Community Forums

colo.kids · 05-08-2020, 09:14 AM

Recently acquiring a 2016 Tiffin bus I am new to this forum. We love everything about the coach but every time I disengage the parking brake I cringe. It is far different than our previous coach in that it is not only hard to pull out but when it does release it snaps out so violently it literally stings my hand. Is this normal or is there an issue with the brake adjusters, which are suppose to be automatic I believe. Thanks for any thoughts.

Skip426 · 05-08-2020, 09:21 AM

I take it from your signature line that this isn't your first coach with air brakes .

The park brake control valve , could be from a different manufacturer than your previous coach , but the function is the same , the valve controls air pressure to the park brakes , so when your moving the knob , you're working against the supply line air pressure ; to either supply air to the park brake chambers to release the brake , or shut off air supply and vent the park brake chambers and allow their springs to apply the brakes. That movement is never going to be easy , due to the air pressure involved. I'd say if you have the coach in for service you could ask if the mechanic involved considers the effort excessive.
Operation of your auto slack adjusters , will not effect the park brake control effort.

**Lt Dan** · 05-08-2020, 10:09 AM

The Tiffin Bus is on their Power Glide chassis and apparently they use a different supplier or model of the brake control than Freightliner. The one on our current Phaeton Power Glide is definitely harder to pull and push than the one on our Allegro RED Freightliner. I actually like it better once I got used to it since it's not as likely to get accidentally pushed off. Just use two fingers under the knob to pull it and don't put your palm on top. As Skip said, the brake adjusters have nothing to do with the control knob.

garykk · 05-08-2020, 11:38 AM

I agree with Dan, I don’t have a problem with our bus. But I do as Dan does, just use two fingers under the knob to pull it out.

colo.kids · 05-08-2020, 05:42 PM

First thanks for the thoughts. I misspoke as it is the engagement (pulling out the knob) that is the issue not pushing it in. I have other coaches with air brakes and none acted so harshly. Could it be an air dryer issue? The campground we are currently at so happens to be the location of a Tiffin 4x4 group and I have asked around. My issue is unique and probably requires a visit to a repair facility. The other solution, offered by one of the other owners, is to have DW pull it out!

**Lt Dan** · 05-09-2020, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colo.kids

First thanks for the thoughts. I misspoke as it is the engagement (pulling out the knob) that is the issue not pushing it in. I have other coaches with air brakes and none acted so harshly. Could it be an air dryer issue? The campground we are currently at so happens to be the location of a Tiffin 4x4 group and I have asked around. My issue is unique and probably requires a visit to a repair facility. The other solution, offered by one of the other owners, is to have DW pull it out!

Pulling out is exactly what Gary and I are referring to. The knobs on the Power Glides are stiffer both in and out. If the other Tiffin owners have Freightliner chassis, then their operation will be different. Without actually feeling yours it's hard to tell if it's normal or not. It will not be a dryer issue but a mechanical controller. A light spray of silicone around the shaft might help if it's binding or you may have to get the opinion of a chassis repair center.

**NLOVNIT** · 05-09-2020, 07:05 PM

I've never had this type of parking brake before & didn't even think about it's operation until I saw this thread. Ours is stiff to pull out & it does seem to have a snap to it at the end that's been enough to break a nail if my fingers aren't in the right place.

I'll try the silicone first. If that doesn't help, we're due for chassis maintenance this summer so I'll ask then about it.

Thanks for bringing this up.

Lori-

PKI · 05-10-2020, 11:23 AM

The brake control on the Breeze is similar (PG chassis). It is harder to manage than I expected. Not impossible, but wife may have a significant problem when she starts driving. So, perfectly understand your concern. Best to take advise from that offered above.