Actibrake vs ?????

[SteveH]

Our '08 34 SO is equipped with the Actibrake activator, it has been "checked" when the recall work was done on the brake hoses, and it works, sort of. Basically, I don't think it's working correctly, or as well as it should.

The tech that did the recall work at a dealer close did a horrible job of bleeding the brakes, and when I left there had about a five second delay in the trailer brakes application after the truck brakes were applied. I re-bled the brakes a couple of times, the delay got a lot less, but the system still is lacking performance, IMHO. (I base this opinion on no other experience with electric over hydraulic brakes, only how I perceive they should work)

So, for those that have replaced the Actibrake with another brand of activator, did you notice a decrease in brake application delay? What brand of activator do you have?

I don't mind spending the money and time converting to another activator if there is an improvement, but don't want to spend money with no improvement.

All input appreciated.

[AtomicNo13]

We use a Carlisle 1600 in both our 34's. Like them a lot.

[switz]

We installed the Titan BrakeRite II SD system in the original battery box on the Classic when converting to disc brakes. After the installation, driving involved intermittent length pauses before the trailer brakes worked and then they would nearly lock up. After a very disconcerting driving experience through the mountains coming home, we bled the brakes again and the issue continued regardless of the truck settings.

Unknown to both the installer and me before the installation, the Titan BrakeRite II SD and the Titan BrakeRite II RF model are completely incompatible with the 2012 (and perhaps other years as well) Dodge factory brake controller even when in electric over hydraulic mode. A Titan representative continued by saying that the original BrakeRite EHB model should be okay with the factory controller by Dodge and others.

Since swapping the brake controller hardware is a major operation on our trailer with the new Lifeline batteries box, I will be installing the DirecLink NE brake controller when I return stateside along with upgrading the +12Vdc black and -12Vdc white wires to marine grade #10 one pair wire directly from the battery to the seven wire connection on the back of the truck. The DirecLine installation instructions are very adamant about a good ground going to the battery. So it's positive and negative power leads will also be taken directly to the battery with marine #10 wire. This is the same two conductor wire we used for each of the eight the solar panels on the roof of the trailer going into a junction box.

The existing BrakeRite II pump is wired with #10 wire directly to the trailer's battery bus (12Vdc and 600 amp-hours) for power so there is no pump power supply issue.

My backup brake controller if the DirecLink has issues will be a Prodigy P3 with their 3021-P converter cable for 2010-2012 Dodge trucks.

If the Titan BrakeRite equipment remains problematic, I will switch it out for the Tuson brake pump and I know it will work the Tuson DirecLink brake controller.

If I knew then what I know now, we would have just installed the Tuson system as their pump would easily have fitted into the old battery box with room even for their ABS control module. But the ABS module requires completely different brake assemblies plus an individual brake line to each wheel.

Another very expensive learning experience.....

[4RXLA]

Carlisle 1600

[Chipster]

Carlisle 1600 / Maxbrake controller.
Perfect ! Never a Hensley Bump, trailer and truck act as one unit. I thought that the Prodigy was great until I bought the Maxbrake Controller, what a difference a controller makes.
I understand that Maxbrake is not available, but there are others that use the same technology. Sensing the brake fluid from the master cylinder electronically, like the old Kelsey Hayes units from a bygone era did physically.
Google Maxbrake and do a little research as to how and why that type of controller is the best. [pricey, but well worth the investment, about $500. as I recall. Considering one's total investment in truck/trailer, what's another $500 to bring everything together in harmony ?
Chip

[switz]

By connecting the dots across several different manufactures and dealers websites, I have discovered that the DirecLink by Tuson and the Prodigy P3 use the same vehicle adapter cables by specific vehicle models and years.

[SteveH]

"So, for those that have replaced the Actibrake with another brand of activator, did you notice a decrease in brake application delay? What brand of activator do you have?"

Although I appreciate everyone's input about what activator you are using, no one has yet stated they changed from Actibrake to another brand, and what improvement if any there has been.

Anyone?

[AtomicNo13]

With the Carlisle there is zero delay. If I had to replace them today, it would definately be with more 1600's

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

With the Carlisle there is zero delay. If I had to replace them today, it would definately be with more 1600's

Did you switch from an Actibrake to a Carlisle?

[AtomicNo13]

No, both coaches were retrofitted with disc brakes. I had previous experience with the Carlisle products. I really didn't consider anything else based on past performance.

[GCinSC2]

Steve,

Any updates?

If the updated hoses are just longer hoses that cures the kinking issue but they don't offer any real solution for effective inboard caliper side bleeding.

Regards,

Gary

[SteveH]

Yes, the recall is just longer hoses and one different fitting along with checking the Activator unit. It does nothing to address the brake bleeding issues. On a rally this weekend and noticed on the way down Thursday the more the brakes were used, the stronger the became.

[switz]

Sometimes the discs create surface rust when idle for a few weeks that gets rubbed off with use. I usually see that surface rust when my car is left at the airport for a couple of weeks.

[GCinSC2]

Steve,

Surface rust goes away with applying the brakes, we all see that on stored vehicles. but delay is your root issue, right?

Would you like to borrow my pressure gauge setup and do your own test of time vs. PSI? This is a static test only, then video the test and if you have any video editing software, you can see the audio track vs. the gauge response. I don't have any factory specs just my own results.

Gary

[dznf0g]

I still have my (non- recalled, I believe) Actibrake version 2. I would like to offer my theoretical input, drawing on my knowledge of automotive hydraulic power brake systems.
I haven't done my own research on competitive brands of actuators, so I am looking for input, as well as links to be posted to manuals and info relative to operational descriptions.

My belief is that the only way to have no lag time upon application is to incorporate a high pressure accumulator (like autos) so when the pedal is applied you already have pressurized fluid at the ready for brake pad application. Bleeding helps, of course, but the lag time to build pressure creates a delayed application.

[4RXLA]

I agree even after bleeding there is a brief lag. Perhaps if the actuator was positioned closer to the wheels there would be no lag?

[AtomicNo13]

I have no noticible lag/ delay with mine. When I hit the brakes, my trailer stops..... better than my truck.

[switz]

There seems to be a challenge in these trailer brake pump designs that relates to how fast it pressures the system as well as the feathering, if you will, of how much pressure is generated. Reading other information on line there are many variations on the theme of these brake conversions from drum brakes.

From the sounds I hear, the Titan pump on our unit must be a fixed speed motor and a electronically controlled pressure relief valve does the modulation of pressure based upon the signal coming down the blue wire. So this interaction plays into the issues of any air in the line and the mechanical issue of uneven retraction of the brake pucks due to lateral movement forces on the wheels (scrubbing the tires) when making turns that slightly move the pucks inwards.

This chain of thought would lead one to think we have different "gaps" between the discs and the brake pads as another variable on how quickly brake action starts.

I will become more informed Tuesday when I bypass the Dodge factory brake controller using a DirecLink brake controller.

[GCinSC2]

Stationary I can press slightly on the brake and hear the Carlisle at a low starting growl or press harder and you hear it ramp up. This is also the Maxbrake doing its job of responding to the brake system pressure.

[SteveH]

We are on a rally this weekend, but on the way here I timed the delay several times and it seems to be right at one second.

While visiting with a friend in the club I learned his 2000 34' SO has Kelsey Hayes caliper which are single piston and so do not have the issues with bleeding as the later model brakes.