Does Surge Brake Actuator Need To Be Disabled When Installing EOH Brakes?
Updated 09/02/2025 | Published 08/11/2025
Question:
is there a product that you all sell that deactivates a hydraulic actuator hitch? I am considering moving to electric over hydraulic brakes for my boat.
asked by: Scott B
Expert Reply:
Hello Scott, thanks for reaching out. So you are correct the surge actuator would need to be disabled when switching over to EOH brakes. We do not sell a product for this, other than to replace the entire coupler with a standard one. You could have someone weld the surge coupler in place to prevent it from moving. I have also seen people drill holes thru the coupler and put a few high strength bolts thru to disable it that way.
If the current coupler is bolted on and not welded on, what I would do is simply replace the surge actuator with a standard one like part # DM15000-52. This is for a 2" ball and fits a 3" tongue.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler - eZ-Latch - Silver - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 10,000 lbs
- Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Standard Coupler
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 10000 lbs GTW
- 3 Inch Channel
- Auto Latch
- 4-Bolt
- Marine Grade
- Demco
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: kodiak trailer hubs and drums
- Search Results: kodiak oil bath hub kit
- Search Results: kodiak trailer brakes
- Search Results: a60 actuator
- Shop: Trailer Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Q&A: Correct Replacement for UFP H-1377 Trailer Hub
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator
- Shop: Kodiak Trailer Hub for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized Steel
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Shop: Dexter Premier Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Kodiak XL ProLube Oil Bath Hub Body and Cap - 1.98"
- Shop: Kodiak XL ProLube Kit for for 5,200-lb to 6,000-lb Axles
- Q&A: What Is The Difference Between Hydrastar Kits HYD22FR And HYD42FR?
- Q&A: Will Deutsche Hydrapro CAM Adapter Module Work with DeeMax Actuator
- Q&A:
- Q&A: Marine Rated Hydrastar Disc Brake Kit for Tandem Axle 3,500 lb Axle
- Q&A: What Is The Difference Between Parts HYD22FR And HYD42FR?
- Q&A: Converting From Hydraulic Drum Brakes to Disc Brakes
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Best Boat Trailer Jacks
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
Jesse M.
9/2/2025
Hey Scott, did you decide to replace the surge actuator with a standard coupler or try one of the other methods to disable it? I'm curious to know what worked for you, as it could help others considering a switch to electric over hydraulic brakes.