4/15

BH20022, Rev 15

Page 1
 DEMCO MODEL DA10 ACTUATOR

Model DA10 is a heavy duty surge brake actuator for trailers with two or four wheels.
When brakes are applied on the towing vehicle, forward inertia of trailer toward
towing vehicle applies brakes on trailer in direct relation to manner brakes are applied
on towing vehicle. Brake towing vehicle hard and brakes on trailer are applied hard.
Master cylinder push rod spring assembly protects system from hydraulic pressure
overload.

WARNING: To Prevent Serious Injury or Death

• Review following instructions before installation and use of hydraulic brake
actuator.

• Dealers or distributors must review these instructions with ultimate user.

• Failure to follow these instructions, or failure to properly maintain braking

system after installation, can result in loss of braking action.

WARRANTY POLICY & REGISTRATION

Go online to www.demco-products.com to review Demco warranty policies and register your Demco product.

Table of Contents
General information & Warranty Policy & Registration......................................................... 2
Safety, Signal Words and Equipment Safety Guidelines...................................................... 3
Safety Sign Locations & Safety Sign Care........................................................................... 4
Before Operation.................................................................................................................. 5
During Operation.................................................................................................................. 5
Following Operation............................................................................................................. 6
Highway and Transport Operations...................................................................................... 6
Performing Maintenance.....................................................................................................6-7
Bolt Torque........................................................................................................................... 7
Bolt/Weight Rating Warning................................................................................................. 8
Welding & Actuator Kits....................................................................................................... 8
Free Backing Solenoid Kits & Coupler Kits.......................................................................... 9
Actuator Breakdown and Parts List..................................................................................... 10
Outer Case Options & Hitch Configurations........................................................................ 11
eZ-Latch Coupler Operation................................................................................................ 12
Actuator Installation and Maintenance..............................................................................13-14
Rue Ring Installation........................................................................................................... 15

All Demco actuators and brake assemblies are

compatible with DOT 3 or 4 brake fluid.

Page 2
 SAFETY
TAKE NOTE! THIS SAFETY ALERT SYMBOL FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS MANUAL IS USED TO CALL
YOUR ATTENTION TO INSTRUCTIONS INVOLVING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY AND SAFETY OF
OTHERS. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.

THIS SYMBOL MEANS

ATTENTION
BECOME ALERT
YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!

SIGNAL WORDS warning:

Note use following signal words DANGER, WARNING, and Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
CAUTION with safety messages. Appropriate signal word could result in serious injury or death, and includes hazards
for each has been selected using following guidelines: that are exposed when guards are removed. It may also be
DANGER: used to alert against unsafe practices.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not caution:
avoided, will result in serious injury or death. This signal Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
word is to be limited to most extreme situations typically for may result in minor or moderate injury. It may also be used
machine components which, for functional purposes, cannot to alert against unsafe practices.
be guarded.
If you have questions not answered in this manual, require additional copies, or if your manual is damaged, please contact
your dealer or Demco, P.O. Box 189, 4010 320th Street, Boyden, IA 51234
ph: (712) 725-2311Toll Free: 1-800-543-3626 Fax: (712) 725-2380 http://www.demco-products.com

Equipment safety guidelines

Every year many accidents occur which could have been avoided by a few seconds of thought and a more careful
approach to handling equipment. You the operator, can avoid many accidents by observing and following precautions
in this section. To avoid personal injury, study the following precautions and insist those working with you, or you
yourself, follow them.

In order to provide a better view, certain illustrations in this manual may show an assembly with a safety shield removed.
However, equipment should never be operated in this condition. Keep all shields in place. If shield removal becomes
necessary for repairs, replace shield prior to use.

Replace any caution, warning, danger or instruction safety decal that is not readable or is missing. Location of such
decals is indicated in this booklet.

Do not attempt to operate this equipment under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Review safety instructions with all users.

Operator should be a responsible adult. Do not allow persons to operate or assemble this unit
until they have developed a thorough understanding of safety precautions and how
it works.

Do not paint over, remove, or deface any safety signs or warning decals on your equipment. Observe all safety signs
and practice instructions on them.

