Trailer Coupler Needed To Convert To Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes

Updated 06/25/2024 | Published 06/13/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(149)

$233.01

Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Disc Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 7,500 lbs

(105)

$409.14

Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Terminals - Polypropylene

(271)

$14.40

Mighty Cord 7-Way RV-Style Trailer Connector w/ Molded Cable - Trailer End - 6' Long

(221)

$41.02

Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 3" Channel - Bolt On - 18K

(275)

$107.53

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

(70)

$845.33

Question:

Hi there, I need to replace the Titan Model 6 surge brake actuator on my 7000lb GVWR aluminum boat trailer. The trailer currently has Kodiak 10 disc brakes on one axle, but I will be adding them to the 2nd axle also. I would convert to an electric over hydraulic actuator, but I cant find a standard coupler that will use the Model 6s bolt holes. The tongue is 3x3 galvanized steel and I would prefer to not drill new holes. The existing 1/2 hole centers are 1.25 from the top of the tongue, which appears to be uncommon for couplers. Im not sure that the Model 6 can be pinned, and I would prefer to get rid of it completely for simplicity. It looks like the Demco DA70 or Dexter DX7.5 surge actuators would bolt to the existing holes in the tongue. Would you recommend one of these over the other for any reason? I dont see any specs for length or weight on these two actuators. Thanks.

asked by: Kelvin

Expert Reply:

Hey Kelvin,

From what I can find the Titan Model 6 brake actuators have their bolt holes almost in a straight line at the bottom of the coupler so you would have drill new holes in order to mount a new brake actuator. It also shows the Model 6 having a 2-5/16" ball coupler so the Demco # DM62VR and Dexter # 099-175-20 wouldn't be the right choice.

If you're wanting to switch to electric over hydraulic then you'll want to go with a standard coupler like the Demco Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler # DM13203-95 and then install a 7-way # A10-7W6 and junction box # 3375601100 to send your brake electric brake signal an actuator like the Hydrastar # HS381-8067 (disc brakes). Buying another surge brake actuator would be a waste of your money if you want to switch to electric over hydraulic brakes.

Check the ball size for your trailer and let me know if you'll be going with drum or disc brakes. You'll also need a brake controller in the tow vehicle that's compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes in order to activate the brakes. If you need help picking this out then let me know the year/make/model of the vehicle.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Kelvin

6/24/2024

Hi Kevin. Thanks for the reply. It is easy to change the ball on my tow vehicle, so ball size is of no concern (as long as it's rated for 7000+lb). My trailer has disc brakes (soon on both axles). My tow vehicle has a brake controller that is compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes. I plan to install a 7-way connector and a junction box on the trailer whether I stay with surge brakes or upgrade to electric over hydraulic. The Titan Model 6 uses a different bolt pattern than virtually all other couplers I can find, whether surge brake actuator or standard. I'm aware that I would not need a surge coupler if I upgrade to electric over hydraulic. As much as I can, I want to avoid drilling new holes in the galvanized tongue to avoid weakening it and/or inviting rust. If I can find a standard coupler that uses the existing bolt holes, then I will upgrade to electric over hydraulic. Otherwise, I will stay with surge brakes. It looks like the Demco DA70 or Dexter DX7.5 would fit on two of the existing holes that are 1.25 inch from the top of the tongue. Is there a reason I would prefer one of these over the other? Thanks.

Kevin C.

6/25/2024

@Kelvin If I had to choose between the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator # DM72VR (DA70) and Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator # 099-175-20 (DX7.5) I'd have to go with the Dexter # 099-175-20. It has essentially the same style of latching mechanism as the Demco for easy hookup, but comes with an electric lockout. The Demco doesn't come with a manual or electric lockout so you'd either need free-backing brakes or would have to install a lockout solenoid # DM11993. Neither coupler has a slot for a coupler latch lock so you'll want to pick up tongue lock like the etrailer # e98893 to prevent anyone from taking off with your trailer.

Helpful Links

tv-install-demco-reverse-lockout-solenoid-dm11993.aspx

tv-review-demco-hydraulic-brake-actuator-dm72vr.aspx

Kelvin

6/25/2024

@KevinC Sorry, I should have been more specific. I was considering the Demco DM62VR (DA70) and the Dexter 099-175-20 (DX7.5), both of which have a electric reverse lockout solenoid. I appreciate the lock recommendation. Thanks again.

Kevin C.

6/25/2024

@Kelvin That's my bad, we were just talking about the # DM62VR earlier but the # DM72VR popped up when I searched DA70. In that case it's really just going to come down to pricing. Both are great options and both Dexter and Demco are known for their quality so there really isn't bad option here.