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Elecmusic · 10-30-2012, 12:55 PM

Not sure if there is a thread on this I have not looked at every thread as it would take so long to read every thread. any way. 20 years ago I remember reading about something that you attach to your Drive shaft that is a brake you can use for example when on the down side of a mountain road. I was just pulling a boat with a car back then and going to mountain lakes. I was out in California back then and seen many big rigs with brake problems coming down mountain roads. Any way my question is anyone know of something that is out there still that can be installed on my motorhome in case my brakes decide to fail or fade when I am on the down road from some mountain pass?

clyon51 · 10-30-2012, 01:02 PM

Never heard of these before. I do know my Ford (F53) chassis, has a break attached to the drive shaft, which is the emergency brake. Not a manual brake attached to rear shoes/discs. It does sound like what you are asking about.

Mr. E · 10-30-2012, 02:02 PM

A drive shaft brake is for parking only. Even then it only locks the drive shaft and is never to be used if you are jacking or have one rear wheel off the ground or if you reduced the weight on either rear wheel. If you do the spider gears will allow the vehicle to drag that wheel and possible cause you to hurt yourself of damage the vehicle. You can read what is required for a CDL driver's license, this is one of the most important things you have to know if you are going to drive on long down hills. Lower gear selection and watch your RPMs so as not to over rev the engine. Never exceed the rpm of engine in the lower gear or you may blow your engine or over heat your brakes if you use them to long which mean FAILURE to be able to stop. You have to use your brakes only to bring the speed down and not over heat them. This means knowing how hard and long to bring the speed down based on drum or disc type, each has its own duty time and then you have to let them cool. IF you do not learn this do not go on long down hills for you may kill someone or yourself. Trial and error does not work.

TQ60 · 10-30-2012, 02:12 PM

There are retarders that are generators that attach to driveline.

Search "retarder"

wonderer1 · 10-30-2012, 03:38 PM

yes the accessory braking system that fits the driveline or bolts to the rearend are electric brakes (basicaly a electric generator). before the big trucks got jake (exhaust) brakes they were an option. there are manufactures making them today. some fitting rvs. just bring $$$