Brakes

[mherbert]

What is entailed to switch from surge to electric brakes?

Mike

[markdoane]

1. Take off the coupler. Take off all hydraulic lines. Take off brake drums.
2. Buy new backing plates to match the existing axle flanges.
3. Weld on a new coupler.
4. Run 12V #12 awg power line for breakaway switch.
5. Wire up new 7-way connector to back of tow vehicle.
6. Buy and install electric brake controller
7. Run #12 wire from umbilical to all brake hubs.
8. Purchase and install breakaway switch.
9. Install new electric backing plates and brake drum hubs.
10. Install new bearings and seals.
11. Do initial brake adjustment.
12. Set up and tune brake controller.

I'm sure I missed something.

[mherbert]

I am obviously a newbie, but this a great forum. Thanks for the help.

Mike

[dwightdi]

What Airstream models came with surge brakes? I understand they like the surge brakes in Europe. Heavy equipment and farm trailers use them here.

[rickandsandi]

I think Mike meant hydrolic brakes! Surge brakes were never used on AS as far as I know. Way too big for the axle setup.

[mherbert]

We may be talking about the samething. The brakes are actuated hydraulically by a master cylinder at the hitch. I guess one question would be is is this an adequate and safe setup and also, is there a fix whereby the master cylinder can be acutated by a 12v switch from a brake controller?

[markdoane]

Mike,

If you wanted to do what you are thinking, do a search on Actibrake. I think Inlandrv even sells a kit that would let you go from surge brakes to electro-hydraulic brakes.

[rickandsandi]

Mike-

I think the best thing to do is to change out the whole axle. That's what GSM is doing to our '65 Tradewind. No sweat, no worries!

[dwightdi]

Herbert,
What you describe is a true surge brake. I do not believe any Airstreams came with them from the factory. Maybe it is not an Airstream or some previous owner did a conversion. What kind or model trailer is it?

The easiest and lowest cost change is to buy the electric backing plates and drums from Kelsy Hayes. You can get them wholesale out of their fractory or thru a distributor for about $340 plus shipping. The drums are heavy. That is for 4 brakes on a double axle trailer.

[axleman]

Originally Posted by dwightdi

Herbert,

The easiest and lowest cost change is to buy the electric backing plates and drums from Kelsy Hayes. You can get them wholesale out of their fractory or thru a distributor for about $340 plus shipping. The drums are heavy. That is for 4 brakes on a double axle trailer.

Hey,

No flames intended but switching from hydraulic disc brakes to electric brakes is one giant step backwards!

I would, also, look into the Actibrake by Kodiak or the E/H actuator manufactured by Dexter axle.

Just two cents from a retired axle dude.

Regards,
Henry

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by axleman

Hey,

No flames intended but switching from hydraulic disc brakes to electric brakes is one giant step backwards!

I would, also, look into the Actibrake by Kodiak or the E/H actuator manufactured by Dexter axle.

Just two cents from a retired axle dude.

Regards,
Henry

Henry,

I agree, but we don't know exactly what kind of brakes he has or what age trailer. I remember hearing about hydralic drum brakes on some early trailers.

Bill

[axleman]

Bill,

Good point!

Perhaps we'll find out more here soon.

Regards,
Henry

[markdoane]

Mike,

There are a couple of Dexter distributors in Everett, near you. Dexter Axle - Trailer Axles and Running Gear Components - HOME

They have electric backing plates, hubs, controllers, actuators, everything you need. I have found the local Dexter distributor in Minneapolis to be extremely helpful and will tell you everything you need to do.

Do a search on the Dexter web site for distributors. They also have lots of good information on their website that will answer most of your questions.

As far as an electic switch that can operate the master cylinder on your coupler--we aren't there yet; but someday there will be linear actuators that you can use to directly actuate the master cylinder. Until then, we need to use electric piston pumps like the Actibrake or Dexter DX unit to supply enough pressure.

They are pricey, which is why electric brakes are still popular.

[mherbert]

My Airstream is a 1963 22' Safari (double). It is ofcourse a single axle. I bought it from a nice guy who found it in a salvage yard in Rochester, WA. The body is in excellent shape. He removed everything inside, put in new floor insulation, new subfloor, and a pocket door (nicely done) for the head. He also added a grey water tank. So essentially I have a clean slate with which to work. Naturally, I want to have all of the safety gear in good shape before I begin the interior rebuild. There are hydraulic lines to the brake drums.