Community Forums

Grumpytrkr · 07-29-2012, 10:36 AM

Has anybody had disc brakes put on their travel trailer?

Regards,

SmokeyWren · 07-29-2012, 03:56 PM

No, but why would you want to?

Disk brakes means hydraulic brakes. So you have to have a hydraulic master cylinder, then some way to actuate the master cylinder to activate the brakes. Electric over hydraulic is the most common way for high-end boat trailers to control disk brakes. Some use vacuum over hydraulic, and some use something similar to the big-rig trucker's system of air brakes (air over hydraulic). I've also seen high-end LQ horse trailers and race trailers with hydraulic disk brakes controlled by electric, vacuum or air controllers. But RV trailers? They gotta be rare.

Grumpytrkr · 07-29-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

No, but why would you want to?

I'm not at all impressed with the brakes on our new Jayco. Before I start turning wrenches, I will have the dealership take the wheels and drums off and see if the brake shoes may have been put on backwards. I want everything to stop when I hit the brakes.

And, they are not as complicated as you state.

Semi trucks don't use air/hydraulic systems. Air only. Anyway in 20+ years of truck driving, I've never checked fluid for the brakeing system.

Some military vehicles uses air/hydraulic systems. And when the master-vac goes out on a 10 ton tractor pulling a low boy trailer, with a D-7F dozer on it, it gives you a pucker factor X10.

Regards,

Pricejh · 07-30-2012, 11:02 AM

I am considering an electro-hydraulic system. The manufacturer of my last camper went totally away from electric several years ago. It is a pretty simple system, and the respone is fast and effective. I tested the difference between the two and would have done the mod if I was to keep the trailer.

I understand that it's about a grand an axle.

Grumpytrkr · 07-30-2012, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pricejh

I am considering an electro-hydraulic system. The manufacturer of my last camper went totally away from electric several years ago. It is a pretty simple system, and the respone is fast and effective. I tested the difference between the two and would have done the mod if I was to keep the trailer.

I understand that it's about a grand an axle.

The total price, I don't know yet. I don't know if it would be worth the extra money to go with the IS system and brakes, or just the brakes. We are kicking that idea around. It's a new trailer, and, we are going to keep it for several years, so we may break out the checkbook and go the whole bit. I need to call Mor-ryde and see what they say. I know that I'm very picky about my vehicles, brakes, ect. I guess it comes from all those years of driving.

Regards,

az bound · 07-30-2012, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeyWren

No, but why would you want to?

Disk brakes means hydraulic brakes. So you have to have a hydraulic master cylinder, then some way to actuate the master cylinder to activate the brakes. Electric over hydraulic is the most common way for high-end boat trailers to control disk brakes. Some use vacuum over hydraulic, and some use something similar to the big-rig trucker's system of air brakes (air over hydraulic). I've also seen high-end LQ horse trailers and race trailers with hydraulic disk brakes controlled by electric, vacuum or air controllers. But RV trailers? They gotta be rare.

You are mistaken. totally electric disc brakes for trailers have been around for many years. Titan is one of many manufacturers that make kits to do so.