Never exceed limits of a piece of machinery. If its ability to do a job, or to do so safely is in question-don’t try it.

Remember
Your best assurance against accidents is a careful and responsible operator. If there is any portion of this manual
or function you do not understand, contact your local authorized dealer or manufacturer.
Page 3
SAFETY sign locations
Types of safety sign and locations on equipment are shown in illustration below. Good safety requires that
you familiarize yourself with various safety signs, type of warning, and area or particular function related to
that area, that requires your SAFETY AWARENESS.
This decal positioned as shown
BRAKES ON BRAKES OFF
DO NOT TOW TOWABLE
BH21003
Part # BH21003

Safety sign care

• Keep safety signs clean and legible at all times.

• Replace safety signs that are missing or have become illegible.

• Replacement parts that displayed a safety sign should also display safety sign.

• Safety signs are available from your distributor, dealer parts department, or factory.

How to install safety signs:

• Be sure that installation area is clean and dry.

• Decide on exact position before you remove backing paper.

• Remove smallest portion of split backing paper.

• Align decal over specified area and carefully press small portion with exposed sticky backing in place.

• Slowly peel back remaining paper and carefully smooth remaining portion of decal into place.

• Small air pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out using piece of decal backing paper.

Page 4
 Before operation:
• Carefully study and understand this manual.

• Always wear protective clothing and substantial shoes.

• Give equipment a visual inspection for any loose bolts, worn parts, or cracked welds, and make necessary
repairs. Follow maintenance safety instructions included in this manual.

• Be sure there are no tools lying on or in equipment.

• Do not use equipment until you are sure that area is clear, especially around children and animals.

• Don’t hurry learning process or take equipment for granted. Ease into it and become familiar with your new
equipment.

• Practice operation of your equipment and its attachments. Completely familiarize yourself and other operators
with its operation before using.

• Make sure that brakes are evenly adjusted.

• Make sure tow rating on vehicle is high enough for what it is towing.

• Do not allow anyone to stand between tongue or hitch and towing vehicle when backing up to equipment.

• Securely attach to towing vehicle. Use appropriately sized hitch ball and/or hitch pin with a mechanical retainer
and attach safety chains.

• Criss cross chains under tongue and secure to draw bar cage, mounting loops, or bumper frame.

During operation
• SAFETY CHAINS OR CABLES If equipment is going to be transported on a public highway, safety chains
or cables should be obtained and installed. Always follow state and local regulations regarding safety chains
or cables and auxiliary lighting when towing equipment on a public highway. Be sure to check with local law
enforcement agencies for your own particular regulations. Only safety chains or cables (not an elastic or
nylon/plastic tow straps) should be used to retain connection between towing and towed equipment in event of
separation of primary attaching system.
• Install safety chains by criss crossing chains under tongue and secure to draw bar cage, mounting loops, or
bumper frame.
• When attaching the emergency cable Allow adequate slack to keep from activating brakes due to
interference from parts of the coupler or other attachments on the towing vehicle. Each vehicle tongue
configuration is different and therefore each should be handled individually to keep the routing free
from entanglements and securely attached to perform as designed in case of emergency disconnection
from the towing vehicle.
• Beware of bystanders, PARTICULARLY CHILDREN! Always look around to make sure it is safe to start
engine of towing vehicle or move equipment. This is particularly important with higher noise levels, as you may
not hear people shouting.
• NO PASSENGERS ALLOWED- Do not carry passengers anywhere on or in equipment.
• Do not clean, lubricate, or adjust your equipment while it is moving.
• When halting operation, even periodically, set towing vehicles parking brake, shut off engine, and remove the
ignition key.
• Be extra careful when using on inclines.
• MANEUVER TOWING UNIT AT SAFE SPEEDS.
• Avoid loose gravel, rocks, and holes, they can be dangerous for equipment operation or movement.
• Allow for overall length when making turns.
• Keep all bystanders and pets clear of work area.
• Operate towing vehicle from operators seat only.
• Never leave running equipment attachments unattended.
• As a precaution, always recheck hardware on equipment following every 100 hours or 50 miles. Correct all
problems. Follow maintenance safety procedures.

