[Coastalview]

Hi everyone!,this being my first post,I hope this info could be of use. I recently purchased a 1978 28 ft. Airstream with the hydraulic brake system. At first glance,I realized that the system seemed to be fairly complex,looked like something from the 50's and wasn't sure of its operation. My first consideration was my ability to tow it without the vacuum connection for the brake system,and towing it with my diesel pickup. These two concerns weighed in my thoughts as I pulled away with this new purchase in tow,with a six hundred mile return trip home. My first consideration that my truck could handle the additional weight, if I drove conseravitively,second thought was my trucks ability to supply vacuum to the trailer brake system. My truck has a mechanical vacuum pump driven by the engine, and at best, this pump does a good job of keeping up with the demand that it serves, but didn't believe that any additional vacuum load would be a good idea. Searching the web, I discovered a few inovations resulting from others with vacuum problems. I'm currently using a used vacuum pump from General Motors car, that I installed adjacent to the vacuum braking unit between the trailer frame rails. To this day, I have had no trouble with its ability to supply vacuum under braking conditions and the unit is automatic. I had considered the replacement unit that Andy at Inland RV. has availible, but my better half has a tight restriction on any funding this new project. Thanks inadvance for any replies,Jeff