Model 850E

Brake Actuator
Owners Manual
Installation Instructions and Service Manual

Model 850E - 8,500 lbs. Capacity

Part #70523 Disc Brake
Part #70524 Drum Brake

Model 850 - 8,500 lbs. Capacity

Part #70503 Disc Brake
Part #70504 Drum Brake

Model 800 - 8,000 lbs. Capacity

Part #70466 Disc Brake
Part #70467 Drum Brake

Table of Contents Page

Actuator Installation Instructions 2
Hitching the Trailer 3-4
Vehicle Wiring - Free Backing Brake Solenoid 4
Actuator Maintenance 4
Warnings 5-6
Bleeding Instructions 7-8
Part Diagrams and Replacement Parts 9-12
Limited Warranty 13-14

TIE DOWN ENGINEERING

255 Villanova Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30336
(404) 344-0000 • Fax (404) 349-0401
© 2014 TIE DOWN Inc., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
IMPORTANT: READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ENTIRE INSTRUCTION/ASSEMBLY
PROCEDURE BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR BRAKES AND ACTUATOR.

The Model 850E works by the “surge” or “push” of the trailer toward the tow vehicle.
This automatically synchronizes the trailer brakes with the tow vehicle axle brakes. When
the trailer pushes against the tow vehicle, the actuator telescopes together and applies
the force to the master cylinder, supplying hydraulic pressure to the brakes. The built in
dampening shock absorber retards the telescoping shock against the hitch ball.
Be sure to comply with regulations for brakes in your state. Brake laws sometimes are
minimum standards and you may wish to add additional brakes to your trailer.

Read your tow vehicles owner’s manual on towing capacity and other towing
recommendations before installing brakes or this actuator. The Model 850E Actuator is
completely assembled and ready to bolt into place, if not all ready installed. Manufactured
for tongue sizes: 3”x 3”, 3”x 4” & 3”x 5”.

1. Bolt the actuator to the tongue-using grade 5 bolts 1/2 inch in diameter, 4 inches
long. Lightweight tongues, less than 11 gauge, require spacer tubes inside the
tongue for reinforcement. Attachment strength should equal or exceed than
1-1/2 times trailer G.V.W.R..

2. Hydraulic brake lines should be installed on the trailer as described in the

installation manual supplied with the brakes. Note: Some disc brakes require the
use of flexible brake lines at the connection POINT on the brake caliper. Follow
brake manufacturer instructions.

3. Use only DOT-3 heavy-duty brake fluid in the Model 850E actuator. Use a pressure
type brake bleeder to bleed brakes. (This type of brake bleeder is available at your
local automotive jobber.) Follow manufacturer’s directions. Or, manually bleed the
brakes using a heavy-duty flat blade screwdriver inserted in the hole provided on
top of the actuator near the front. Insert the screwdriver and use a pumping action
to activate the master cylinder in order to bleed the brakes.
See page 7 for more details.

To bleed master cylinder and brakes, install bleeder hose on first wheel cylinder to
be bled; if tandem axle trailer, bleed closest axle first, and the closest brake on that
axle first. Use a loose end of hose from the bleeder valve submerged in a glass
container of brake fluid to observe bubbling (hose must be submerged into clean
brake fluid to keep air from traveling back into the brake cylinder). Loosen the
bleeder screw located in the wheel cylinder one turn, the system is now open to the
atmosphere. The bleeding operation for that brake is complete when bubbling stops.
Be sure to tighten bleeder screw securely.

Each wheel cylinder must be bleed until all air is out of the lines. Replenish the
brake fluid during the bleeding process so the level does not fall below half full level
in the master cylinder reservoir. When bleeding and testing is completed, make sure
master cylinder is filled to 3/8” below the top of the reservoir and filler cap is
securely in place.
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 4. Check with your state motor vehicle department for laws concerning minimum
trailer brake requirements. Some states may require brakes on all axles.

5. Road test trailer a short distance to activate the actuator several times. Check fluid
level again. Remember, low brake fluid levels will result in hitch ball knocking.

6. When testing is completed, make sure master cylinder is filled to 3/8” below the top
of the reservoir and filler cap is securely in place. Road test again to make sure
brakes work properly.

RATED CAPACITY: Maximum Actuator Capacity: 8500 lbs.

Gross Load, 850 lbs. Maximum Tongue Load

The actual in-service rating is limited to that of the ball and hitch being used or the
trailer manufacturer’s G.V.W.R. shown on the certification label, whichever is lower
(Note: G.V.W.R. is the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating which includes the trailer and the load
weight as a Total Gross Weight).

