Upgrade to Disc Brakes

[Pahaska]

Originally Posted by Lipets

If the factory wants that, figure half as much elsewhere.

I paid just about $2400 at Weatherford. They did use a bit better material than the factory (plated instead of powder coated calipers), but condidering the hours of labor and the material, you will not get the conversion for much less anywhere.

You could do it yourself and save a lot on labor. The labor was essentially one tech for a full day. I pulled into the shop at noon and left at noon the next day. I watched every minute of the conversion and there was no time wasted. Lots of tubing to measure, cut, and flare.

[Silvertwinkie]

Originally Posted by Lipets

If the factory wants that, figure half as much elsewhere.

I'm not sure about that...I seem to recall reading that there are other places that can do it, but I'm not sure they did it for half of Airstream's $2400 price. If I could get a quality disc brake system for $1200 installed, I'd consider it more when it came time to do brake work, then when replacing axles.

Anyone comment if this is true or not?

I have a brand new actuator if anyone wants to buy it . It came on my 2007 Classic. Acubrake told me it wasn't completly compatable with the tow command brake controller on my 2006 F350 .Up until 2005 it was fine but the software was somehow changed on the 2006. It made a trip from N.J. to maryland and was changed out before the trailer moved again.Nothing at all wrong with it. It's the one on the right.

[Mike Lewis]

Originally Posted by Craftsman

I have a brand new actuator if anyone wants to buy it . It came on my 2007 Classic. Acubrake told me it wasn't completly compatable with the tow command brake controller on my 2006 F350 .Up until 2005 it was fine but the software was somehow changed on the 2006. It made a trip from N.J. to maryland and was changed out before the trailer moved again.Nothing at all wrong with it. It's the one on the right.

How much $$$$$$ and how would I get it----Pieman
PM me if you would--thanks

[uwe]

Having towed trailers that were similar in weight, one with drums and one with discs, I am definitely endorsing the disc brake upgrade.
Aside from the increase in brake performance, ther is a certain smoothness and feel to the brakes now that I have never experienced with drum brakes.
This includes towing with 1 ton and 1/2 ton vehicles.
Just this morning I helped a friend hitch up her new CCD Bambi and adjusted her brake controller, thinking the whole time that I am glad that I chose hydraulic discs over electric drums.
Electric drum brakes work ok. Hydraulic disc brakes work great!

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

I'm not sure about that...I seem to recall reading that there are other places that can do it, but I'm not sure they did it for half of Airstream's $2400 price. If I could get a quality disc brake system for $1200 installed, I'd consider it more when it came time to do brake work, then when replacing axles.

Anyone comment if this is true or not?

$1650.00, will get you a tandem disc brake setup.

Andy

[pmclemore]

As for the comment about getting it done at the factory - my experience with them has been very good. Everything they have done for me has been done very economically and expertly. And what's not to like about the terraport and the factory tour?

I would encourage any of you who find yourselves in need of repair work to consider them.

Pat

[LI Pets]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

$1650.00, will get you a tandem disc brake setup.

Andy

What would exactly be included in that price?

If that's all the parts it sounds pretty good

[axleman]

I have provided a link:
Ultimate Series Disc Brake Trailer Axle Kits

Be sure to browse the rest of the sight also. As the Kodiak parts are available by the piece also. There is a lot of labor involved.

When I was an Axleman it usually took between 4-6 hours for a tandem axle trailer. For a non Axleman (do it yourselfer) plan on twice that.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Henry

[JimGolden]

Bob, I don't have any drums to give you, but I'll give you the old disk setup, along with the shocks, and the axles. Heck, you can have the whole frame once I get the new one made

[Silvertwinkie]

I'll keep that in mind when the time comes. Who knows, I may trade my 25' Been looking at a 31' Dinette for a while now....and it already has discs.

[rluhr]

Bob, I would have happily given you my old drums when we upgraded to discs last May. But I ditched them at Roger Williams Airstream, where we had the conversion done. Hey, check with David Tidmore there -- he may still have them!

I'm happy to be rid of them. Never again do I want to see drums on a heavy trailer that I'm towing. On the Safari 30 (at about 8000 lbs loaded), the brake fade of four 12" drum brakes was unacceptable to me. With discs the performance is nothing short of amazing. My next trailer -- whatever that is -- will have them too!

[Road Ruler]

Im with rluhr. Our brakes will soon be needing a workover . It will be discs for us.

Without a doubt, anyone interested in optimal performance and safety will be on the disc bandwagon.

[FrenchBern]

Jim Golden, I am very interested in your old axles if you still have them. If possible I would like to call you.