Do I Need To Use Pin To Keep Boat Trailer Latch From Popping Open On Dexter Surge Actuator?
Updated 05/27/2026 | Published 05/19/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I’ve got a boat trailer at lake of the ozarks with a Dexter surge brake actuator, and the safety pin for the coupler latch has gone missing. Probably my doing after a day at the lake. The actuator still latches, but I don’t want to tow without that pin in place right? Would one of these RV Designer pins be right for that?
asked by: Brian
Expert Reply:
Good morning Brian! Yes, one of these RV Designer safety lock pins should work for your Dexter surge brake actuator, but you’ll want to match it by the width of the coupler latch area. And if you don't use a pin, there's a chance it could come unlatched which would be really dangerous!
Both the RV Designer Safety Lock Pin # RD72GR and # RD22GR use a 1/4 inch diameter pin. The difference is the usable span: the # RD72GR has a 2-1/2 inch usable length, while the # RD22GR has a longer 3-1/2 inch usable length.
For example, if you have something like the Dexter DX7.5 -N-Go Brake Actuator # 099-175-20 or Dexter Surge Brake Actuator # DX56FR, you’d want the 3-1/2 inch span version, # RD22GR, since those have a wider coupler latch area. If you have something with a thinner coupler and closer-together latch tabs, like the Dexter Zinc-Plated Brake Actuator w/ and Electric Lockout # T4750620, the 2-1/2 inch version, # RD72GR, would be the better fit.
Brian, if you can confirm which actuator you have or measure across the latch tabs where the pin passes through, we can help make sure you get the right one.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
RV Designer Safety Lock Pin - 1/4" x 3- 1/2"
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Snapper Pin
- 3-1/2 Inch Long
- 1/4 Inch Diameter
- 3-1/2 Inch Span
- RV Designer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: kodiak hydraulic brake line kit
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit
- Search Results: boat buddy bow latch
- Q&A: Bleeding Trailer Brakes After Installing Kodiak 225 Disc Brake Calipers
- Shop: Lippert Spindle Nut Kit w/ Round Washer - For 2,200-lb to 4,400-lb Axles
- Search Results: safety cable
- Search Results: reverse lights
- Shop: Dexter Standard Swing Tongue Kit for 3" x 5" Tongue - Weld On
- Video: Review of Dexter Brake Actuator - Surge Brake Actuator Electric Lockout - DX69FR
- Q&A: Replacement 250-031468 Seals Needed for Reliable Oil Bath
- Q&A: Replacement for Reliable ACT-7.5K Brake Actuator on Mastercraft Trailer
- Q&A: What Material Is The Dexter Swing-Away Coupler Made Out Of
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Single Axle - 18'
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - FIF and 90-Degree Male Fittings w/ Stainless Flares - 1.5'
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 18'
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - 3/16" Male Fittings w/ Brass Flares - 1/8" ID - 19'
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 20'
- Video: All About the 3-Wire Pigtail for Peterson Trailer Lights
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: trailer wiring
on Hitch Pins and Clips
Brian
5/27/2026
Mine is more like the second option where it's a short pin so I'll go with the 2-1/2" one. I guess it's fine if it's longer than needed?