Disc brakes

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Goin camping

And I would have agreed with that right up until that lady ran the red light in front of me. Sometimes no matter how far we plan ahead or how safely we drive. Bad things happen.

I also have to admit that by nature I am a fan of anything that makes me go faster or stop better.

And a drag chute would offer little help, when you have to stop, short of that dime, NOW !!!

Andy

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

...This thread is a scare tactic / sales pitch.

But if Airstream or the O.P. would fly to England and repair this Man's Airstream with disc brakes that has not worked correctly since new, approximately three years now...

while i agree with the first notion in this quote,

the latter member/owner (post 21 & 26) "brake issue" report is JUST as misleading...

since the poster is SKIPPING the details leading UP 2 the brake issues.

as i recall (and please correct as needed)...

-the trailer brakes were damaged during TRANSPORT to the uk (piston/caliper/pad issue)

-and fixed by the UK a/s vendor which is the 'factory shop' across the pond.

-the usa SPEC'd ford tbc controller was REMOVED before ever TRYING to use it and i'm still not clear HOW that was done.

-some other controller installed again locally.

-the USA SPEC'd trailer was plugged in and used on euro wiring/current.

-the actibrake unit was replaced TWICE early and before the caliper issue was corrected.

-the 3rd actibrake failed while/after being plugged into UK SHORE POWER...

-after NOT having good results with the aftermarket controller an OEM ford tbc was reinstalled LOCALLY

((given the ford tbc is master cylinder based i'd love to see HOW they took it out, then put it back))

--NOW that the truck is back 2 normal
--AND the original caliper/disc/pad replaced (that was damaged in transport)
--AND the wiring corrected

---the brakes work fine...
__________________

so neither of these posters is providing the complete story and EACH to their OWN advantage....

which is somewhat COMMON in forum cyberspace.
__________________

so let me do the same (or opposite)

on my trailer/tv combo which came from the assembly line WITH discs in early 2005...

the system has been TOTALLY trouble free and functions JUST LIKE the disc systems on all my carz n stuff.

total cost of required service/care during 4.5 years and 70,000 miles towing...

ONE brake fluid change.

(pads were changed BUT really didn't NEED 2 b...) and the truck pads are still originals.

but then again even some of my bicycles have hydraulic disc brakes too.

the pads, calipers, pistons and rotors are a slightly different size but superior in use and totally trouble free.

cheers
2air'

[2airishuman]

i failed to INCLUDE (edit expired) this link to WK57ABF's braking saga...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...ems-43841.html

it's not the complete story but pretty inclusive.

and clearly reflects the frustration of dealing with usa made/spec'd stuff a LONG way from the factory....

and having 'local tweaks' not always help so much...

it also includes POSITIVE REPORTS about the SUPPORT and HELP that a/s and actibrake supplied...

and the chin UP, positive resolve of a euro 'streamer to keep 'streaming....

and despite it all remain happy about owning a ford/as big rig combo in a place where compact caravans are the rule..

cheers
2air'

[WK57ABF]

2air,

Post 42-43. No I didn't provde the complete story - it's long and painful.

I received virtually no help from the "factory shop", who were just importers, so had to resolve the problem direct with Airstream and Actibrake, plus guidance from this forum.

As you say, the problem was not resolved by the process of elimination - my fault - however, since fourth Actibrake was fitted we have been troublefree.
It is a pleasure to travel with our outfit. Disc brakes are great.

I only discovered "tow haul" about 12 months ago - thought it was just a lower gear. Sure wish I'd known about this feature during our long drives with no brakes. Should have read the truck manual properly!!!

John in the UK

[frlcad5]

For some folks this may bore you! but those who may have some interest in upgrading your somewhat lacking drum brakes, here are some of my pictures.

[Secguru]

I did not see a response to Astroboy's question about time lag on disk brakes. I'm very interested in upgrading my 1998 34' Excella 1000 (9800 lbs loaded) to disk brakes. The following questions apply:
- Do disk brakes weigh more? (approximately how much?)
- Is there a time lag?
One is obviously interested in trailer brakes engaging before the TV brakes if possible, or certainly not later. Panic stops!!! Would this be a problem? More info please from Andy and 2air whose opinions I value both, or others in the know.

Be kind to everyone,
Secguru

[Goin camping]

Originally Posted by Secguru

I did not see a response to Astroboy's question about time lag on disk brakes. I'm very interested in upgrading my 1998 34' Excella 1000 (9800 lbs loaded) to disk brakes. The following questions apply:
- Do disk brakes weigh more? (approximately how much?)
- Is there a time lag?
One is obviously interested in trailer brakes engaging before the TV brakes if possible, or certainly not later. Panic stops!!! Would this be a problem? More info please from Andy and 2air whose opinions I value both, or others in the know.

Be kind to everyone,
Secguru

The lag on mine is less than a second. I've never noticed any adverse effect from the delay even in emergency stops.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Secguru

I did not see a response to Astroboy's question about time lag on disk brakes. I'm very interested in upgrading my 1998 34' Excella 1000 (9800 lbs loaded) to disk brakes...

hi sec'

THIS THREAD is in the "vendor's forum" u need to figure out what that means to YOU and why.
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IF u wanna discuss brake upgrades, user experience or other issues related...

try ANY one of these threads or ALL of them...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...kes-28403.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...kes-36335.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...zed-28585.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...ade-41447.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...sic-27779.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...ers-16852.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f439...kes-30627.html
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read those and BUMP one of those threads with your questions...

all of those threads are USER focused on HELPING and UNDERSTANDING the d/b issue...

if you don't find the answers to YOUR questions about this issue in those,

BUMP one of them and the commercial free replies will roll in...

think pbs.

cheers
2air'

[Inland RV Center, In]

Carlisle has the best actiavtion time, that we are aware of.

We feel that it is equal to if not better than electric brakes.

Response Time Test Results::Carlisle Industrial Brake and Friction

Andy