Page 5
 Following operation
• Following operation, or when unhitching, stop towing vehicle, set brakes, shut off the engine and remove ignition
key.

• Store unit in an area away from human activity.

• Do not permit children to play on or around stored unit.

• Make sure all parked units are on a hard, level surface and engage all safety devices.

• Wheel chocks may be needed to prevent unit from rolling.

Highway and transport operations

• Adopt safe driving practices:

- Always drive at a safe speed relative to local conditions and ensure that your speed is low enough for an
emergency stop.

- Reduce speed prior to turns to avoid risk of overturning.

- Always keep towing vehicle in gear to provide engine braking when going downhill. Do not coast.

- Do not drink and drive!

• Comply with state and local laws governing highway safety on public roads.

• Use approved accessory lighting, flags and necessary warning devices to protect operators of other vehicles on
highway during transport. Various safety lights and devices are available from your dealer.

• Local laws should be checked for all highway lighting and marking requirements.

• Plan your route to avoid heavy traffic.

• Be a safe and courteous driver. Always yield to oncoming traffic in all situations, including narrow bridges,
intersections, etc.

• Be observant of bridge loading ratings. Do not cross bridges rated lower than the gross weight at which you are
operating.

• Watch for obstructions overhead and side to side while transporting.

• Always operate equipment in a position to provide maximum visibility at all times. Make allowances for increased
length and weight of equipment when making turns and/or stopping.

Performing maintenance
• Good maintenance is your responsibility. Poor maintenance is an invitation to trouble.

• Make sure there is plenty of ventilation. Never operate engine of towing vehicle in a closed building. Exhaust
fumes may cause asphyxiation.

• Before working on this unit, stop towing vehicle, set parking brakes, shut off engine and remove ignition key.

• Be certain all moving parts and attachments have come to a complete stop before
attempting to perform maintenance.

• Always use safety supports and block wheels. Never use a jack to support unit.

Page 6
 • Always use proper tools or equipment for job at hand.

• Use extreme caution when making adjustments.

• Follow torque chart in this manual when tightening bolts and nuts.

• Openings in skin and minor cuts are susceptible to infection from brake fluid.
Without immediate medical treatment, serious infection and reactions can occur.

• Replace all shields and guards after servicing and before moving.

• After servicing, be sure all tools, parts and service equipment are removed.

• Do not allow grease or oil to build up on the actuator.

• When replacing bolts, refer to owners manual.

• Refer to bolt torque chart for head identification marking.

• Where replacement parts are necessary for periodic maintenance and servicing, genuine factory replacement parts
must be used to restore your equipment to original specifications. Manufacturer will not claim responsibility for use of
unapproved parts or accessories and other damages as a result of their use.

• If equipment has been altered in any way from original design, manufacturer does not accept any liability for
injury or warranty.

• A fire extinguisher and first aid kit should be kept readily accessible while performing maintenance on this
equipment

Torque Specifications
Tighten all bolts to torques specified in chart unless otherwise noted. Check tightness of bolts periodically, using bolt
chart as guide. Replace hardware with same grade bolt.

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, high-strength Grade 5 hex bolts are used throughout assembly of equipment.

Torque figures indicated are valid for non-greased or non-oiled threads and heads unless otherwise specified. There-
fore, do not grease or oil bolts or capscrews unless otherwise specified in this manual. When using locking elements,
increase torque values by 5%.

* GRADE or CLASS value for bolts and capscrews are identified by their head markings.

