005 Prestige Boat Trailer

Updated 06/01/2024 | Published 05/27/2024

Question:

Hi, I have a 2005 prestige boat trailer. This season we had the trailer come off of the ball backing into our driveway. The cuppler latch doesn’t have any adjustment nor does it look warm. It seams to sit about 1/2 way up on the ball and doesn’t come down below the curve of the ball itself. I’m wondering if replacing the latch is enough to fix the issue or if we should replace the whole surge cuppler unit. 1. Would replacing just the latch aloe for the cuppler to sit further down on the ball? 2. Are all the surge assemblies the same size to fit inside the sleeve if I wanted to update to a newer version? I will attach pictures of our current setup and a picture of a newer trailer that I’m wondering if the cuppler unit would be interchangeable with.

asked by: Justin T

Surge Brake Actuator
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hi Justin; I don't think repairing the latch is going to change how the coupler sits on the ball and you will probably have a hard time finding the right repair kit if one even exists. If it were me, I would completely replace mine after that incident. Surge brake actuators have different sizes and designs so you won't be able to fit some other brand into the sleeve. I'm not sure which picture this is that you attached but I can't say if one could replace the other without the additional pictures.

To find a replacement actuator you will need to know the ball size and also if it is hydraulic drum or disc brakes. You also want to make sure the coupler capacity is high enough for the trailer and if you need a lockout either a manual or electric lockout. For example, the # T2477600 you looked at fits a 2-5/16" ball and is designed for drum brakes. It fits a 3" wide tongue and has a 12,500 lb capacity. This does not have a lockout so it would be used with free-backing brakes.

expert reply by: Robin H