Adding a Surge Brake Setup for EZ Loader 90BT 17-20 3100

Updated 09/07/2026 | Published 08/31/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Surge Brake Actuator - Disc - Elec Lockout - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K - 3" x 5"

(309)

$354.36

Dexter Surge Brake Actuator - Disc - Elec Lockout - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K - 3" x 4"

(309)

$432.12

Question:

Do you sell a complete add-on surge brake kit for a EZ Loader 90bt 17-20 3100?

asked by: Stuart L

Expert Reply:

Hey Stuart!

We don't have one complete surge brake kit specifically packaged for the EZ Loader 90BT 17-20 3100, but we can put together the individual components you'll need.

I found that this trailer is commonly equipped with hydraulic disc brakes and has a capacity around 3,100 lbs. For the actuator, the Dexter Surge Brake Actuator # DX56FR would be a great option if your trailer tongue measures 3" wide x 5" tall. It's rated for up to 7,500 lbs, includes an electric reverse lockout for disc brakes, and has a zinc finish to help protect it from corrosion.

If your tongue is 3" wide x 4" tall instead, you can use the Dexter Surge Brake Actuator # DX29FR, which has essentially the same features in a size designed for the smaller tongue.

To build the rest of the brake system, I'll also need to know whether brakes are already installed on the axle or if you're adding brakes from scratch. If you're starting from scratch, we'll need to match the disc brake assemblies and hydraulic brake lines to the axle as well.

Does your EZ Loader currently have any brake components installed, or are you adding the entire braking system?

expert reply by: Jerry B

John P.

9/4/2026

Everything is great about the brake actuator except for one thing. There is a small metal insert that you can put into the side of the actuator that will prevent the actuator from braking when you’re backing up and don’t have either the electric hooked up or your backup wire isn’t connected/working. The problem is there is nothing that holds that tab in place so once you put the tab in, jump back in your vehicle and put it in reverse, the tab falls out. Then you don’t know that the tab fell out so when you start backing up, your trailer brakes will lock up. If you have to use that override tab, you’ll need to tape it in place temporarily while you’re moving the trailer around. Make sure you remove it when you’re done because that tab will also prevent the surge brakes from activating when going forward.

Randy

9/4/2026

@JohnP My trailer was already equipped with a 4-wheel kodiac braking system. I had to replace my existing coupler which was damaged during moving my boat at a storage facility by the building’s maintenance people. I installed the unit myself and the only issue I had was bleeding the system which I had to have professionally done. I also purchased a magnetic key (Amazon) to allow the trailer to back. I was very inexpensive which maybe should be included with the purchase.

Jerry B.

9/5/2026

@JohnP That's interesting, I've never seen that happen before, but I guess it does make sense. Do you have your # DX56FR installed on a boat trailer or a utility trailer?

John P.

9/5/2026

@JerryB Boat trailer. But Randy is right but I didn’t know if they made a magnetic key/tab, which is perfect for this. It should definitely be part of the actuator. And as a matter of fact, I actually had to attach a very light duty chain between the actuator and the tab/key so I wouldn’t lose it, but a magnetic key/tab would be great. Do you have a part number or description so I can find it on Amazon?