Disc Brakes?

[J.Hemingway]

Little Edumacation please

Before I start I want to say WOW! Nice site and very nice people here. I have already learned a lot form some of the kind folks posting. Ok on to the Question:

I have spent a lot of time around hydrolic (sp?) brakes found on boat trailers, but no time with electric systems.

There are hydrolic drum syatems and disc systems used on boat trailers. The Disc systems I found to be very good systems. Are the boat trailer systems the same as the RV systems?

For the electrical drum brakes are there disc electrical systems or are they all vacume?

Pro's/con's of hydrolic on RV Trailers? (Boats it's obvious Electric brakes and water don't mix well).

Last but not least, I'm looking at a new 2002 or 2003 Safari 25, should I just not worrie abought it, the factorie brakes are fine?

Thank you in advance!

[thenewkid64]

Joshua,

Welcome to the forum!

Ok you asked for it so her we go. Newer And older models use an electric drum style system, they work fine, no need to worry regading the load as they as sized according to the trailer and you set how they engage with your brake controller.

In the 70's Airstream used a disc brake system on some of the larger units. They used a combination of Vacum, 12VDC and drake fluid to make them work. They are a little more work to set up, but I understand they work great. You would not be able to tow one of these with a Diesel unless you add a vacum pump.

If you buy a used unit you just need to check the shoes, drums or have a compent mechanic do so. The parts are available and can be bought at most trailer repair places.


Let us know how you search goes we love to enjoy others stories.

[davidz71]

Joshua,
If you are looking at a newer Airstream then you will find them with electric brakes. Brett is right; any trailer repair place, including horse trailers, usually carries brake parts. I'm one of those 31' Airstream owners who has the hydraulic/vacuum brake systems and really like it. You have to understand the system to really appreciate it. Some individuals recommend changing it out to an electric drum system because parts are available only at a few locals i.e. Inland RV in CA. rather than just out on the road. I'm not worried at all. There is a new system out that Andy at www.inlandrv.com is aware of that mounts on the tongue of a hydravac trailer and replaces the need for a vacuum hookup from the vehicle. Some owners with diesels have used a vacuum pump from the Buick Grand National and other vacuum pumps found at auto parts stores.