Bolt Torque for Standard bolts * Bolt Torque for Metric bolts *

GRADE 2 GRADE 5 GRADE 8 CLASS 8.8 CLASS 9.8 CLASS 10.9
“A” lb-ft (N.m) lb-ft (N.m) lb-ft (N.m) “A” lb-ft (N.m) lb-ft (N.m) lb-ft (N.m)
1/4” 6 (8) 9 (12) 12 (16) 6 9 (13) 10 (14) 13 (17)
5/16” 10 (13) 18 (25) 25 (35) 7 15 (21) 18 (24) 21 (29)
3/8” 20 (27) 30 (40) 45 (60) 8 23 (31) 25 (34) 31 (42)
7/16” 30 (40) 50 (70) 80 (110) 10 45 (61) 50 (68) 61 (83)
1/2” 45 (60) 75 (100) 115 (155) 12 78 (106) 88 (118) 106 (144)
9/16” 70 (95) 115 (155) 165 (220) 14 125 (169) 140 (189) 170 (230)
5/8” 95 (130) 150 (200) 225 (300) 16 194 (263) 216 (293) 263 (357)
3/4” 165 (225) 290 (390) 400 (540) 18 268 (363) -- -- 364 (493)
7/8” 170 (230) 420 (570) 650 (880) 20 378 (513) -- -- 515 (689)
1” 225 (300) 630 (850) 970 (1310) 22 516 (699) -- -- 702 (952)
24 654 (886) -- -- 890 (1206)

GRADE-2 GRADE-5 GRADE-8 CLASS 8.8 CLASS 9.8 CLASS 10.9

A 8.8 9.8 10.9

Page 7
 WARNING: To Avoid Personal Injury or Property
Damage, Observe THE Following Instructions:
The weight rating of the coupler is dependent on the correct bolts being used. You must use the
exact size, grade and number of bolts specified in the manual. Mounting hardware can be obtained
from Demco, trailer parts distributors or fastener supplier.

WELDING
NOTE: disassembly of the actuator before welding is recommended

Tack Actuator down on the Do not weld in the

four corners then weld in circled area Use gussets to support the
a criss cross pattern us- back of the actuator if welding
ing 2” to 2-1/2” welds with Keep braces in position shown
2” spaces between welds and welds back
(when welding down to a to allow access
flat area of the tongue) to shock pin
hole

8
1

Keep gussets on
7 2 rear of actuator
Do not weld in the to lower half to
circled area avo i d c i r c l e d
area
3 6

5 4

Weld as shown Keep braces and welds

back to allow access to
shock pin holes

Page 8
 Free Backing Solenoid Kit Options
Drill the hole using a 5/32” bit. Hole loca-
tion is .900” right of top left corner and .900”
down from top of master cylinder. Tap hole KIT #5750 PARTS LIST FIELD INSTALL BYPASS
with 10-32 NF tap. REF. PART
NO. NO. QTY. DESCRIPTION
34 31. 04594 - EPDM Black Tubing
35 32. 05561 1 Bypass Solenoid Valve
32 33. 11674-95 1 Solenoid Cover
34. 10373 1 Brass Fitting Str. .2 HB x 10-32 NF
31 35. 10374 2 Crimp Clamp
36
33 36. 10375 1 Straight Nipple 1/8” MPT x 1/8” MPT
37 39 37. 10376 1 Brass Elbow 1/8” MPT x .2 HB
- 09153 1 Master Cylinder Gasket (Composite)
35 - 05681 1 Master Cylinder Gasket (Cast Steel)
38 KIT #5837 PARTS LIST FIELD INSTALL NON-BYPASS
REF. PART
(OPTIONAL) FREE BACKING SOLENOID KIT NO. NO. QTY. DESCRIPTION
5751 (Factory Install Drum) Bypass Type 33. 11674-95 1 Solenoid Cover
38. 11993 1 Inline Solenoid Valve Non-Bypass
5752 (Factory Install Disc) Bypass Type
39. 07283 1 10mm Flatwasher
LARGE BORE MASTER CYLINDER RECOM-
MENDED FOR 3 AXLE & UP Please order replacement parts by PART NO. and DESCRIPTION

Coupler Repair Kit Options


2 5/16” eZ-Latch Composite
Handle

0$<+$9(72
*5,1'3,172),7 


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,7(0 3$57 '(6&5,37,21 47<


  '2:(/*5229('52//3,1 
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$
5817
  /(9(5+$1'/($66(0%/< 
  &283/(563$&(5%/2&. 
'5$:1%< '$7( '(6&5,37,21
ELOOYS 

2 5/16” Ball Coupler

7+,5'$1*/(
352-(&7,21 $3329%< '$7( &283/(55(3$,5.,7
*% 


81/(6627+(5:,6( 6$9('%< '$7( '5$:,1*12 5(9
-&1 
%
7+6732%2; 63(&,),('$//',0(16,216

