XR 84 Release Bracket

[Surge489]

I was bleeding my trailer brakes the other night, and low and behold when I got started I pushed on the release bracket and the whole thing came out. This is part 34378 from UFP. I’ve spent literally two hours trying to get this and the spring (part 32546) re-assembled with no luck. I’ve called USP/Dexter and spoke to 3 people, none of which could tell me how to re-assemble. Then they asked me to call one of their distributors and they had no idea either. I was pretty surprised, but apparently between their operations in TN and CA, nobody has a clue how it goes back in there. I’ve looked over the net and found a couple of folks that have had same issue, but no info on how to replace it.

So I turn to you guys. If anyone has any ideas I’d appreciate it. The trailer still functions, thought the release brake will not…over 2 parts that cost about $5 to replace.

My next step is to disassemble the actuator and see if it helps, the problem is unless you have the hand size of a 5-yr old there is no way to get into the area these parts ago. Not to mention I have no idea how they came loose to start with. If I can get the spring back in I may have a chance but no clue how it’s supposed to be oriented with the bracket.

[Surge489]

Update, after about 8 hours of screwing with this thing, I nearly have it. The bracket and spring are pretty simple other than getting to them and the lack of any drawings or information on how they go together. Not only was the spring and release latch loose, there were cracked rollers in master cylinder, broken plastic sleeves, etc. Just a very poorly designed system overall.  It’s like they throw random parts in there, several of which are just floating inside and not connected. So be aware if you attempt to disassemble. I’m glad I did as I wouldn’t have found the other issues. I’ll be giving UFP a call to voice my opinions on this system and ask that they send me a warranty replacement.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Dexter bought UFP and in our opinion there is limited ability to improve the product. Unfortunately this is the only product line on the market tailored for marine use. Dexter has purchased all of the viable competition and now controls this segment of space in the market.

 

Yes, we certainly more than understand any opinion on the product. And we agree both couplers could be improved some, though also the product is focused on OEM markets and the replacement retail parts are marked up significantly by the vendor, thus there is limited room on significant improvement without affecting the price tag.

[Surge489]

I’ll let you guys know how the warranty process goes. I don’t mind as much as long as they stand behind their products. As you mentioned, I’m not sure what the other options (if any) are.

I suppose what really surprised me was that I was literally not able to locate anyone within their tech department that knew enough about it to fix it. I emailed them as well and no reply. The distributed mechanic was supposed to take a look and let me know. He asked me to text him some photographs and never responded after that.

[Bass Cat Boats]

Link to Brake Coupler Manual

[Surge489]

Update – spoke to Dexter yesterday. They are sending me complete actuator assembly under warranty.  My understanding is that they’ve made some recent design changes to the XR-84.  The guy looked at photos I sent regarding the master cylinder and rollers and I think it’s an issue they’ve seen before.

That being said, if you have to call Dexter customer service regarding the actuators, call their San Marcos, CA location and not the Winchester, TN location.  The guy in Winchester was not at all helpful (other than giving me a phone number), tried to blame it on me, and in the end according to the folks in San Marcos, he has no idea what he’s talking about anyway.

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