Brakemaster Air Brake Connection

[Papa Foxtrot]

I'll apologize up front as I know this question comes up constantly, but searching this forum(and the rest of the net) hasn't yet turned up an answer that I can use. I've worked on my own vehicles since I was 15, but this chassis is a whole new world to me. I've found a lot of discussion, but no pictures. Since I really don't know what I'm looking at yet - photos are precious.

I'm trying to install a Brakemaster 9160 system on my 2000 Itasca. I'm floundering a bit trying to locate a place to tap into the air brake system for the towed vehicle brakes. There don't appear to be any open ports on the relay valve - this is common on Freightliner chassis from what I've read.

One search turned up the possibility of teeing off of the anti-compounding line between the relay valve and emergency brake valve. On my coach, there is a 3/8" loop between the two valves shown in the photo below. If it is the anti-compounding line, then it would definitely be a convenient place to tap into the air brake system.

Any assistance greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Lt Dan]

I don't know if this is exactly the same as yours, but I T'd into the line going from the ABS controller to the brake drum since I did not want to cut into any lines. All it took was a T, short nipple and a 1/4" compression fitting. The braided line at the top goes to the brake drum and the line to the Jeep brake is enclosed in plastic loom for protection.

[Papa Foxtrot]

Thanks Dan. I'll look at that option, but I don't think I'd want to try to unscrew that fitting. It's been there for 20 years and I don't think I'd try to remove it without being prepared to replace the relay valve. I might get lucky and it turns right out, or... Cutting that 3/8" tube is less scary for me!!

[Papa Foxtrot]

Just swapped emails with a Roadmaster tech. He recommended connecting at the brake can and seems to think that they have an adapter for that purpose. I just went back and looked at the system again. There's a 3/8" npt/45 degree flare el coming out of the can. From first blush, it looks straightforward to remove that el and replace it with a 3/8" npt tee.

Anyone here have any experience removing fittings from old air brake cans? At least the can is cheaper than the ABS servo if I break it....

[Papa Foxtrot]

Well, for anyone still following along or stumbling upon this thread by searching - I just received confirmation from Monty at M&G that the 3/8 tubing loop in the photo above is the anti-compounding line. NAPA has the Gates G314510604 3/8 x 1/4 branch tee.

This feels like progress - more later.

[ebprod]

I have the Roadmaster 9160 on my 2001 Damon Ultrasport on a Freightliner chassis. I followed the advice of the Roadmaster rep and put a tee on my brake can. It was a bit of a chore to remove the old elbow. I had to spray penetrating oil on it every day for a week before I could get it free. Once removed, the rest of the install probably took 1/2 hour to finished.


I installed this over a year ago, and the Roadmaster system has been really great.


-Joel

[WatchMeRV]

I also took the advice of Roadmaster and used their fitting to install at the brake can. I was concerned about tightening the fitting too much since the can is aluminum. Put some pipe dope on it, tightened and pointed the Brakemaster line upward. All works good so far after 5,000 miles.

[Papa Foxtrot]

Thanks Joe,

That's why I'm leaning toward teeing off of the anti-compounding line. I hate the thought of disturbing a 20 year old pipe thread joint; although my brake cans aren't quite as corroded as yours. My coach has spent most of its time in the southeast U.S. and the undercarriage is in pretty good shape.

My parts should arrive at the local NAPA store this morning. Hopefully, I'll get this wrapped up this afternoon.

[Papa Foxtrot]

Well, that was interesting - apparently nobody at my local NAPA knows what DOT air brake tubing is... At least I have the Gates branch tee. Amazon Prime to the rescue - wait another two days....

[walt2137]

Originally Posted by Papa Foxtrot

Well, that was interesting - apparently nobody at my local NAPA knows what DOT air brake tubing is... At least I have the Gates branch tee. Amazon Prime to the rescue - wait another two days....

That is strange as our NAPA does, i would susgest thet you try a truck part store. I will post where taped into for my air.

[Papa Foxtrot]

Originally Posted by walt2137

That is strange as our NAPA does, i would susgest thet you try a truck part store. I will post where taped into for my air.

Funny thing is that I'm pretty sure that I've bought some there before, but it was likely about 20 years ago. I've got some coming from Amazon. Should be here tomorrow.

[Papa Foxtrot]

All here - ready to go. Wiped the line down with alcohol to clean up the 20 years of road grime. I usually just cut plastic tube with a utility knife, but since this was going to be a "one hand" job, the pex cutter made it easy.



Cut about 1 inch out of the 3/8" anti-compounding line and the Gates fitting slid right in. Hardest part was snaking the 1/4" line above the suspension and then pushing the spilt loom back over. If I did it again, I'd put the split loom on first.



Hopefully, this will be helpful to anyone finding this thread by search.

[Papa Foxtrot]

Did a 200 mile test drive today. Everything works as designed!

[Damion]

I buy fittings and plastic Airlines from my local Napa all the time!

Did you use Brake Masters break away unit on the toad also?

What did you do for a breakaway on the motorhome so the quarter-inch line won't be left open if you have a break away?