Replacement Straight Coupler for 3"x3-14" Surge Brake Actuator  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hey Corey!

Thanks for all of those measurements. I checked through the coupler options we carry, and unfortunately we do not have a standard non-surge coupler that will slide into your existing 3" wide x 3-1/4" tall opening and reuse the 3-1/2" staggered pin spacing.

The unusual part of your setup is really the mounting style from the old surge actuator. Most standard couplers are designed to fit over the trailer tongue rather than slide inside the existing actuator housing, and their mounting holes are generally straight across instead of offset vertically like yours.

Since your brakes are already removed and disconnected, the best option would be to remove the old surge actuator and install a conventional coupler directly over the trailer tongue. If the tongue itself is 3" wide, something like the etrailer Straight-Tongue Coupler # CT-5003-Z would work with your existing 2" hitch ball, but you would need to drill new mounting holes rather than reuse the existing ones.

Another possibility, if the old actuator housing is still structurally sound, would be to permanently lock out the sliding portion and continue using the existing coupler as a fixed coupler.

Could you send me a picture of the trailer tongue with the surge actuator removed, or let me know the outside width and height of the actual tongue underneath it? That would let me narrow down the best replacement option for you.

expert reply by: Jerry B

0

Corey

8/31/2026

Thanks for the response, the trailer frame does not extend far enough to remove the portion of the surge brakes that slides over it to use a traditional coupler. The current coupler is damaged and needs to be replaced. Best option is to find a coupler that will slide into the 3” gap. Thanks!