Repair Kit
5(9 (&1 '$7( ')70
%2<'(1,2:$ $5(,1,1&+(6
72/(5$1&(6
:(,*+7
$   %9'3 7+('5$:,1*$1'$//  ;  0,10$&+,1(685)$&(
,1)250$7,217+(5(
;; “%5($.$//6+$53('*(6
%   -&1
21$5(7+(3523(57<2)
'(0&2
92/80(
 ;;; “%(1'$1''5$)7 “ƒ 6&$/( 6+((72)
6008 eZ-Latch Repair Kit

Page 9
 MODEL DA10 ACTUATOR PARTS BREAKDOWN
Item Part # Description Qty 18 5650 Composite Master Cyl. Kit (drum brakes) 1
1 00057 Washer, .25 Spring Lock 4 - 5672 Composite Master Cyl. Kit (disc brakes) -
2 00062 Nut .25nc Hex 4 - 5783 1.25” Bore Aluminum Master Cyl. Kit Disc
4 00618 Bolt, .25 Nc X 2.00 Hex Head Gr.5 4 19 10964*** DA10 & DA20 Spacer 2
6 03866-95 Emergency Lever Guide 1 20 10965*** DA91 & DA10 Slide Channel Top 1
7 03876 Master Cylinder Cap Assembly 1 21 10966*** DA91 & DA10 Slide Channel Bot 1
05849 O-Ring (replacement) 22 11058-?? Inner Slider Tube Chan. Down (Shown) 1
8 05424 Washer, .313 External Tooth Lock 2 - 11053-?? Inner Slider Tube Channel Center -
9** 05679 Brake Fitting .125 Full Flow 1 - 11063-?? Inner Slider Tube Channel Up -
10 05693-95 Spring, Safety Lever 1 23 11068-?? DA10 Outer Case 1
11 05951 Emergency Lever 1 24 12396 Rue Ring Lock Cotter 5/8 Shaft 1
12 05961 Bolt, .313 Nc X .625 Hex Head Gr5 2 25 12397 Rue Ring Lock Cotter, 7/8 Shaft 2
13 05973-95 Pin, Front Shock 1 26 12557 Fill Plate for Master Cylinder 1
14 05974-95 Cold Headed Clevis Pin, .625 1 27 05408 Safety Cable f/Actuators 1
15 05986-95 Cold Headed Clevis Pin, .875 2 28 SB12426 Shock, Dampener 2
16
5(9 05989
(&1 Push
'$7( Rod Assy
')70 f/DA10 1 - BH21003 Replacement Towable/Not Towable Decal -
$- 12891
 Push Rod
 Assy
%9'3 f/1.25” Bore Master Cylinder 1 - 05687 Replacement Master Cyl. Protective Boot -
%17 09153
 
Cork Gasket%9'3
F/ Master Cylinder 1
- 5401 Lever Replacement Kit (incl. items w/**) -
- 5943 Slide Replacement kit (incl. items w/***)
5650 Master Cyl.
Replacement Kit **(OPTIONAL) BRAKE FITTING
(drum) 
05679 - .125 Full Flow
(gasket 09153 and
fasteners included) SB12099 - .031 Orifice 
$
SB12100 - .024 Orifice
5672 Master Cyl. 
Replacement Kit  SB12098 - .016 Orifice
5398 Master Cylinder Re- (disc) 

pair Kit (drum) (gasket 09153 and  
(gasket 09153 included) fasteners included) 

  

 
 
%
5482 Master Cylinder Re- 
pair Kit (disc)
(gasket 09153 included) ,7(0 3$57 '(6&5,37,2
  :$6+(5635,1*/2
  1871&+(;
  +%2/7[[
  %2/71&;+(;
  1871&/2&.1</2
  (0(5*(1&</(9(5*8
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  :$6+(5(;7(51$
   %5$.(),77,1*)8//
 
  635,1*6$)(7</(9(5
  (0(5*(1&</(9(5
  %2/71&;+(
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  &2/'+($'('&/(9,6
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   386+52'$66<)25'$
  &25.*$6.(7)0$67(
   &20326,7(0$67(5&<
  '$ '$63$&(5
   '$ '$6/,'(&+
Outer Case Without Mounts   
and Channel '$
Down '$6/,'(&+
Slider
 ,11(56/,'(78%(2))6
Tube Shown, See Page 10 for  Other Options'$287(5&$6(

