Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778

Question

Question:

Hi! The brake lockout knob on my coupler broke off. We never really cared for that coupler so as a complete novice I ordered a different brand figuring I could just swap them. Once I got to the guts I realized I was sadly mistaken. Here are my questions... 1. Can I tow the trailer safely with the broken knob? 2. Where do I find a 85778? 3. Can I use a different coupler? 4. How difficult is it to replace one of these things? Thank you very much for your help! Picture is of the former location of the lockout knob

asked by: Scott C

0

Expert Reply:

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you don't put yourself in the situation where you have to back your trailer up.

Since Atwood went out of business there aren't any exact replacements for your coupler but you can use a different brand. The only thing I was able to find online about the 85778 is that it has a 2" coupler, is rated for 6,000 lbs and that it was used for either drum or disc brake applications. I recommend checking out the Demco Hydraulic Actuator # DM72VR for Drum or # DM62VR for Disc brakes. These are rated for 7K and are compatible with a 2" hitch ball. The drum brake option doesn't have a lockout while the disc brake application has an electric lockout. These fit a 3" wide trailer tongue and have bolt holes that are 3" apart on center.

The installation itself is pretty straightforward and I have attached a video of the drum brake actuator being installed that you can reference.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

click to enlarge

Answer 1

The replacement I recommend for an Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778 is the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part #DM62VR. It has the same ball size, offers a bolt-on install, and has a greater capacity. The only difference is it has an electric…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Thanks for the photo. That is a great help for getting you the correct replacement. I recommend the Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - Zinc Plated - 2" Ball - 7,000 lbs #DM72VR for a zinc plated option. This coupler does…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part #DM72VR should be a direct replacement for the Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator that you have now. This newest updated it rated at 7K instead of 6K. This is a bolt on option that mounts on 3"…

view full answer...

Answer 4

I do have an option for you but the coupler on your trailer is very old and we simply don't carry parts for them anymore as they were discontinued by the manufacturer. Therefore, the only option we can offer is a new coupler, the Demco Hydraulic…

view full answer...

Answer 5

As your 2008 Ranger Boat Trailer has a swing away tongue with the Tie Down Model 70LP brake actuator the Dexter Disc #DX73FR or Drum #DX67FR actuator is likely going to be your best option. Both of these are a weld on application so you would need to…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator #DM72VR will replace your Atwood 171 actuator. This surge brake actuator will work for drum brakes and has no reverse lock out but is recommended that you equip your trailer with free-backing brakes so you can drive…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part #DM72VR is a great option to replace an Atwood 82543. That said, it does not come with any sort of reverse lockout feature therefore in order to reverse without the brakes locking up you will either need to add…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Unfortunately the Atwood 85736 cannot be replaced so you'd actually need an entirely new actuator. The closest replacement we have is the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator #DM72VR. This actuator has a gross towing weight capacity of 7,000-lbs, a…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Since Atwood went out of business none of their actuator (or other product) replacement parts are available unfortunately, so your only real option to having a working actuator is to replace the entire unit. I am attaching a link to our selection of…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The Atwood 85778 actuator has been discontinued so I recommend the Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator - Bolt On - Drum - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7,500 lbs #DX33FR. If you need a higher capacity, then you will need to use a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I have attached for you below a photo which shows the bolt pattern for the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator part #DM72VR.

view full answer...

Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching