Trailer surge brake coupler

PatinIdaho

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Im wanting to get a new coupler as mine stopped working and after looking at the master cylinder i can see why! Nothing but brown rusty fluid.
The one in the pic is rated for 12,000 pounds.
Trailer is double axle.
Boat is a 1984 24.5 Bayliner. New from the factory dry weight was 4,200 lbs.(brochure)
Now has 2 batteries, Holds 64gal fuel and 19gal of fresh water + wife stuff. So probably 5,500lbs ready to go
Seams like a 8,000 pound coupler would work fine and over $100 cheaper
Think a 8,000lb coupler would work fine?
 

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fhhuber

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Are you sure you need a coupler?

Brown rusty fluid indicates issues in the brake system which may mean master cylinder, brake cylinders, brake lines. The coupler itself is probably fine....
 

thumpar

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Keep in mind you need to count the trailer weight also. 8,000lb may be fine but I don't know what the trailer weighs. If the fluid is rusty you will probably need some other parts.
 

PatinIdaho

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Yes i know i need other parts also. Probably wheel cylinders for sure and might as well put new shoes on at the same time.
Trailer is a EZunloader probably weights clost to 1000lbs give or take a few hundred.
 

thumpar

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Yes i know i need other parts also. Probably wheel cylinders for sure and might as well put new shoes on at the same time.
Trailer is a EZunloader probably weights clost to 1000lbs give or take a few hundred.
You can probably get new backing plates for less than the price of the cylinder and shoes. I replaced my actuator, main line and all 4 backing plates 2 years ago.
 

PatinIdaho

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Yes Thank you.
Interesting though mine has 12k stamped on it. Anyway

I would like to just replace the entire coupler and a 8K rated coupler will work fine i believe and over $100 less
 

alldodge

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Don't have an opinion just an observation

Trailer manufacture installed a 12K coupler originally. Have not found a manufacturer which installs something which is more then what is needed, unless they were under the gun and did not have time to obtain the one needed.

While a manufacture would not skimp, they would not normally use more costly items if not needed.

You entire fully loaded boat and trailer is a bit under 8K but it came with a 12K coupler.

Just a notation of the original, and an observation
 

Scott Danforth

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Loaded galvanized backing plates are $50 a set. Brake shoes by themselves are almost $40. And the wheel cylinders are at least $25. Makes most sence to buy a complete assembly.

Master cylinders are cheap compared to whole coupler
 

bruceb58

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Loaded galvanized backing plates are $50 a set. Brake shoes by themselves are almost $40. And the wheel cylinders are at least $25. Makes most sence to buy a complete assembly.

Master cylinders are cheap compared to whole coupler
He's going to need 12" brakes and they are a bit more money if you don't go on the cheap and buy TieDown.
 

PatinIdaho

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12" brakes? was wondering about that as i have not looked yet.
I tow my boat to the lake and back about 6 miles both ways. Figured a new hitch would be easiest but a rebuild is doable also. Mater cylinder and latch repair kit would probably make it as good as new anyway so may end up just doing that.
Going to be a couple more weeks before i can get the drums off. I do know teh tires are 15in though
 

PatinIdaho

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No Title

These look like 10 or 12in? Can you even tell from the pics?
 

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bruceb58

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How many lug bolts do you have? If it is 6, you have a 12". You need to take the drum off anyway to determine the width and the depth of the brake shoes anyway.
 

PatinIdaho

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Nha 5 lug. Gonna be a few weeks till i can get to the point of taking it apart. Thought i could get ahead of the game and order parts now.
 

bruceb58

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Very strange that you would have 5 lug and they put a 12000# surge brake actuator on there. Typically, 5 lug would be on a 3,500# axle
 

thumpar

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I bought my backing plates from vm who made my trailer. They were 55 each.
 
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PatinIdaho

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I think it is not the original coupler. You can see where the part that holds the boat bow has been moved back a couple inches to make room for the coupler.
Went and counted and it is in fact 2 axles 5lug 15in rims.
 

bruceb58

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Then, it will likely be 10" drums then. You still want to pull the drum and measure before you order anything.

Your boat pretty much is the same weight as mine. I had a 7000# coupler before I ditched it and put on an electric/hydraulic system with Kodiac disc brakes.

Now that we know more, this is the coupler I would change to
http://www.championtrailers.com/titan-dico-model-6-drum-brake-actuator/

Do not buy anything made by TieDown!
 
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