Saggy Bottom ( rear end )

[uucal]

Maybe there is a recent or newer engineering mechanical graduate out there with better answers, but my dim memory of mechanics from the late 40's relate to the moment of inertia and angular momentum. These two things are related to the distribution of mass in an object, how far it rotates from the center of rotation. All things being equal, there should be not much choice between either type except for such intangibles as ease of servicing pads vs shoes, etc.

High performance sports cars use disks because they can direct more cooling airflow over the parts, cross drill holes to increase cooling effect, etc. But that should be a minor consideration for a travel trailer.

[w5wi]

For some reason when I click on the new kid64's link in the text I go to a "commercial" site that apparently is not linked to you. Please advise.

dale

[davidz71]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

Old style disk brakes were terrible to maintain and not reliable. No repair parts currently available. I have a set I took of my 77. Final straw caliper holding frames welds cracked. I have used Kelsy Hayes and Dexter electrics since I took the disks off. Do not know about the new ones.

Funny, I had a 31' Excella 500 with the disc brakes and never had a lick of trouble with them. They were always dependable and would stop the trailer and it's TV, a 2500hd, with trailer brakes alone. I'd take the disc over electric drum any day of the week. How do I know? I have a 25' Sovereign with electric drum and it won't stop near as fast as the disc shod trailer.

[airstream74]

I know this is an old thread, but I am the victim of rear end sag.

I clicked on the link to the photss posted by "thenewkid64", but could not get anything. Does anyone know of a good link for photos on this "reinforcement"?

Thanks for help

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

Old style disk brakes were terrible to maintain and not reliable. No repair parts currently available. I have a set I took of my 77. Final straw caliper holding frames welds cracked. I have used Kelsy Hayes and Dexter electrics since I took the disks off. Do not know about the new ones.

We have and have had repair parts for the original Airstream Excella-Vac disc brakes, up to and including overhaul of the sync valve and replacement bushings for the calipers, the pads (that we have made), special o-rings, pistons, and the clevis pins, and rebuilt rotors.

We also now have a replacement actuator, that does away with the need for a vacuum supply from the tow vehicles.

Disc brakes, even the original Airstream disc brakes, are far superior to electic brakes ever thought of being.

Andy

[Jim & Susan]

Originally Posted by airstream74

I know this is an old thread, but I am the victim of rear end sag.

I clicked on the link to the photss posted by "thenewkid64", but could not get anything. Does anyone know of a good link for photos on this "reinforcement"?

Thanks for help

Hey there, I've got a picture on another computer, but it will be tonight before I can post it. Do plenty of reading before you attempt repairs, it took me a while to do mine. I used a method very similar to the one Inland Andy described a page or so back, plus added some additional steel back there. Things are nice and sturdy back there now.

Good luck with it.

Jim

[airstream74]

Originally Posted by Jim & Susan

Hey there, I've got a picture on another computer, but it will be tonight before I can post it. Do plenty of reading before you attempt repairs, it took me a while to do mine. I used a method very similar to the one Inland Andy described a page or so back, plus added some additional steel back there. Things are nice and sturdy back there now.

Good luck with it.

Jim

Jim,

Thanks for the information. Anxious to see the photo you have. When and where will it be posted? Eager to get any information I can. I feel like I am working in a vacumn.

Thanks,
Bertis

[Jim & Susan]

Actually, the pictures I have are from Aaron (Wahoonc) that he posted in this thread a couple of days ago. http://www.airforums.com/forum...ion-26548.html

He sent them to me a few months back when I was trying to make the same decision you are now.

JIM