How to Reset Demco Surge Actuator

Question

Question:

How do I fix a surge brake emergency cable that got pulled? It is a demco

asked by: Greg

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Greg, I checked the manual for the Demco DA91 actuators like part # DM8759131 and if the lever is pulled it can be disengaged by using a screwdriver to lift upward on the front of the flat emergency lever spring while pulling lever forward till it releases.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Jameson C.

1/5/2026

Hey Greg, how did things go after you released the emergency lever on your Demco actuator? Your update could make it easier for the next person dealing with a pulled surge brake cable.

Stewart U.

5/23/2026

@JamesonC Thank you for asking the follow up question. I tried to pry up the flat emergency lever and with a small, medium, and then great amount of force I am unable to release the emergency brake. I mistakenly pulled my truck out from my trailer after unhooking everything but the emergency brake cable.

Stewart U.

5/23/2026

So what I ended up doing to disengage the brakes was, I took off the break tube, which released the pressure on the brakes. I still cannot get the lever to switch back over to Tobo side. I am going to drive around a little bit and see if I can get it freed up by stopping and going if not, I most likely will have to replace parts and if I have to do that, I’m just gonna go ahead and swap it over to an electric brake system. Any guidance on changing over to Electric brake system from anyone if I should or should not do it pros and cons?

Jameson C.

5/26/2026

@StewartU electric has advantages like the brake intensity becomes more adjustable via the brake controller installed in the vehicle. To pick out the correct components though we would need to know the axle capacity of the trailer to match the correct brake assemblies.

Answer 1

Hey Carl. To replace the surge brake actuator on your 2012 Jayco Pop-Up camper, I recommend the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator item #DM72VR. This actuator fits a 3" wide channel and bolts directly to it. It has a 7,000 lbs capacity, fits a…

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Answer 2

The Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part #DM72VR should be a direct replacement for the Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator that you have now. This newest updated it rated at 7K instead of 6K. This is a bolt on option that mounts on 3" centers.…

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Answer 3

You will have to go out and measure the rollers you have on your trailer if you are looking for an exact replacement to use. You will want to measure the overall diameter of them plus the diameter of the hole that runs down the middle of them. For…

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Answer 4

Yep, we do have a reverse lockout solenoid for the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator #DM72VR. There isn't a manual lockout option, so if you're okay with that, what you need is the following: - Reverse Lockout Solenoid Kit #DM5836

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Answer 5

The installation of the Replacement Solenoid Valve for Titan Brake Actuators #T4748800 to your Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator for Drum Brakes #DM72VR is a very simple installation. This reverse lockout solenoid valve is threaded into the rear…

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Answer 6

Hello Keith, Yes, the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs #DM72VR will work great for replacing the TDE-660 Hydraulic Actuator. The bolt holes are even 3" apart, just like the one you are replacing. The only…

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Answer 7

I checked the manual for the Demco DA91 actuator part #DM8759131 and if the lever is pulled it can be disengaged by using a screwdriver to lift upward on the front of the flat emergency lever spring while pulling lever forward till it releases.

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Answer 8

Hey Hugh, great question! The easiest way to tell if your surge brake is operating as it should is to hook the trailer up to your vehicle and back up. This will simulate the trailer coming to a stop and should lock the brakes up. The only exceptions…

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Answer 9

Since your trailer has disc brake it will be very important that you pick out a actuator/coupler that is rated for that and not drum brakes as that is a lower pressure rating that won't work well. The 85841 is no longer made so it would be tough…

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Answer 10

Sounds like your trailer has an electric reverse lockout which prevents the brakes of your trailer from applying so that you can back the trailer up. If now the brakes won't release after the issue you had with someone else backing up the trailer…

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Answer 11

Most likely you have a bad shock in the surge brake actuator of your trailer as that's typically what causes a surge coupler to not want to release all the way. Or it's an Atwood actuator which is just notorious for not functioning properly.…

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Answer 12

The general rule for placement of axles on a trailer is to put them in a position that allows 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's total weight to be at the tongue. Hitting this range of tongue weight (TW) is important for avoiding issues with…

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How to Reset Demco Surge Actuator

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