Can The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator DM72VR Be Used With Disc Brakes?

Updated 04/14/2026 | Published 04/03/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(402)

$141.64

DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Maxx Coating - 3,500 lbs

(77)

$725.01

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Electric Lockout - Disc - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(149)

$233.21

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs

(442)

$158.11

Question:

Which disc hydraulic brakes do you recommend for this actuator Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2inch Ball - 7,000 lbs

asked by: Doug W

Expert Reply:

Hey Doug, thanks for reaching out. So the # DM72VR actuator you mentioned is only for drum brakes, you can't use it with disc brakes. If you want to run a disc brake setup, you need to use the # DM62VR actuator instead. They operate at a different PSI.

That said, I see you already ordered the # DM72VR drum brake actuator, so if you intend to use that we should definitely have a drum brake kit for you, but I'll need a bit more information in order to be sure you are getting the right thing. The actuator has a 7K capacity, but it can work with multiple different axle capacities and hubs.

It would most commonly go on a tandem 3,500 lb axle setup. If that's what you have I recommend the following:

- Hydraulic Brake Kit - Uni-Servo - Free Backing - Dacromet - 10" - Left/Right Hand - 3,500 lbs # AKFBBRK-35-D

Or if you end up doing a disc brake setup with the # DM62VR actuator, a standard 3,500 lb axle uses the following:

- DeeMaxx Disc Brake Kit - 10" Hub/Rotor - 5 on 4-1/2 - Maxx Coating - 3,500 lbs # DE66YR

If you can confirm your axle weight rating and/or drum size, we can narrow down exactly what will work for you. Also, these brakes use a 4-bolt flange which is standard but please confirm that matches up with your axle. If need be, I can use the casting number from one of your drums to look up your axle/brake info.

What kind of trailer do you have? Happen to know the axle weight rating?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator - Drum - Zinc - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs
(click to enlarge)

Peter

4/9/2026

Doug - I have this same actuator with DRUM brakes. I have a dual axle trailer set up for a Catalina 22 sailboat weighing around 2800 lbs + trailer = ~3500 lbs with only one axle providing braking. I find the drum brakes perfect for my application, and I believe there are issues with using disc brakes for water applications, but I'm not an expert there. So, my recommendation going on what I know is to go with drum brakes. I've had ZERO problems, find them easy to adjust, and I hardly know the trailer is back there when stopping. I also found e-Trailer great to work with. One of my hydraulic lines wouldn't seat properly, and e-Trailer replaced it and the master connector quickly and at no charge. On top of that, their advice was ALWAYS spot on. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Pete

Jesse M.

4/9/2026

@Peter Hey Pete, appreciate you sharing your setup, that’s a great real-world example. Sounds like you’ve got it dialed in, and it’s hard to argue with something that’s been working trouble-free like that. Glad to hear everything’s been performing well and that we were able to get you taken care of when that line gave you trouble. Thanks again for the feedback.

Miloretro

4/9/2026

Like the expert says. Match the actuator to the brakes you have. Drum brake actuator to drum brakes. Disc brake actuator to disc brakes. As Peter says below the drum brakes work great if matched properly. I rebuilt my trailer a couple years ago for my SeaRay. The trailer is a twin axle 7000 pound rating and has drum brakes on both axles with the matching drum brake actuator.

Jesse M.

4/9/2026

@Miloretro Yes exactly! Thanks for sharing your feedback!

Doug W.

4/9/2026

It is almost positive a 3500 lb axles on a tandem axle boat trailer . The drums have not been functional for years so rather then mess with rusty parts I would like to start fresh with the new actuator I now have which you are correct I purchased from you there . While I have you can you answer this. I read on comments that another person has the same problem getting the lock pin through the hitch to prevent it from coming off the ball. As the other gentleman had said these holes do not line up to put keeper pin in it . Suggestions please

Doug W.

4/10/2026

trailer is tandem axle with 1 axle braking and boat weighs approx 3300lbs

Jesse M.

4/14/2026

@DougW I have heard of the lock pins being tricky to get in but the holes should line up fine. Its best to use a lock made specifically for that Demco EZ-Latch like the InfiniteRule Lock for Cast Demco eZ-Latch Trailer Couplers # IR66FR. That'll be the best bet for a lock that lines up easily and works like it should.

Doug

4/14/2026

@JesseM It doesn't matter what I use they do not line up. I have went as far as even trying to use a drift pin to get it centered and it will not line up no way around it