Pac Brake question

[97windsor]

Hi I have a 97 Monaco Windsor with a pac brake. It has a floor button that activates it (left side of steering wheel). To keep it on I have to hold the button down with my left foot.

Is there any way it can be turned on and made to stay on without holding the button down, because during a long hill my foot will cramp up.

Some on here have said that they have a switch that will keep it on. I can't find any switch for it or other button to turn it on, just the floor button.

Any thoughts to keep my foot and leg from hurting on a long hill. Thanks Jim

[Mr_D]

A latching relay would do it.

[Happycarz]

An old style floor mounted headlight dimmer switch would work. Just use two of the three terminals for the existing two wires.

[catallegro]

I saw in another post by 97 windsor that you listed your H.P. 330 stock is 275 have you done some work to the motor I could use a few more myself could you let me know what you did and how it climbs hills Thanks

[Dr4Film]

Jim,

The floor switch you currently have is a push momentary on/off model. You need to install a simple SPST on/off switch somewhere within reach and run the wires to the same wires that are coming off of the foot switch.

Then you can use either one anytime you choose. The foot switch to activate it temporarily or the dash switch to leave it on.

My PRXB PacBrake is on 24/7 when driving.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[Graniteman]

I have a dash switch on my 99 Tourmaster. I added a red indicator light so that I don't forget whan I flip the switch. I would suggest doing this as well if you're memory is like mine.

[wheato22]

Good suggestions. For older coaches, like my '94 Monaco Dynasty, with Pac Brake floor buttons there are a number of resources available.

I started with Pac Brakes website http://brakeswitch.com/index.htm and discovered a number of wiring diagrams showing how newer coaches improve Pac Brake operation through the use of a dash or side console switch to activate the system. That worked well until I discovered there were even newer coaches with a more automatic way to activate/deactivate a Pac Brake.

It is essentially a 'latching system" , that automatically activates the Pac Brake when I press the service brake peddle. But more importantly, a latching system automatically deactivates the Pac Brake system when I again press the 'gas' peddle to resume speed OR just "tap' the gas peddle to, in effect, cancel the retarding action and continue coasting when I see the "road is clear" ahead.

One system I found that seems to provide the latching function is called Brakeswitch. http://brakeswitch.com/index.htm

I am currently attempting to implement a home-grown latching system with a 12v DPDT relay from Radio Shack, a couple of diodes, a lighted console rocker switch AND the most important element that makes a latching system work. That's a micro-switch, operated by the throttle lever on the engine, that turns off the Pac Brake system whenever the gas peddle is pressed.

Not a simple project... but something an electronics hobbyist might want to give a try.

Larry

[Dr4Film]

At least in my 2002 Monaco, the normal process used in activating the PacBrake is not having to touch your service brakes which negates the useful purpose of the PacBrake, rather it is activated by removing your foot from the accelerator. There are relays involved which allow the Allison transmission and the Cummins engine PacBrake to work in unison providing the increased slowing of the coach.

The OP was looking for another method of turning on the power to the entire system versus having to hold his foot onto a floor mounted switch. His best solution is to install a console mounted SPST switch which turns power on to the system but it still won't activate until you remove your foot from the accelerator completely.

The BrakeSwitch system is simply an aftermarket device to allow PacBrake user's to use both the cruise control and have the PacBrake on too. Normally, you could only have one or the other but not both simultaneously. Do a search on iRV2.com for BrakeSwitch and read the discussions.

Cummins also has a "Latching Program" that can be programmed into the ECM's which will allow the driver to have their PacBrake switch activated, (powered up) all the time but still able to use the cruise control. My 2002 Windsor has that Latching Program and I use it 24/7. It is never turned off.

I think the BrakeSwitch may be a less expensive method, not sure what Cummins is charging to do the reprogramming.

Dr4Film ----- Richard