brakes

[rhodyrunwv]

Have a 1977 25' Airstream w' brake system involving a complex connection to the towing vehicle and engine vacuum. Is there a way to retrofit either surge brakes or electric control to the system? How do most people solve this problem?

[Jim Miller]

If you have the Vacume brake system don't change it!!! I sold my tow vehicle with out removing the vacume parts and could not replace them. I had to go to electric brakes this ment changing from disk braks to drum brakes. It is now a constant problem for me. The disk braks are not only very jerky they squeel so loud I have to turn them off around town. If anybody knows a solution I would appreciate it.
Jim

[Coastalview]

You may want to check out this previous thread http://www.airforums.com/forum...=8588#post8588

[Inland RV Center, In]

Jim Miller.

Which brakes are noisey? The disc or electric?

Andy

[Jim Miller]

Dear Andy,
The drum brakes are the ones that are noisey, and jerky!! I loved my disk brakes if there was a way to go back I would spend the $$
Jim

[Inland RV Center, In]

Jim Miller.

There is a way to go back as well as convert an original electric brake system to hydraulics.

The new system is far simpler than the old.

I am gathering the costs and procedure, but it will take a few more days.

I will post that information, when I have it completed.

Andy

[Jim Miller]

Thanks Andy,
Please include installation I am not far from your place. I have the 1978, 31' Exella 500 that Barry polished last year.
Jim

[davidz71]

Guys, I love the disc brakes on my '77 Excella 500. I've had the trailer for 3 yrs. and travelled close to 2000 miles with no problems. The vacuum hose arrangement that can be tapped into the engine manifold of a gas engine can be replaced with a Delco vacuum pump as a source and mounted on the tongue.

There is a source of parts that allows you to replace the entire booster system on the tongue of the trailer with a small vacuum pump/hydraulic unit that is connected directly to the hydraulic line of the trailer. I've seen a number of ways to do it. I'd rather do it that way than to go to electric drum brakes which definately are not superior to the disc brakes.