Hitching The Trailer

1. The vehicle, towing hitch and ball must have a rating equal to or greater than
trailer G.V.W.R..

2. Model 850E will accept 2” or 50mm trailer hitch balls only. Trailer balls larger than
2.00” (50mm) or out of round will not fit the coupler or may result in coupler
failure. Balls smaller than 1.95” can cause shock loading and sudden
disconnection. Make certain ball latch is in correct position to retain the hitch ball.
Push latch until safety latch engages plate below latch. Insert safety pin into forward
hole as a safety lock for the hitch ball coupler prior to towing. Do not tow trailer if
coupler is damaged.
3. Connect safety cables or chains using crossed pattern under tongue, or follow
trailer manufacturer’s directions.

4. Connect actuator breakaway cable S-hook to the tow vehicle only. Do not
connect S-hook to the safety cables or chains.

5. The breakaway system is designed to only operate after the trailer detaches from
the tow vehicle and the safety chains have failed. The breakaway is not a parking
brake. Do not use as such.

6. If the breakaway is accidentally applied, insert a flat bladed screwdriver into the
spring clip on the side of the actuator and pry sideways pressure to release,
see page 8.
7. Any control devices that restrict operation of the actuator cannot be used. This
includes certain sway control devices. The actuator must be free to telescope in
response to braking requirements.

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 8. Equalizing or weight distributing hitches may be used, that are designed to use with
surge brake actuators, allow six to eight inches free chain length.

DANGER: Tongue weight beyond rating limits will interfere with performance of
actuator, and braking system, and the tow vehicle.

9. The actuator is designed for use with Free-Backing trailer brakes. To block
braking action, (in order to back up) with other types of brakes, use an electric
solenoid. For trailer movement when brakes are not required, place the safety pin
in the hole on the side of the actuator housing to block movement of the actuator.
DANGER: Failure to remove pin will also prevent forward braking. Pin must
be in the lower, forward hole as a safety lock for the hitch ball coupler latch
when towing at all times.

Directions Vehicle Wiring - Brake Solenoid

1. Disconnect trailer hitch and any wiring connectors from the vehicle.
2. Connect a 14 gauge wire to the backup (reverse) light wire of the vehicle. This
wire should be of sufficient length to attach to the existing vehicle/trailer
wire receptacle. The end of this wire will require a female end that will match the
solenoid male connector wire. Your vehicle may have a 5 wire connection for
this purpose.

3. For ease of use, tape or band the end of the reverse light wire to the vehicle’s
trailer electrical connector.

Maintenance
1. Always check the brake fluid reservoir before using trailer. Make sure it is at least
half full. If not, re-fill to 3/8 inch below the top of the reservoir with DOT 3 brake
fluid. Do not use DOT 5 brake fluid. Check for leaks and repair as required.
Never reuse brake fluid.

2. To extend coupler and ball life, coat both with a thin coating of grease. This will also
eliminate squeaking. Wipe clean and renew film each time trailer is used.

3. Examine the actuator for bent parts or wear each time the trailer is used.
Replace parts as necessary.

4. There are no user adjustments on the actuator.

5. Actuator travel (shown by coupler roller path) over one inch indicates a need to
adjust the brakes or add fluid to the reservoir or a need to bleed the brakes and
check connections for leaks. Adjust per instructions found in brake installation
manual. In general, back-off adjusters on drum brakes from locked position, as
required. Adjust Free-Backing brakes by rotating in forward direction only. Failure
to adjust may result in loss of braking. Disc brakes do not require adjustment,
check for pad wear.

Page 4
Braking and Trailering Warnings

WARNING
Actuator and brakes should always be flushed with fresh water after using trailer in
corrosive conditions. This includes salt water, fertilizers and other corrosive materials.
Before storing trailer remove brakes and clean thoroughly. It is also wise to repack the
bearings at the same time. Failure to properly and adequately maintain the actuator
could cause serious damage, injury or death.

WARNING
The breakaway system is not designed to operate if the trailer does not separate
completely from the tow vehicle, or if the tongue goes under the rear of the tow vehicle.

WARNING
In the event that the breakaway system is used, check all system components (cable,
S-hooks, etc.) for proper working order. Replace any damaged parts with genuine Tie
Down parts only.

WARNING
When re-setting the break a way system keep hands and fingers clear as you re-set the
mechanism, hydraulic pressure held in the system may cause the assembly to snap back
suddenly.

