Replacement Surge Brake Actuator w/a 2" Coupler for a Boat Trailer w/a 3" Wide Tongue

Updated 10/06/2026 | Published 10/03/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K

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Replacement Solenoid Valve for Dexter Brake Actuators with Reverse Lockouts

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Question:

I am looking for a bolt on replacement for my old Dexter surge brake actuator for my boat trailer. The trailer frame 3 x 4 with bolt holes spaced at 3 x 2 1/4. Most actuators list 3 x 2 1/2 spacing for the bolt holes. What are my options?

asked by: Doug P

Expert Reply:

Welcome back Doug. To replace your old Dexter surge brake actuator, I recommend the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator item # DX89FR for disc brakes or item # DX33FR for drum brakes. Unfortunately, there are no actuators with mounting holes spaced 3"x 2-1/4" anymore. Your only option is going to be to drill new holes in your trailer's tongue.

The DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator item # DX89FR for disc brakes or item # DX33FR for drum brakes have a 7,500 lbs capacity, a 2" coupler, and mount on top of trailer tongues that are 3" wide. They have mounting holes spaced 3" apart on center. The holes are 1/2" in diameter and sit 3/4" below where the actuator will sit on top of your coupler. This should allow you to avoid the current mounting holes drilled into your trailer's tongue.

The DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator item # DX89FR for disc brakes includes an electric lockout. The DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator item # DX33FR does not include an electric lockout but you can add one using item # T4748800.

What kind of boat do you have and does your trailer have drum or disc brakes? Feel free to answer this and throw in any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator
(click to enlarge)

Dustin

10/5/2026

I took mine apart and used the parts from the inside of the housing to rebuild my tongue and didn't bolt it on.

Jerred H.

10/6/2026

@Dustin That's one way of replacing your actuator. Glad you were able to make the item # DX89FR work for you. Thanks for coming back and sharing that with us.