Vacuum source for hydraulic brakes

Coastalview · 08-25-2002, 10:12 AM

Hi everyone!,this being my first post,I hope this info could be of use. I recently purchased a 1978 28 ft. Airstream with the hydraulic brake system. At first glance,I realized that the system seemed to be fairly complex,looked like something from the 50's and wasn't sure of its operation. My first consideration was my ability to tow it without the vacuum connection for the brake system,and towing it with my diesel pickup. These two concerns weighed in my thoughts as I pulled away with this new purchase in tow,with a six hundred mile return trip home. My first consideration that my truck could handle the additional weight, if I drove conseravitively,second thought was my trucks ability to supply vacuum to the trailer brake system. My truck has a mechanical vacuum pump driven by the engine, and at best, this pump does a good job of keeping up with the demand that it serves, but didn't believe that any additional vacuum load would be a good idea. Searching the web, I discovered a few inovations resulting from others with vacuum problems. I'm currently using a used vacuum pump from General Motors car, that I installed adjacent to the vacuum braking unit between the trailer frame rails. To this day, I have had no trouble with its ability to supply vacuum under braking conditions and the unit is automatic. I had considered the replacement unit that Andy at Inland RV. has availible, but my better half has a tight restriction on any funding this new project. Thanks inadvance for any replies,Jeff

mkeith54 · 08-25-2002, 11:09 AM

I think that i'd consider changeing over to electric brakes. In the long run I think that you'd be happier. If I recall right you can get new backing plates with all the parts installed and just swap them, you'd have to run new wiring to the brakes and add a controller.

Mike

Inland RV Center, In · 08-25-2002, 11:51 AM

Jeff. Electric brakes will never duplicate the job that the disc brakes offer.
Having a separate vacuum pump is OK, but if you pump the brakes, you will loose all the vacuum.
Secondly, towing without brakes, creates a liability should you ever hit someone. With as many foolish drivers that are on the highways today, should any one of the slam on their brakes or cut in front of you, you will never slow down in time, to avoid an accident. Any guard house attorney will take you to task for operating a travel trailer on a public highway unsafely. Your liability carrier will cringe at the thought.
Changing from the disc brakes to electric brakes costs far more that the "braker."

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

mkeith54 · 08-25-2002, 11:54 AM

Andy,

What about going to electric disc brakes? Seems to me then you have the best of both worlds.

Mike

Inland RV Center, In · 08-25-2002, 01:39 PM

Mike. That's what the "braker" does. It replaces the entire booster assembly that you now have, is electrically driven, and retains all of the hydraulic portion of the disc's.
Additionally the braker costs less overall than changing to the all electrics.

Andy
inlandrv.com
airstreamparts.com

Coastalview · 08-25-2002, 02:34 PM

Thanks for the fast responses, I"m working with fianance to allow me to buy the breaker unit from Andy at Inland RV. The principles of the the way I've corrected my delimia suits my needs,but as Andy mentioned, DOT may frown on my system of design,and I may suffer acordingly, if I ever had an accident. Thanks again for each of your insights,I can't think of a better built travel trailer,( my new purchase was sitting for 12 years uncovered,with no leaks,and everything still fucntioning) Try leaving another brand of trailer out for that long,and see if even the a floor remains! Jeff

davidz71 · 08-26-2002, 10:20 AM

Coastalview,
Andy has been right about the hydraulic/vacuum brakes. I have them on my '77 Excella 500 and they work great. I too listened to the comments from others about changing to electric brakes and received a price quote from the factory in Ohio of over $1000. You have a good system built into your trailer and the only modification I would make to it would be the "braker" system if an electric vacuum pump does not suit your needs. I've had my 31' trailer for over 15 months now and have put maybe 3000 miles on it since it's purchase. No problems with the brakes at all.