Hi! Just bought a 78 Excella 500 with vacuum brakes..

[NevadaGeo]

Hi from Nevada. I just bought a good shape 78 Excella 500. Seems to have vacuum power disc brakes. Anybody know of a vacuum pump to make vacuum for this machine? My 97 Chevy 3500 has power steering pump assisted brakes, and E's 01 Chevy 2500 Diesel also doesn't have much of a vacuum capacity.
How do we make vacuum to run the "new, improved, 1978 vacuum boost" trailer brakes? A DC vacuum pump out there anywhere?
Thanks
Perry

Also, I hoped to use this out in Nevada doing geology, I'll need to put a lift kit to raise it off the axles a bunch. Looks like the water tank extends below the axles several inches. Looks like should be able to raise the trailer with a steel plate at the two axle bolts and shock hanger bolt. Anybody done that?
Thanks again!

[NevadaGeo]

I'm getting into some of the old threads on here about the same vacuum brake question, looks like lots of information to study on this site to start with.
Thanks again.

[Zeppelinium]

At least one member has used air ride cushions to raise his Airstream, maybe 6-8". There's at least one commercial outfit in the midwest that does this. A search might turn up the thread.

I just picked up a Safari with the same vintage vacumm disk system. Other members have recommeded to convert the system to pump-driven hydraulic, using the Acitbrake actuator. If you decide to go that direction, save the vacuum system parts for members who are maintaining theirs. It seems that the pads and pistons are still available, but not the stuff up front.

Zep

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by NevadaGeo

I'm getting into some of the old threads on here about the same vacuum brake question, looks like lots of information to study on this site to start with.
Thanks again.

We have the repair parts for the original vacuum disc brakes.

Before you consider a lift kit, what is the condition of your axles at this time?

What is the position of the torsion arms?

The following will help you check out the axles.

Dura Torque Axle

Andy

[Zeppelinium]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

...Before you consider a lift kit, what is the condition of your axles at this time?

...

Andy

Good call, Andy!

Zep

[NevadaGeo]

Thanks guys. I didn't know a thing about torsion arms before. Looks like I have a high "positive" angle on the torsion arms, not a good thing. I'll Check into it later in the daylite.
Perry