Which Surge Brake Actuator Do I Need for a 1999-2000 Ranger Boat Trailer?
Updated 06/17/2026 | Published 06/12/2026
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Question:
I have a Ranger boat trailer that has surge brakes. Trying to figure out which complete surge brake actuator will I need for a single axle trailer 1999-2000
asked by: Randall G
Expert Reply:
Hello Randall,
I recently went through this same repair on my own 2004 Ranger Comanche trailer. A lot of the older UFP actuators are reaching the age where replacement becomes necessary, so you're definitely not alone.
Many Ranger boat trailers from that era were equipped with UFP-style surge brake actuators. If your trailer has the UFP-style actuator that matches the Dexter DX7.5L design, the Replacement Inner Member for Dexter DX7.5L Actuator # DX39FR is the replacement I used and it worked out very well. Since Ranger used different brake and actuator configurations over the years, I would still want to confirm the actuator model currently on your trailer before saying with certainty that # DX39FR is the correct replacement for yours. This replacement is designed for a single-axle trailer with disc brakes. Mine installed directly into the fold-away tongue bracket. Make sure you have a set of snap ring pliers on hand, and when you remove the rear snap ring, keep a hand underneath it so none of the internal components fall out unexpectedly.
One thing I ran into during my installation was the location of the reverse lockout solenoid (please see the image I attached of what mine looked like). My original UFP setup had the bypass/solenoid mounted farther back near the fold-away tongue, while the newer # DX39FR has the solenoid integrated into the rear of the actuator assembly. Because of that change, I had to remove the old bypass arrangement and replace the hydraulic hose between the actuator and the trailer brake line. The Dexter Hydraulic Brake Line with Fittings # T0776500 worked perfectly for that application. One end connected directly to the new actuator and the other connected to the existing hard brake line.
When making the hydraulic connections, be sure not to use thread tape or pipe sealant on the brake line fittings. These fittings seal at the flare seat, not the threads themselves. Using tape can actually prevent the fittings from sealing correctly and may lead to leaks.
Since I do not have a database that tells me exactly which actuator was installed on every Ranger trailer, please reply directly to the email you receive with a few photos of your current actuator setup. Once I can see what you have, I can confirm whether # DX39FR is the correct replacement or point you to a better option if needed.
What body of water do you normally fish or boat on? I'm usually on Mark Twain Lake during the summer and spend some time at Lake of the Ozarks during the rest of the year. The summer boat traffic at Lake of the Ozarks can get pretty wild, so I tend to enjoy the calmer water at Mark Twain when I can.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter DX7.5L A-60L Surge Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Disc - 2" Ball - Primed - 7.5K
- Brake Actuator
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- Weld-On
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- Electric Lockout
- Dexter
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on Brake Actuator
Saunders
6/16/2026
Take yours apart. the part number is on the actuator..... I found the correct part number that way.