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.

expert reply by: Jesse M

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.