Front disk brakes

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by twinboat

I would think that 15% more front axle braking would wear out the front tires faster.

As far a weight transfer, with most of the weight on the rear axle, and much of it behind it, I don't think its to much. If it was, the front axle and tires would be overloaded on all hard stops.

As mentioned, with anti lock brakes, drum and disk will only do so much before a skid.

Disk brakes have there benefits, but there is some discussion about switching to them in the truck industry.

https://fleetnetamerica.com/blog/pos...nd-disc-brakes

https://www.truckinginfo.com/155132/...drums-vs-discs

I don't think tire wear is a big problem for 99.9% of RV owners. Tires will usually age out long before getting close to wearing out.
Here are mine after almost 50,000 miles and 9 years. Bottom tire is a 365/80 from the tag and shows sidewear from dragging on turns. Need to lift the rag more often I guess.
I have all wheel disk brakes.

[OldToolmaker]

Originally Posted by Dav L

I find with the engine braking and a big RV conservative driving style, I use the foot pedal very little. Don't see any need to improve the braking. If something jumps in front, then one good stomp won't overheat the brakes. Driving down long steep hills the engine does most of the decel.

I learned to drive on commercial trucks from a dad who never trusted brakes.

On our last move from one town to the next, so I know every turn and stop, about halfway to our destination I heard a voice from the back "Is there something wrong with the brakes?" I said no, dear.

Turns out the long line from the front to the rear broke during my first stop, so at the slow speeds we were traveling I used the engine and the parking brake.

Don't try this at home.

[Smitty77]

Not the first time I've come to a different conclusion from on a subject. (And many times I later learn my conclusions were wrong, or not completely accurate. Other times I later learn I was right. (Except I've learned in marriage, it is often wrong to be right - and sometimes adjust my thinking accordingly!))

Upon further reflection, I think:

> A coaches that are identical in all other ways, except one has front drums and the other has front discs. I still feel that the front disc's provide a safety advantage due to faster potential stopping distances.
-I feel the physics of hard stopping, does shift the weight forward.
-I feel that disc brakes will grip faster and tighter, and the point of front tire skidding with the need of ABS to kick in will occur faster. And from that point, the ABS release/grip/release cycles will be faster with the disc brakes. And IMO that should yield a shorter stopping difference under then same circumstances as the coach with front drums.

And yes, with Jake Compression down hills are better driven with very limited need to jab the brakes to reduce speeds down to desired speeds. So if properly driven, drums really should not be a problem going down a hill. That being said, things happen, and set of disc brakes will cool a lot faster then drum brakes. And again I see that as a safety benefit of the front disc brakes...

No one every wants to be in an emergency stopping situation, but when in one - a shorter stopping capability is a safety advantage.

Unfortunately, when I first shopped for our current coach - I had not yet reached that conclusion. I do feel our well maintained all drum brake coach is as good at stopping as any other similar drum brake coach.

If shopping to day, I'd add a minimum of front disc brakes, to my list of Must Have's. Many might have it as a 'Nice to Have'. And others may careless either way!

I only share this follow-up post, because I know I learn a lot when reading this board. And sharing my opinion, might have someone else think this over for themselves.

And as said, I sure have been known to not be correct in my conclusions before. Will be again, and sure could be now! But, it's how I see things at this time...

Best to all,
Smitty

[matt999]

Originally Posted by twinboat

...

As mentioned, with anti lock brakes, drum and disk will only do so much before a skid.

Disk brakes have there benefits, but there is some discussion about switching to them in the truck industry.

https://fleetnetamerica.com/blog/pos...nd-disc-brakes

https://www.truckinginfo.com/155132/...drums-vs-discs

I drove trucks for a little while. All had drum brakes, as did the trailers. Never drove one with discs. Never had a problem stopping as attempted and expected, except on snow and ice, and that was not a brake issue. Had no problem locking the wheels, either.

Personal vehicles, I can very much tell the difference. I'd imagine that if a person did a side-by-side comparison driving a truck or RV aggressively, the difference would be noticed.

I wouldn't expect savings as the article alluded to. I don't see inspection rates going down because it takes a little less time to do you vs the other guy. The savings from ease of maintenance will be most beneficial to the DIYers.


"It’s easier and quicker to change a set of pads on disc brakes than shoes on drums, Kay and Ganaway both note. Pads take as little as 15 minutes to change out compared to almost an hour for a set of shoes. That’s where the maintenance payback can come into play."