WARNING
AVOID sharp turns, which can cause the actuator to bind or jackknife against the tow
vehicle or cause a bend in the tongue. Either can damage the actuator causing brake
failure. AVOID towing trailer across large bumps or dips that may over stress the
connection between the trailer and tow vehicle, as this could result in damage to
the actuator.

WARNING
DO NOT REUSE BRAKE FLUID. Always use fresh DOT 3 fluid from a fresh container. Failure
to maintain proper levels of fluid in the reservoir will cause brake failure.

WARNING
Failure to install the hitch pin before towing can result in accidental opening of the coupler
hitch latch which can lead to the trailer coming off of the hitch ball causing serious
damage, injury or death. If pin will not fit into the front lower hole, the coupler is not
attached properly. Re-set coupler on hitch ball.

Page 5
WARNING
A minimum of 5% tongue weight and a maximum 10% tongue weight of the trailer
G.V.W.R. must be located on the hitch ball. The Trailer tongue should be parallel to the
ground. Too much weight can cause premature brake actuation and loss of control of the
towing vehicle. To little tongue weight can cause the trailer to fishtail, resulting in loss of
control of the tow vehicle and trailer (total trailer weight G.V.W.R. includes weight of the
trailer plus load).

WARNING
A loose fit between the coupler and hitch ball can cause the actuator and hitch ball to
separate, causing serious damage, injury or death. Check coupler every time prior to
towing and at each stop on long trips. Always make certain that coupler latch safety
pin is securely installed into coupler latch.

WARNING
Brake laws sometimes are minimum standards and you may wish to add additional
brakes to your trailer. Read your tow vehicles owner’s manual on towing capacity and
other towing recommendations before installing brakes or this actuator.

WARNING
Never allow the coupler latch safety pin to remain in the reverse lockout position hole.
After reverse maneuvering, always insert coupler latch safety pin back into coupler
latch. FAILURE TO REMOVE SAFETY PIN FROM REVERSE LOCK OUT POSITION HOLE
WILL PREVENT FORWARD MOVEMENT BREAKING WHICH CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS
PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING
Tie Down actuators and brakes are designed to use DOT 3 (or 4) brake fluid.
Do not use of DOT 5 brake fluid. Use of DOT 5 brake fluid will cause damage to internal
parts that can result in loss of brake power.

Page 6
Bleeding Instructions

To bleed master cylinder and brakes, install bleeder hose on first wheel cylinder to be
bled; if tandem axle trailer, bleed closest axle first, and the closest brake on that axle
first. Use a loose end of hose from the bleeder valve submerged in a glass container
of brake fluid to observe bubbling (hose must be submerged into clean brake fluid to
keep air from traveling back into the brake cylinder). Loosen the bleeder screw
located in the wheel cylinder one turn, the system is now open to the atmosphere.

To pump master cylinder, insert a flat tip Bleeding

screwdriver into the bleeding access port on Access Port
top, near the front of the actuator cover
(See right photo and 1A below).

The screwdriver should be at the lowest angle

possible to the actuator so that it slides in
front of the e-stop bracket (See 1B).

FRONT FR

FRONT FRONT

Screwdriver tip MUST BE IN FRONT of the

e-stop bracket and NOT in the slot on the
e-stop bracket (See 2A).

FRONT

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FRONT FRONT

Push the screwdriver forward and back to

pump the master cylinder. (See 2B).

The bleeding operation for that brake is

complete when bubbling stops. Be sure to
tighten bleeder screw securely. Each wheel
cylinder must be bleed until all air is out of
the lines. Replenish the brake fluid during the
bleeding process so the level does not fall
below half full level in the master cylinder
reservoir.

When bleeding and testing is completed, make

sure master cylinder is filled to 3/8” below the
top of the reservoir and filler cap is securely
in place.

Emergency Button Stop

Emergency
Button Stop

Shown in normal
operating position

WARNING: If button stop

cable is showing
DO NOT TOW TRAILER

Release emergency stop

cable by prying spring out
with a flat blade screw
driver.