  58(5,1*/2&.&277(5
  58(5,1*/2&.&277(5
  &$3)250$67(5&</,1
 Fill Plate For Master Cylinder
  6$)(7<&$%/()$&78$
*not needed if Outercase isthreaded*
6%
'5$:1%<
6+2&.'$03(5
'$7(
 '(6&5,37,21
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(1*$3329 '$7(
$&7'$35,0':

-&1  1202817287
81/(6627+(5:,6(


7+6732%2; '5$:,1*12
63(&,),('$//',0(16,216 7+,5'$1*/(
 %2<'(1,2:$ $5(,1,1&+(6 352-(&7,21

7+('5$:,1*$1'$//
72/(5$1&(6
,1)250$7,217+(5( ;  0,10$&+,1(68)$&(
21$5(7+(3523(57<2)
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Page 10
 OUTER CASE OPTIONS AND AVAILABLE HITCH CONFIGURATIONS

33 34 35
WARNING: To Avoid
Personal Injury or
Property Damage, Ob-
serve THE Following
Instructions:

The weight rating of the coupler

is dependent on the correct
bolts being used. You must
use the exact size, grade and 36 37 38
number of bolts specified in the
manual. Mounting hardware can
be obtained from Demco, trailer
parts distributors or fastener
suppliers.

48 48 44
43
46
48 48 44
43
48 42
43 48
39 52 41
48 48
1.06
42
2 5/6” RATED AT 12500# RATED AT 10000# RATED AT 12500# RATED AT 12500#

48 48 43
43
48 43 48 43 40
48
45 50
49 48

48
48 2” RATED AT 7000#
2 5/16” RATED AT 12500# 2 5/16” RATED AT 12500# RATED AT 10000# 2 5/16” RATED AT 12500#

DA10 OPTIONS
33. 11068-97 1 Outer Case w/ no mounts (primed red)

34. 11082-?? 1 Outer Case w/ 6 hole mount

35. 11088-97 1 Outer Case w/ 50° mount (primed red)
36. 11084-?? 1 Outer Case w/ universal mount

37. 11085-97 1 Outer Case w/ channel mount (primed red)

38. 11086-97 1 Outer Case w/ angle mounts (primed red)
47 39. 05593-97
1 10,000 lb. Clevis
51 40. 11064-?? 1 2-5/16” Lever Lock Coupler Slider Tube (drop)

41. 09557-?? 1 Pintle Ring (6 Ton Capacity)
42. 02434
2 5/8”-11UNC x 4 1/2” Hex Head Bolt Gr.5
2 5/16” RATED AT 12500# 43. 03730 4 5/8”-11UNC Stover Lock Nut

44. 02587 2 5/8”-11UNC Nylon Insert Lock Nut
53
45. 05823-?? 1 2” Bulldog Coupler Welded to Clevis Channel
- 05557-?? 1 2-5/16” Bulldog Coupler Welded to Clevis Channel

46. 11059-?? 1 2-5/16” Lever Lock Coupler Slider Tube (straight)

47. 11052-?? 1 Inner Slide Tube w/ Flat Plate
48. 04051 4 5/8”-11 UNC x 1-1/2” Hex Head Bolt Gr.5

49. 07678-?? 1 2-5/16” Lever Lock Coupler
43
50. 11060-?? 1 12” Channel Down Inner Slider Tube
51. 12141-??
1 2-5/16” Lever Lock Coupler Flat Mount
52. 12676-?? 1 20,000 lb. Clevis

53. 14040-?? 1 2-5/16” Cast Coupler Channel Mount
48 Order replacement parts by PART NO. and DESCRIPTION
and COLOR.
2 -5/16” eZ-Latch RATED
12500# Note: -?? = -95 Plated -97 Primed Red -30 Black

Page 11
 BC20020 REV 0

eZ-Latch Coupler Operation

2" & 2 5/16" Couplers

(4) 5/8" Grade 5 Bolts are required with

channel mounted 2" & 2 5/16" couplers

(1) eZ-Latch couplers do not require users to lift the handle for the coupler to engage the ball. Position the ball
in the center of the ball socket or slightly forward, then begin to lower the coupler with the jack on the trailer.

