Replacement Actuator for Atwood on 1987 EZ Loader Boat Trailer

Updated 06/02/2025 | Published 05/24/2025

Question:

I have a 1987 EZ loader boat trailer drum brakes. It currently has a Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler 2 ball size. What are my replacement options? A see Demco and Dexter on your website.

asked by: Brian C

Expert Reply:

Hey Brian, the replacement I recommend for an Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778 is the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part # DM62VR. It has the same ball size, offers a bolt-on install, and has a greater capacity. The only difference is it has an electric lockout as opposed to a manual one. Was the Atwood working from 1987 till recently?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Brian C.

5/27/2025

I am not sure how long the Atwood has not been working. I recently purchased this boat trailer with the brakes not functioning. This is an E-Z Loader brand trailer. Is the reverse lockout feature necessary? If I buy an actuator with an electric lockout, would I have to wire a circuit from the reverse lights?

Jameson C.

5/27/2025

@BrianC The reverse lockout feature allows the trailer to back up without it causing the brakes to lock up. An electric lockout would require connecting to the reverse light circuit of the vehicle yes. Another solution is to install free-backing brake assemblies.

Brian C.

5/28/2025

@JamesonC Is it possible this trailer already has free-backing brakes? It seems like if surge brakes are standard on a trailer, the trailer manufacturer would build it so it could be backed up. I believe it has Dexter axles. How can I determine if the brakes are free-backing?

Jameson C.

5/28/2025

@BrianC It's a possibility. Usually free backing plates aren't standard equipment on trailers but that doesn't mean that's not the case for yours. Typically reverse lockouts are the standard but it's not always any one thing with trailers. If there's a part number on the back of the assembly mounting plate you can look it up from that. But generally you have to pull a drum and look at the assembly. If the shoes are more or less symmetrical like what you see with the part # AKUBRK-35-D they aren't free backing, but if one of the shoes looks a lot different from the other like the part # AKFBBRK-7-D they are free backing. You can also send me a picture of what the assemblies look like with the drum off and I'd be able to determine from that as well.

Brian C.

5/31/2025

Looks like a previous owner over greased the brakes. Can you hook me up with the right brakes and wheel cylinders? Looks like the ID of the drum is about 10". I will also need wheel seals and the spring clip to the bearing buddy. I have pics. Not sure how to attach.

Jameson C.

6/1/2025

@BrianC I can help you get replacement hydraulic brake assemblies with just the info you listed but if you are wanting instead just the wheel cylinders I would need to know what brand of brake assemblies you have. If your trailer is form 1987 and the axles are too there's a good chance we don't have replacement parts for the axles but if there are Bearing Buddies on them that's a good sign. For grease seals though you would need the part # RG06-050.

Brian C.

5/31/2025

I sent brake pics to your email. Thank you.

Jameson C.

6/2/2025

@BrianC Just saw the pictures. You do have free-backing brake assemblies but since you need new shoes/brake pads and wheel cylinders it's probably best to just replace the entire assembly as the cost will be about the same and it's much easier to just unbolt the old assemblies and bolt on the new ones instead of trying to determine brand of what you have and then try and disassemble them. The correct kit to replace what you have is part # 40716-15.