Page 8
Model 850E/850/800 Replacement Parts

1A & 6

5
3
1A

4
1A

1A

Page 9
 Model 850E/850/800 Replacement Parts

1C
1B
1B
1A
1A

Model 850E Model 800 & 850

“Enclosed” “Open”
Master Cylinder Master Cylinder
Item # Part # Description
1A 70475K Disc Brake Master Cylinder Kit “Open Model” with gasket,
Includes: master cylinder and cap, 4 mounting screws with washers,
2 rollers with matching nuts and bolts
1A 70475KD Drum Brake Master Cylinder Kit “Open Model” with gasket,
Includes: master cylinder and cap, 4 mounting screws with washers,
2 rollers with matching nuts and bolts
1A 70561K Disc Brake Master Cylinder Kit “Enclosed Model”
Includes: master cylinder and cap, 4 mounting screws with washers,
2 rollers with matching nuts and bolts
1A 70562KD Drum Brake Master Cylinder Kit “Enclosed Model”
Includes: master cylinder and cap, 4 mounting screws with washers,
2 rollers with matching nuts and bolts
1B 11286 Disc Brake Solenoid - used with Disc Brake Actuators
1C 70470-3 Gasket - for “Open Model” master cylinders
2 70411 Latch Kit Assembly, with Drop N Go Coupler,
(for serial numbers 17926 and below)
2 70412 Latch Kit Assembly, with Drop N Go Coupler,
(for serial numbers 17927 and above)
3 50317 Emergency Stop Cable (E-stop/Breakaway)
4 50301 Safety Cable with stainless steel pin - with mounting screw
5 70462K Actuator Covers, Includes: front and rear cover plates and
4 mounting screws
6 48986A Master Cylinder Fill Cap with internal bladder, 2.25” Opening (E-Models)
6 70470-4 Master Cylinder Fill Cap with internal bladder, 1.25” Opening (Open Models)
7 48845 Safety Spring with two mounting screws
Page 10
Model 80 Replacement Parts

Model 80 - 8,000 lbs. Capacity

Part #47208 Disc Brake - Lever Latch
Part #47214 Disc Brake - Lever Latch
Part #47209 Disc Brake - Lever Latch
Part #47206 Drum Brake - Lever Latch
Part #47207 Drum Brake - Lever Latch
1A & 6

1A
7
3

5
4

1A

1A
2

Page 11
 Model 80 Replacement Parts

1C

1B
1A
Model 80
“Open”
Master Cylinder

Item # Part # Description

1A 47260K Disc Brake Master Cylinder Kit “Lever Latch”
with gasket and fluid baffle, includes: master cylinder and cap,
4 mounting screws with washers, 2 rollers with matching
nuts and bolts
1A 47268K Drum Brake Master Cylinder Kit “Lever Latch”
with gasket and fluid baffle, includes: master cylinder and cap,
4 mounting screws with washers, 2 rollers with matching
nuts and bolts
1B 11253A Disc Brake Solenoid, Back Flow Model with return hose
1C 48803 Gasket, For “Lever Latch” master cylinders
2 47261 Latch Kit Assembly, (for serial numbers 16021 and above)
2 47262 Latch Kit Assembly, (for serial numbers 16020 and below)
3 50302 Emergency Stop Cable (E-stop/Breakaway),
(for serial numbers 16200 and below)
3 50305 Emergency Stop Cable (E-stop/Breakaway),
(for serial numbers 16021 and above)
4 50301 Safety Cable with stainless steel pin - Includes mounting screw
5 47264 Actuator Covers, Includes front and rear cover plates and
4 mounting screws
6 48804 Master Cylinder Fill Cap with internal bladder
7 48845 Safety Spring with two mounting screws
(for serial numbers 16021 and above)

Page 12
TIE DOWN ENGINEERING LIMITED WARRANTY

Limited Warranty TIE DOWN ENGINEERING Inc (“TIE DOWN”) warrants its products to be free from
defects in material and workmanship for one year from date of delivery to the original purchaser
when properly installed, used and maintained by the purchaser.

This warranty does not apply to damage or loss caused by any or all of the following
circumstances or conditions:
• Damage caused during installation.
• Parts, accessories, materials or components used with or replacing any TIE DOWN braking
system not obtained from or approved in writing by TIE DOWN.
• Misapplication, misuse and failure to follow the directions or observe cautions and warnings
on installation,operation, application, inspection or maintenance specified in any TIE DOWN
quotation, acknowledgement, sales literature, specification sheet or installation instruction
and service manual (“applicable literature”).
• Use of product in any other application other than those described in TIE DOWN’s
product information materials.
• If your trailer leaves the United States (We include U.S. Possessions and Territories as part
of the United States for Warranty Purposes): EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED BY
LAW, THERE IS NO WARRANTY COVERAGE ON TIE DOWN ENGINEERING TRAILER PARTS IF THE
TRAILER IS SOLD IN OR REGISTERED IN COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES.
• Tie Down Engineering is not responsible for any time or income that you lose, any
inconvenience you might be caused, the cost of towing, fuel, telephone, travel, meals or
lodging, the loss of revenue or for any other incidental or consequential damages you may
have due to the loss of use of your trailer.
• Cosmetic damage, minor cosmetic abnormalities and normal wear and tear, including (without
limitation), scratches, dents and chips.

