What To Do with Surge Actuator After Switching to Electric Over Hydraulic Setup

Updated 02/03/2026 | Published 07/29/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator w/ Breakaway and 7-Way RV Harness - 1,600 psi

(96)

$1005.51

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

(275)

$107.53

Question:

I am planning on replacing the surge brake coupler/actuator on my tandem axle boat trailer with the Hydrastar Marine Electric Over Hydraulic kit. My trailer currently has a Tie Down Engineering coupler. Is it possible or recommended to replace the current moving coupler with a new, fixed coupler to go along with the electric actuator?

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

Hey David, so what you can do is lock out the moving components of your actuator by having them welded together or having a bolt ran through both pieces to hold them together.

Or you could have the whole thing removed and install a straight tongue coupler like the Demco part # DM13203-95.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

2/3/2026

Hey David, how did things go with locking out or replacing the moving coupler on your boat trailer? Your results could really help others deciding between welding their actuator or switching to a straight tongue coupler.

David

2/3/2026

@JamesonC So far so good. I used some Grade 8 bolts that fit the holes where the hydraulic cylinder used to be. My solution is pretty specific to the hole pattern and design of my trailer tongue, but it is working.