Automatic Slack Adjusters

[cucotx]

Okay, so many new technologies going into RVs nowadays. It's kind of important for all of us to get to know what's available with RVs so we get to make a better decision when buying the next RV.

Does anyone know what "ABS anti-lock braking system w/automatic slack adjusters" feature is all about? Why would I want it?

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by cucotx

Okay, so many new technologies going into RVs nowadays. It's kind of important for all of us to get to know what's available with RVs so we get to make a better decision when buying the next RV.

Does anyone know what "ABS anti-lock braking system w/automatic slack adjusters" feature is all about? Why would I want it?

ABS is nothing new, you have it on all your autos also, I believe the Goverment said years back that brakes could no longer lock up........so, ABS was born.As for the slack adjusters......alls they do is keep your brakes adjusted to the proper position, when I drove truck, most all back then were manual slack adjusters and had to be adjusted with a 9/16" wrench, tighten down till tight(Brake shoes against drums) and then back off 3 turns. If stopped by the DOT and they were more than 3 turns off....$$$$, so now days......automatic adjusters. Even auto's with the old brake drums had a form of auto adjusters on them on the bottom of the brake shoes if you remember......

[Skip426]

ABS, systems for air brakes have been around for many years, can help prevent lock up of the brakes and flat spotting of tires in panic stop situations, and by keeping the wheels turning, helps with steering control.
Auto slack adjusters; well without them you'd have to be under the coach before every trip, manually adjusting the brakes, to assure you had full braking capability.

Although advertised; as new tech; both should be standard on any, air brake equipped coach built since 2000. Auto slack adjusters, 1994 ?

EDIT: Palehorse89, types faster than I do... everyone types faster than I do !

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by Skip426

ABS, systems for air brakes have been around for many years, can help prevent lock up of the brakes and flat spotting of tires in panic stop situations, and by keeping the wheels turning, helps with steering control.
Auto slack adjusters; well without them you'd have to be under the coach before every trip, manually adjusting the brakes, to assure you had full braking capability.

Although advertised; as new tech; both should be standard on any, air brake equipped coach built since 2000. Auto slack adjusters, 1994 ?

EDIT: Palehorse89, types faster than I do... everyone types faster than I do !

I had a beer in one hand also Skip

[cucotx]

Great information so far.

Now, am I supposed to do any test of the adjusters before I get on the road? Will the system do anything automatically or do I need to worry about some check list?

[Skip426]

The slack adjusters have grease fitting to keep the ratchet mechanism working properly, as does the activation shaft to the " S " cam that works the brake shoes. I'll see if I can down load the check list that describes the method to test proper operation.

[stuhly]

Still need to check occasionally to make sure slack adjusters are working.

[Skip426]

Originally Posted by palehorse89

I had a beer in one hand also Skip

Beer in this time zone , DW would kill me, 5 hrs and 15 mins to beer time here.

[cucotx]

Originally Posted by Skip426

The slack adjusters have grease fitting to keep the ratchet mechanism working properly, as does the activation shaft to the " S " cam that works the brake shoes. I'll see if I can down load the check list that describes the method to test proper operation.

Cool. Thanks for the info. Looking forward to more information.

I found this introductory info that others may find useful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrEa9z2gZ24

[deandec]

Do a search for the DOT pre-trip air brake tests that are part of the CDL license procedure.

Pumping the brake air down is part of that test for low air alarms and air recovery.

I am given to understand that the pumping process also tunes the slack adjusters.