If any TIE DOWN products are found upon TIE DOWN’s examination to have been defective when
supplied, TIE DOWN will either: credit the purchaser’s account for the purchase price of the TIE
DOWN product; replace the TIE DOWN product; or repair the product. TIE DOWN has sole discretion
in choosing which option to provide. For this LIMITED WARRANTY to apply, TIE DOWN must receive
notice of the alleged defect within 30 days of either the discovery of the alleged defect or the
expiration of the warranty period, whichever is earlier. Any claim not made within this period shall
conclusively be deemed waived.

If requested by TIE DOWN, purchaser shall return the alleged defective product to TIE DOWN for
examination at purchasers expense. TIE DOWN will not pay for expenses incurred in returning a
product to TIE DOWN without TIE DOWN’s prior written authority. TIE DOWN shall not be liable for
any other expenses purchaser incurs to remedy any defect. Purchasers waive subrogation on all
claims under any insurance.

Limitation of Liability: It is expressly agreed that the liability of TIE DOWN is limited and TIE
DOWN does not function as an insurer. THE REMEDIES SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY SHALL
CONSTITUTE THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO THE PURCHASER OR USER AND ARE IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER REMEDIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THE LIABILITY OF TIE DOWN, WHETHER IN
CONTRACT, IN TORT, UNDER ANY WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE
PRICE OF THE PARTICULAR PRODUCT MANUFACTURED, SOLD OR SUPPLIED BY TIE DOWN.

Page 13
To Obtain Technical Assistance:
To enable TIE DOWN to respond to a request for assistance or evaluation of customer or user
operating difficulty, please provide at a minimum the following information by calling 404-344-0000:
• Model number, serial number and all other data on the specific component which appears to
be involved in the difficulty.
• The date and from whom you purchased your TIE DOWN product.
• State your difficulty, being sure to mention at least the following: Application, Nature of load
involved, and Weight of the load.

Field Service: If field service at the request of the purchaser is rendered and the difficulty is found
not to be with TIE DOWN’s product, the purchaser shall pay the time and expense (at the prevailing
rate at the time of service) of seller’s field representative(s). Charges for service, labor and other
expenses that have been incurred by the purchaser, its customer or agent without prior written
authorization of TIE DOWN will not be accepted.

TIE DOWN EXTENDS NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ON PRODUCTS NOT MANUFACTURED

BY TIE DOWN OR TO TIE DOWN’S DESIGN SPECIFICATION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
SUCH ITEMS AS NON-TIE DOWN TIRES, BRAKES, ACTUATORS, BEARINGS, HOSE AND TUBING.
PURCHASER’S RECOURSE SHALL BE LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF THE RESPECTIVE
MANUFACTURERS.

THIS WARRANTY EXCLUDES ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A

PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY PURPOSE.

THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER NOR EXTEND TO INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

No representative has authority to make any representation, promise or agreement except as

stated in this Limited Warranty. TIE DOWN reserves the right to make design and other
changes upon its products without any obligation to install the same on any previously sold
or delivered products.

DUE TO THE WIDE VARIATION IN USES TO WHICH TIE DOWN PRODUCTS (WHEELS, HUBS, BRAKES,
ETC.) ARE SUBJECTED BY USERS, WE ARE UNABLE TO SPECIFY CARRYING CAPACITIES OR
SPEEDS FOR A PARTICULAR APPLICATION. THEREFORE, THE MANUFACTURER MUST TEST HIS
EQUIPMENT UNDER THE MOST SEVERE CONDITIONS TO DETERMINE THAT TIE DOWN PRODUCTS
ARE SUITABLE.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THOSE DESCRIBED ABOVE. EFFECTIVE
JANUARY 2016 THIS WARRANTY SUPERSEDES ALL PRIOR WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR IMPLIED.

Page 14
 Model 850E
Brake Actuator
Owners Manual

TIE DOWN ENGINEERING

Atlanta, Georgia 30336
800-241-1806 • 404-344-0000
ISO 9001:2008 Certification
Trade, brand, names and drawings are the intellectual
C1251; 120816

property of TIE DOWN ENGINEERING.

©2015 TIE DOWN, Inc.
Manual #08163-2 (Rev. 12-8-2016)