Please be advised that we have just learned that "ACTIBRAKE" is no longer in business as of a very few days ago.
We have talked with Airstream, and they too, are in search of a "equal to" replacement.
We have researched and found that a company called Carlisle Industrial Brake and Friction, with their "Hyrdastar" models of disc brake actuators, meet all DOT and federal braking requirements.
We have also learned that their actuator, meets high standards of "on the road" performance.
Their kit comes complete with installation instructions.
Accordingly, we have immediately ordered them for our inventory, and will change our web site information within a few days.
It is interesting that even though they are "fast activating", that there still is a 1 to almost 2 second lag time in coming to 1/2 pressure. I guess that's just inherent in the design (Actibrake had the same thing).
I do like their remote control electronic brake controller... it seems the brains are on the trailer side.. there's a remote control device that just plugs into your cigarette lighter that's portable from truck to truck. Now one can rent a truck and not have to worry if there's a brake controller inside....
Marc
We have a model year 2006 30' classic with the ActiBrake electric/hydraulic brake system.
We wish to purchase a model year 2010 Ford F-250 to pull this trailer. Our question is " Will the Ford integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) work with the ActiBrake system?"
We have gotten conflicting answers to this question. Is there anyone out there that has such a system working with the Ford ITBC?
I would greatly appreciate feedback on other owner's experience.
Nick, We have the same problem with a 25ft. o6. I talked to airstream they said it would not work and did not tell me about a conversion kit. I talket to two Ford dealerships they were no help. I also want to buy the 2010 Ford -250. and be able to use the built in break controller.
I wish that were true. But unfortuntely I've already been through two Actibrake controllers. One Actibrake simply stopped working, mid-tow, and the other went on full and wouldn't turn off right in the campground. We had to cut the wire to get the darned thing to turn off. See reports here:
Andy, you might be selling more replacement actuators than you think! I liked the guys at Actibrake a lot too, and their customer service was excellent, but in my opinion a safety device like a brake actuator needs to have a 99.99999% uptime. The Actibrakes didn't cut it in my experience. If/when the current one (#3) fails, I'll give Carlisle a try.
Based on feedback from this forum, the Airstream factory, a local Ford dealer, and Ford Motor company, we have ordered the Ford F-250 without the Ford ITBC. When the truck arrives, we are going to install a Hensley TruControl Gold TBC. This decision is based on Hensley's position that their controller will work on the Actibrake system, and if I cannot get the controller to work satisfactorily, then I can return it for a full refund.
Let us know how and if it works because i would sure like to find a unit that will work. Did you find out if the brake controller is interfaced with the tow-hall mode...
I installed Kodiak brakes with a Carlyle actuator and it works great. Thanks Andy for the advice on the interferance problem with Airstream aluminum wheels, I used 1/4" spacers and it took care of the problem. Towing my 1977 23' Safari with a Honda Pilot. My last trip was to Highland Haven in VA. up the Blue Ridge Parkway and other mountain roads and the performance was great.
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