Airstream, according to Larry Huttle, will no longer install disc brakes on any production model trailers.
If you need to or wish to add the disc brakes, to any new or older trailer, we carry complete disc brake kits in stock, that include brackets, steel tubing, Carlisle actuators, Kodiak caliper and rotor kits, along with the proper grease.
I strongly recommend doing this upgrade. I came within literal inches of an accident towing my trailer with it's old drum brakes. I can't describe the feelings of helplessness and dread I had while standing on the brakes and the unit just not stopping. Still get the shivers thinking about it.
That was the moment I decided to do the upgrade.
My brake kit was ordered from Andy by another trailer restorer. Myself and a friend had it done in a day.
My kit had everything and it is a simple procedure requiring a few common tools.
The upsides are that now not only can the trailer stop the truck easily the whole unit stops in about the same distance as the truck alone. Trailer brake fade is a thing of the past too.
Another plus is that the disc hubs are balanced unlike the drum hubs so after you install the disc brakes you can balance your wheels and give your trailer a nice vibration free ride.
The main reason I would urge you to do this if you are on the fence is that if you can stop your rig instead of hitting some fool who blindly pulls out in front of you like happened to me. You will save thousands and thousands in repairs or worse injury to you or a family member.
I strongly recommend doing this upgrade. I came within literal inches of an accident towing my trailer with it's old drum brakes. I can't describe the feelings of helplessness and dread I had while standing on the brakes and the unit just not stopping. Still get the shivers thinking about it.
The same situation, or worse, we predict, will happen to owners who down grade the 12 inch electric brakes, to 10 inch electric brakes.
Safety should never be compromized, or it's margin decreased, for the sake of a few dollars savings.
say, Andy, can new axles be purchased with disc brake systems on them? and the discs-are they hydraulic? or electric? do the disc's require a surge type of master cylinder?
thanks
say, Andy, can new axles be purchased with disc brake systems on them? and the discs-are they hydraulic? or electric? do the disc's require a surge type of master cylinder?
thanks
New axles are shipped bare from Ohio, and we ship the disc brake kit from California.
Or, we ship the bare axles and the disc brake kit from California.
It depends on what state someone lives in, so as to minimize freight costs.
Shipping axles with rotors mounted on them, is a no no, since the rotors are exposed and could be damaged. Freight lines can be very rough with some items.
We ship the axles on a pallet, with the disc brake parts in boxes, that are fastened to the pallet as well.
Disc brakes for an Airstream trailer, operate from a "brake controller" that's mounted in the tow vehicle.
Disc brakes are controlled by an "actuator" that applies the hydraulic pressure to the calipers. The actuator is powered by 12 volts DC, and is told what to do, and when, by the controller that's in the tow vehicle. The brake controller is activated when you apply pressure to the brake pedal, or manually, any time you may choose.
Surge brakes are an extreme HAZARD for travel trialers, since you cannot apply the brakes "at your command".
Airstream (if this is true) should be installing disk breaks as standard! The fact that they are now not even doing it as a option is not good ;( The product line keeps gaining in weight so why would not want the best in safety? Airstream is more worried in west coast coppers (which by the way came with disk breaks) than travel trailers....
hi Andy, did Airstream ( through Larry Huttle) say why they are no longer installing disc brakes at the factory?
__________________ CJ The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.-Eleanor Roosevelt It is never too late to be who you might have been.-George Eliot
hi Andy, did Airstream ( through Larry Huttle) say why they are no longer installing disc brakes at the factory?
No he did not.
But I happen to know that they had way too much trouble with whatever they were doing with the disc's along with wrong wheels, when disc's were installed.
Maybe in time, when more info surfaces, they will do it again.
The kits are easy to install, as many have already done.
But, any owner can do it without Airstream's assistance.
I find the superior braking performance of disc-brake system attractive...
That having said, I see 2 (minor) disadvantages.
1) I have to make space for the actuator, meaning I need to give up some storage space from interior (probably under the front gaucho?)
2) I need to change and bleed the brake fluid (nasty!) every few years. I have to find a way to pump out the old fluid and also bleed out from all (2/4/6) calipers.
With regular elecro-magnetic drum brakes, the maintenance is much easier and quicker: 1. wirebrush off crud/dirt, 2. check/adjust shoe clearance, 3. check/swap return springs.
I find the superior braking performance of disc-brake system attractive...
That having said, I see 2 (minor) disadvantages.
1) I have to make space for the actuator, meaning I need to give up some storage space from interior (probably under the front gaucho?)
Surely you could afford to give up the space of a loaf of bread.
We encourage owners to install the actuator in one of the access compartments, and not under the front window, whenever possible. And there are other places as well, such as under the closet false floor, under the galley cabinet, under a bed, etc.
The actuator can be placed in many different places, and the closer to the axles, the better, as the amount of steel tubing is then minimized.
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