Does Demco DM78CV Drum Brake Actuator Have Steel Or Plastic Housing?
Updated 08/15/2025 | Published 07/21/2025 >
Question:
Is the housing plastic? It looks like there’s a cover on the cylinder.
asked by: Camille
Expert Reply:
Camille, you’ve got a sharp eye! The Demco # DM78CV actuator body is all heavy-duty zinc-plated steel, but this version includes a plastic cover over the master cylinder and wiring for added protection. It’s especially handy for saltwater or muddy job sites.
Does your trailer have a welded or bolted on actuator? This one can do both, but I recommend bolting since it's easier and less trouble down the road if you need to replace it some day.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco DA86 Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes w/ Lockout, Solenoid, and Cover - 2" Ball - 8,600 lbs
- Brake Actuator
- Surge Brake Actuator
- Boat Trailer
- Travel Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Bolt-On
- 8600 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- 3 Inch Channel Tongue
- Disc Brakes
- Manual Lockout
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Search Results: demco surge brake actuator
- Search Results: surge brake actuator
- Search Results: surge brake reverse solenoid
- Search Results: trailer
- Search Results: for towing trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch ball mount
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - Surge Brake Actuator Disc - DM48CV
- Q&A: Looking For A Demco DA86 Actuator For Drum Brakes Specifically
- Shop: Demco DA75 Trailer Brake Actuator for Drum Brakes - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Demco DA86 Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes w/ Lockout, Solenoid, and Cover - 2" Ball - 8,600 lbs
- Shop: Demco DA86 Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes w/ Solenoid - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 8,600 lbs
- Shop: Demco DA86 Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes w/ Lockout and Solenoid - Zinc - 2" Ball - 8,600 lbs
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60L Surge Brake Actuator with Fill Cap - Drum - 2" Ball - Primed - 7.5K
- Shop: Titan Zinc-Plated, Leverlock Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Adjustable Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller


Andrew N.
8/15/2025
Hey Camille, did you decide to go with the actuator that has the plastic cover for your trailer? I'm curious to know if you found the bolting option as easy as suggested. Let me know how it worked out for you, as it could really help others in similar situations!