How well are the power brakes supposed to work?

[Dr.Theopolis]

I took my 1977 Argosy mh on a road trip recently - about 100 miles. I drove through lots of stop signs and stop lights. My foot was tired from pressing on the brake!!!

Are the power brakes supposed to be as effortless as in modern vehicles? If not, maybe my brakes are working at peak performance. But if so...maybe there is something wrong with my brake booster?

I don't have trouble stopping the thing in a hurry if I need to...I just have to press the brake pedal harder than I would like. It is very fatiguing after an hour of stop & go driving.

[guy99]

On my 1984 MH, the weight of my foot is enough to keep me from "creeping" at a stop.

The effort required to come to a stop from 30 MPH is moderate. Perhaps you idle is set a little high requiring more braking?

[nunya001]

Sounds like your torque converter is drifting back while stopped. I say this b/c you've stated that your stopping capabilities are good - next logical step is that your tq converter is applying power while you are stopped. You can test this by shifting into meutral while stopped and see if it makes a difference. Also momnitor your tranny temp gauge if you have one.

[bumaye1]

Hi, I also have a 77 argosy rear bath. My brakes are the same as yours. I made a 2800 mile round trip to Fl. last month. Interstate travel was nice, but stop and go ,my foot was tired.almost feels like a manual brake. I have checked and adjusted rear brakes, no difference. I am going to have my mechanic test drive, see if he feels this is normal. Sorry I could not give you an answer. If I find out anything on this I will let you know.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Dr.Theopolis

... Are the power brakes supposed to be as effortless as in modern vehicles? ...

A certain amount of "road feel" is important for any vehicle.

But there is no reason to think that any vehicle, whether it be truck, motorhome or automobile, should be a pain to stop if a power booster of some sort is installed.

Member thenewkid64 has a similar Argosy. You might want to send him a PM for more insight.

Tom

[TomW]

Originally Posted by bumaye1

Hi, I also have a 77 argosy rear bath. ...

Welcome to the forum.

I think it's great that your first post was trying to help someone else.

Kudos.

Tom

[kmpro]

Dr.T my experience with any P-30 chassis in a M/H is that the brakes are at best marginal. Every P-30 I have had since the 80's I have equipped with Brake Gard which gives markedly better brakes on the Chevy chassis. The current AS 310 I will equip with Brake Gard as soon as I get back to Denver where my shop tools are located. Every time I have put one on, I have been ever so pleased with the result. Recalling from memory, the stopping distance at 65 MPH is cut from 305 feet to 265 feet. Figures may not be exact, but % was about 30% shorter with the Brake Gard. A good margin of safety in any case.
Mike

[GlenCoombe]

I may not be the best test case as I drive my AS daily. I just replaced the rear rotors and just this afternoon had to put my foot down hard due to some traffic upset ahead. The result was equipment and paper file from my accordion folder all over the coach.

If you have to use more effort than you feel comfortable using then there has to be an underlying problem. As noted above it should be looked at and fixed so that it works as designed.

[gmehal]

Originally Posted by kmpro

Dr.T my experience with any P-30 chassis in a M/H is that the brakes are at best marginal. Every P-30 I have had since the 80's I have equipped with Brake Gard which gives markedly better brakes on the Chevy chassis. The current AS 310 I will equip with Brake Gard as soon as I get back to Denver where my shop tools are located. Every time I have put one on, I have been ever so pleased with the result. Recalling from memory, the stopping distance at 65 MPH is cut from 305 feet to 265 feet. Figures may not be exact, but % was about 30% shorter with the Brake Gard. A good margin of safety in any case.
Mike

How about a link to the Brake Gard you rave about?

Thanks

[gmehal]

Just found it: Brake Guard hd-400 | Automotive Braking System

Unfortunately looks like you cant order it online, must call. Looks like a great idea

[boondockdad]

Brake Guard Products, Inc.,

[guy99]

Originally Posted by finalcutjoe

Brake Guard Products, Inc.,

But see:

Dismissal | Brake Guard HD-400

[Keyair]

I read about this product when I got my M/H, and researched the product... Maybe it me but I could see no description on what it does or how it works...
I contacted them and they quoted me $400 for the system.
Anyone care to enlighten me on how it works?