(2) At the mid-way point when lowering the trailer, the stem on the handle will begin to rise up allowing the
ball to enter the ball socket.

(3) Once the ball has fully engaged the socket the ball keeper will snap back into place securing the coupler
to the ball.
All Demco eZ-Latch couplers are tested and rated without the use of a safety pin and are not required for
the couplers to be used in safe operation. A security hole is available on all the eZ-Latch couplers to be
used in correlation with a lock for theft deterrence.
For more information visit www.demco-products.com
Page 12
 DEMCO MODEL DA10 BRAKE ACTUATOR
WARNING To Prevent Serious Injury Or Death:
• Review all of the following instructions before installation and use of hydraulic brake actuator.
• Dealers or Distributors must review these instructions with ultimate user.
• Failure to follow these instructions, or failure to properly maintain braking system after
installation, can result in loss of braking action which could cause severe property
damage, personal injury or death.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury or death, do not exceed lowest of (1) the rated capacity of Model DA10 ac-
tuator, or (2) rated capacity of ball, hitch, and coupler being used, or (3) trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Model DA10 brake actuator has a maximum load rating of 12,500 lbs. GVWR and has a
maximum tongue load equal to 10% but not less than 5% of the maximum load rating.

SPECIAL NOTE – WHEN PRESSURE BLEEDING BRAKES IT IS STILL NECESSARY TO SHORT

STROKE THE MASTER CYLINDER SEVERAL TIMES TO ELIMINATE TRAPPED AIR BUBBLES.

Elevate tongue on trailer 4-6 inches above level

Refer to actuator parts breakdown page to locate referenced part numbers associated with procedures below:
Visually inspect actuator to ensure the inner slide is fully extended. This can be verified by making sure the black
copolymer slides (#19,#20,#21) are flush with leading edge of outer case.
*Failure to perform this function will prevent proper and complete bleeding of system*
• Loosen or remove two 5/16” bolts (#12) that hold the lever guide and flat emergency lever spring (#10).
Remove master cylinder fill cap (#7).
• Using short strokes, pull forward on emergency lever (#11), pumping master cylinder until brake fluid in master
cylinder reservoir (#18)stops bubbling.
• Attach a bleeder hose to a bleeder valve on one of the wheels (starting at wheel farthest from master cylinder )
and submerge other end into a transparent container partially filled with brake fluid to prevent possible splash-
ing from container.
• Loosen bleeder valve one turn and while watching fluid in container, use emergency lever (#11) to pump fluid
as long as bubbles continue to leave submerged hose. When bubbles stop, close bleeder valve, move to next
wheel and repeat until all brakes are bled. ( Note: Check master cylinder often (every 4-5 strokes) and refill
above half full as needed )
• Refill master cylinder and securely attach cap (#7). Reinstall emergency lever spring, lever guide, lock wash-
ers and 5/16” hex head bolts. When tightening the bolts, make sure the lever moves freely in the groove in the
guide.
Test brakes by pulling emergency lever (#11) forward until it locks into position. Lever will be pointing
approximately straight up. Attempt to rotate wheels in a forward direction. If any wheel rotates, brakes
assemblies must be adjusted.

Jack up trailer and secure on adequate capacity jack stands. Follow trailer manufacturer’s recommendations for
lifting and supporting the unit. Make sure the wheel and drum rotates freely.
Remove the adjusting hole cover from the adjusting slot on the bottom of the brake backing plate.
With a screwdriver or standard adjusting tool, rotate the star wheel of the adjuster assembly to expand the brake
shoes. Adjust the brake shoes out until the pressure of the linings against the drum makes the wheel very difficult
to turn.
Back off the adjuster wheel 15-20 clicks. The wheel should turn freely with a possible, slight lining drag.
Replace the adjusting hole cover and lower the wheel to the ground. Repeat the above procedure on all brakes.
For best results, the brakes should all be set at the same clearance.
*Retest the brakes by locking the emergency lever on and attempt to rotate tires in a forward direction, if
any wheel turns there might be trapped air in the system yet.
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 SERVICING THE EMERGENCY LEVER

