www.iFourWinns.com

So my FW trailer came with the Tie Down Engineering model 125 actuator. The dampener is a sealed unit and integrated into the master cylinder. Neither Eastern Marine or Trailer parts depot can get the master cylinder for this actuator. Tie Down said I need to talk to the trailer manufacturer, they don't have a dealer who sells these. My dampener is gone, the trailer will roll back and clunk (brake fluid is not low, and brakes are bled).

This pisses me off, so now I have to buy the MC from a FW dealer for $245 + shipping while any entire actuator is about the same price from a trailer shop. I now have to pay the markup from Tie down - > FW -> FW Dealer ->me. Why would FW use a non standard part is beyond me, so I cannot buy direct from any trailer parts store

I'm thinking of ripping the entire actuator out and replacing it with a fixed coupler, and then doing electric over hydraulic brakes. Tiedown seems to manufacturer crappy products, based on searches.

Anyone face similar, or have your Tie Down products been holding up.

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2011 SL242 5.7 VP GXi - 320 HP Dual Prop

I am in same boat -- no pun intended. Let me know what you end up doing - replace or....

Thanks

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2006 FW 203 FS
2005 Dodge Laramie 1500
2003 CRF 247F SuperMoto racer
2001 CBR1100XX

My Tie Down stuff has been fantastic. I've never understood all the criticism. However, this is the first I've heard of these non-standard parts. I would rip 'em and replace with easily available stuff. Tie Down LP70/7000 if you want surge, or elect./hydraulic.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Last October when I had my new 2013 trailer built.........I specified there to be no Tie Down Engineering stuff on it..........done with that crap!

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2005 Four Winns Funship 214 VP 5.7/Duo Prop

Did you go with Kodiac bits? That seems to be the recommended replacements

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2011 SL242 5.7 VP GXi - 320 HP Dual Prop

I have a Tie Down Model 66 on my old 94 Load Rite trailer with surge drum brakes. Its been on there 9 years and still seems fine. I'd see if you can replace the master with one that you can more easily get parts for. Typically you can get the parts for the more commonly seen ones like the 66, 70 and 80. The 125 has a 12,500 lb capacity, do you need that much? What is the capacity of the trailer? If it has 5 lug axles it can't be over 7,000 lbs for the trailer+boat since 5 lug axles usually top out at 3500 lbs each. Does the trailer have 6 lug axles and 12" brakes? In that case it could be a 12,000 lb total trailer.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

The trailer has 6 lug axles and wheels so its definitely rated on the high side

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2011 SL242 5.7 VP GXi - 320 HP Dual Prop