Community Forums

greystroke · 07-19-2019, 12:47 PM

That's what I do. Just don't lift the back tires up without chocks which I always carry.

nehog · 07-19-2019, 05:27 PM

What ever happened to just dumping your air tanks before getting under? Once you dump your tanks it doesn't matter what happens to the parking brake valve.

Ucbyrickg · 07-19-2019, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nehog

What ever happened to just dumping your air tanks before getting under? Once you dump your tanks it doesn't matter what happens to the parking brake valve.

For me, too time consuming to dump tanks or chock tires at every stop. 3 second snap and I should be safe from rolling across the street.

ScoobyDoo · 07-20-2019, 05:35 AM

I don't understand the issue. The old mid '70s Fords that used the lever valve could be released with 1 finger, but all the button ones I have been around took quite a bit of force to push it in. Now if the valve was mounted so she could step on and push straight down, my 70+ lb golden doodle might push it, but not likely if there is enough air pressure to release the brakes...

Ucbyrickg · 07-20-2019, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyDoo

I don't understand the issue. The old mid '70s Fords that used the lever valve could be released with 1 finger, but all the button ones I have been around took quite a bit of force to push it in. Now if the valve was mounted so she could step on and push straight down, my 70+ lb golden doodle might push it, but not likely if there is enough air pressure to release the brakes...

On my particular coach, the valve is facing up, around where your elbow would go when you lean out the driver window to communicate with someone outside. Poor design if you ask me. I will do a weight test when I get home to see how many pounds it would take to push the valve down, I only need to use my thumb and the brakes are released. In my mind, there are many different scenarios throughout a trip where the brakes are applied with individuals inside, while I am outside, even though I have warned my family over and over how the brake release and HWH system are off-limits, I still always was a bit leery of losing that control. For me it’s like using a jackstand when you’re probably not even going to need to use it.

153stars · 07-21-2019, 12:03 PM

One of those spring wood clamps may work well. Drill a hole between shoes for shaft. Maybe trim shoes down to fit and cut notch for the part of button the locks to shaft.

asuperheat · 07-21-2019, 04:15 PM

I'm with dumping the tanks. Does not get safer than that. That is what I would do if I was concerned. No pressure means brakes applied and cant be released.

Pretty easy to do only takes a few seconds pumping the brake peddle before going under.

Ray,IN · 07-21-2019, 07:28 PM

Make one of these out of PVC pipe, drill the holes for a padlock shank, easy, cheap, prevents accidental release.

Ucbyrickg · 07-21-2019, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 153stars

One of those spring wood clamps may work well. Drill a hole between shoes for shaft. Maybe trim shoes down to fit and cut notch for the part of button the locks to shaft.

Yes, many items would work well.

Thanks

Ucbyrickg · 07-21-2019, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asuperheat

I'm with dumping the tanks. Does not get safer than that. That is what I would do if I was concerned. No pressure means brakes applied and cant be released.

Pretty easy to do only takes a few seconds pumping the brake peddle before going under.

I guess I meant I wanted something to use quickly when I stop for fuel or dinner or a rest area, to keep accidental use from happening while I’m outside the couch. I typically just chalk the tires when it’s going to be sitting for longer periods than that.

Thanks

Ucbyrickg · 07-21-2019, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Make one of these out of PVC pipe, drill the holes for a padlock shank, easy, cheap, prevents accidental release.

That works.

Thanks

Mekanic · 07-21-2019, 08:26 PM

When you park it and want it to stay there a while, He is what to do.

1 set park brake

2 shut off engine with key.

3 pump the brake pedal till pressure is at Zero.

If you REALLY NEED to be under it running, you NEED wheel chocks.

**TonyDi** · 07-21-2019, 08:34 PM

I use a large plastic clothes pin. It clips onto the parking brake shaft and stays put. It prevents the accidental release. It's also easy to take off when leaving.

Ucbyrickg · 07-21-2019, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyDi

I use a large plastic clothes pin. It clips onto the parking brake shaft and stays put. It prevents the accidental release. It's also easy to take off when leaving.

I was thinking a wood clothespin would fit perfect in mine but was worried it would be too curious of a device for my children. I guess my theory is if the right product is available and looks more pprofessional I will useit, it’s not as if I bought a couch to save money.

Thanks