If emergency lever (#11) of actuator is applied, it can be disengaged by using a screwdriver to lift upward on front of flat
emergency lever spring (#10) while pulling lever forward until released. A thorough inspection of emergency lever,
emergency lever spring, and safety cable is required. Damaged parts must be replaced as follows:

A. Remove Cable (#27) from emergency lever (#11), emergency lever guide (#6) and flat emergency lever spring
(#10), then pull lever out of actuator outer case (#23) through cross-slot in top.

B. Install new emergency lever through cross-slot in top of outer case. Attach new emergency lever spring and emergency
lever guide.

C. Bolt emergency cable to emergency lever using bolt & locknut, leave loose to allow fork to pivot on lever.

D. Add adequate brake fluid to master cylinder and bleed brake system per instructions 4-6 in installation section.

Actuator Trouble Shooting Guide

Symptoms Possible Solutions

Brakes Locking Up
Emergency lever partially pulled Release emergency lever.
(Lever must be in green zone).
(Emergency cable must have slack)
Debris in master cylinder orifice Clean/flush or replace orifice
Debris/rust in master cylinder Clean/flush or replace master cylinder
Pinched brake line or hose Replace brake line or hose.
Brake cluster hanging up Inspect wheel cylinder for rust and proper function
Check for broken springs
Check shoe adjustment (too tight)
Cluster mounting bracket bent
Trailer must be level or parallel with ground

Master Cylinder Not Priming
Master cylinder lever will not pump fluid Slide tube must be completely extended
Check fluid level.
Master cylinder orifice plugged Clean/flush or replace master cylinder
Brake fluid does not come out of orifice Clean/flush or replace orifice
Brake fluid does not come out of brake line Inspect line/hoses for blockages.
Air in brake lines Check all line connections for air leaks
Check fluid level and bleed brakes
Leaking Master Cylinder
Brake fluid leaking out of pushrod area
Repair or replace master cylinder.
Brake fluid leaks out of gasket area Damaged gasket. Replace gasket.
Tighten master cylinder bolts in an alternating sequence
(10 inch lbs. torque)
Brake fluid leaks out of gasket area Master cylinder tightened unevenly.
Replace gasket and tighten bolts alternating sequence.
Do not overfill master cylinder
Brake fluid leaks around orifice When attaching main brake line to orifice, use line
wrench and back-up wrench to prevent over-tightening
or damage to threads in master cylinder.
Brake Testing
Jack trailer wheels up off ground. DO NOT LUBRICATE SLIDES
Spin wheel/wheels. Wheels should spin freely.
Pull emergency lever on as far forward as possible,
wheels should not turn by hand. Release emergency lever.
Wheels should spin forward without resistance.

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 Rue Ring Installation
To install Rue Ring, place straight wire of Rue Ring through hole in pin as
shown in illustrations ( Figure B 1- 2)

Next, using a pliers, twist end of Rue Ring so the straight wire crosses over top
of the bent wire. ( Figure B 3)

Figure B illustration 4 shows removal of Rue Ring. Uncross wires, then while
lifting the bent wire, pull on loop end of the Rue Ring to remove from pin.
Figure A Figure B

Install into hole. Pin installed.

Bent leg behind Bent leg must

straight leg. be on top of
Lock position straight leg then
Lockedpush up & back.
TO REMOVE

* Required for safe operation.

4010 320th St.

P.O. BOX 189, BOYDEN, IA. 51234
PH: (712) 725-2311 FAX: (712) 725-2380
TOLL FREE: 1-800-54DEMCO (1-800-543-3626)
www.demco-products.com
Page 16

Page 15
 P.O. BOX 189
4010 320th St., BOYDEN, IA. 51234
PH: (712) 725-2311
FAX: (712) 725-2380
TOLL FREE: 1-800-54DEMCO (1-800-543-3626)
www.demco-products.com
Go online to www.demco-products.com for Demco
warranty policies & product registration.

Page 16