Disc Brake owners

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by markdoane

Craig,

My experience with the old Kelsey Hayes brake controllers was that they had a built in failure mode detector.

When they leak you know about it immediately, because your left knee is wet from leaking brake fluid. If you don't fix it immediately, your shoe fills up with brake fluid and you make a squishing sound when you walk.

Darned effective alarm system wasn't it? LMFAO

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by uncleneal

The 1990 installation manual for my "old" Kelsey Hayes hydraulic/electric brake controller states that "All Kelsey hydraulic actuated electric brakes controllers require less than .02 cubic inches (0.3 cubic centimeters) of fluid from the master cylinder. The actuating cylinder is rated for 5000 psi." Also that it is compatable with anti-lock brakes on trucks and vans, and gives a T fitting chart for 1990 and older vehicles.

This was less than 16 years ago. I wonder if K-H was unaware that it had been illegal to install their controllers for over 14 years when they printed these instructions.

Neal

We all have to remember what state Andy has his business in. No dastardly black assault rifles, no driving an RV without a special license, no driving the Motorhome off the interstate in some locales and probably no picking your nose in public if the "powers that be" have their way. Kalifornia has a strange way at looking at liability.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Tapping into any hydraulic brake line is also "not recommended" by all of the auto manufacturers that install ABS braking systems.

They say, that it will interfer with the proper brake operation.

We had one customer, that confirmed that they voided his brake warranty.

Andy

[markdoane]

Andy,

If you're referring to the old Kelsey Hayes brake controllers, that may be true. I don't think it's true for the newer models.

The Magnuson-Moss act protects consumers from having their warranties "voided", unless the product is proven to be the direct cause of the failure. The add-on device must also be explicitly prohibited in the owners manual.

Regardless, it is very "common", for dealers to void warranties, just to improve their profits. They make more money off of "you", than they do off the "manufacturer"

[Inland RV Center, In]

ABS braking systems are fantastic.

My life depended on it, and it came through, otherwise I would have simply slid into a wreck.

Why oh why the, would anyone want to tinker with that system, that could render it useless.

But on the other hand, some will, simply because it's there.

Not me, as a pilot, a believe and promote "maximum" safety.

If someone wants to live on the edge, or lean way over it, that is certain their freedom of choice.

Andy

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

. . . . . Why oh why the, would anyone want to tinker with that system, that could render it useless.

But on the other hand, some will, simply because it's there. . . . .

Andy

Andy,

I don't think the idea is to render it useless. And certainly no-one would do it 'simply because it's there'.

Would you even consider that there's more than just "your way, or the highway". It seems to me a lot of people have tried this system and found it to be safer/quicker/more responsive than the inertial system.

Is it just possible the Brakesmart system is safer? Or is that not even worth your consideration.

[Mike Lewis]

It was my understanding Airstream was to start puting disc brakes on all "Classic" models begining Feb1/05. We had a 25' Classic in transit when I got this info. after the feb date. Wondering if ours would have the new system I called the factory. Was told they were on hold for 6-8 weeks. Also the suggested list for ours was $59.995, I notice they are now $59,000 plus--suppose this reflects the cost of the new system.
Pieman

[Happycampers]

LeeC, you are right. I was thinking, that it did not take any extra fluid to operate, it just has a sensor in the line. Marvin

[Inland RV Center, In]

We strive to help the average Airstream owner, with safe and simply methods.

There are those that choose to go into elaborate systems or equipment, because that's their choice. My hat is off to them.

If an individual makes a mistake, so be it.

If a dealer made the same mistake, they will be in court, very quickly. It is in that context, that we must exercise due caution, with not only our installations, but recommendations as well.

California is a very law suit happy place, or better put, it's the land of the free, brave and sued.

Maybe Arnie can fix that too.

Andy

[Coastalview]

Well put Andy, wouldn't be surprised in the future that in Ca., only a certified facility will be the only ones to hitch and unhitch your trailer for you. Jeff

I think Arnie is working on away to tax humans on the cubic feet of air we inhale each year.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by Coastalview

I think Arnie is working on away to tax humans on the cubic feet of air we inhale each year.

No. But we are imposing a "user fee" on exhaled carbon dioxide. It's a Kyoto thing.

[Action]

Gentlemen,

This thread is riding on the edge of being nice. Back down, or the thread will be closed.

>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[Inland RV Center, In]

LeeC

Airstream also uses the same exact components that we do.

Therefore, our kit is Airstream factory approved.

A lawsuit could, I suppose happen, if a poor installation was made. About the same as with anything else. Poor workmanship should carry penalties.

For that matter, simply installing new style oval magnet brakes, could bring a lawsuit as well.

Frivolous lawsuits are almost becoming a thing of the past.

The question with respect to disc brakes, would be the quality of the materials and workmanship.

All businesses today, are subject to lawsuits. It has become an additional cost of doing business. Some businesses do their homework, some do not.

It's those that don't do their homework, that usually wind up in court.

Andy

[fastrob]

Discs or drums?
Planning a frame up restoration on our Tradewind.
When it comes time to do the axles is there a clear advantage to one or the other?
We seek the most durable and reliable setup, with a thought about keeping weight down.
I like simple things.
Comments?

[Action]

Rob,

Disc are superior to drums in operation. Less moving parts to fail, simple operation, less prone to fade, quicker stops, could be lighter than drums, friction material replacement should be less expensive.

Possible draw backs:
More expensive inital cost.
Adapting to an axle that was set up for drums will involve more difficult installation.
Possible over kill on a small trailer. Drums may be fine for your load.

>>>>>>>>>>>Action

[Inland RV Center, In]

Action.

Installing disc brakes on old axles, is a function of the bearing numbers.

If the old bearing numbers are 25580 and LM67048, then the disc brakes, at least the kits that we have, will directly fit the spindle and brake mounting flange.

We agree, that to retro fit with disc brakes, does require a large investment. Alittle over half of it, is for just the actuator.

However, it does give the Airstream owner, the ability to have the best brakes, on the best trailer ever made.

At this point, we are shipping disc brake kits out at the rate of 4 per week.
The kits are also in demand by some owners when they replace their axles.
The interest seems to be tremendous.

Andy

[Coastalview]

Andy, I think I may have asked you prior about the utilization to use, and the ability to purchase just the actuator for earlier disc braked units, but I can't recall your answer. Thanks, Jeff

[Inland RV Center, In]

Coastalview.

The new style actuator works great with the original Airstream disc brake system.

Plus being much smaller, you can mount it under the front lounge, or in an access compartment.

Andy

[Coastalview]

Thanks Andy, do you have a seperate part number for just the actuator? Thanks again, Jeff

[Inland RV Center, In]

Coastalview.

The actuator is posted in the "parts sale" section of our web site,
www.inlandrv.com/parts

Part number 86400

Andy