Brake system issue

[Boba911]

I have just purchased a 19 ft Tommy Bahama Airstream from an owner in Vermont. The Airstream was only driven 200 miles since new and the rest of the time it spent its life in a heated garage for the last 4 years. Occasionally it was taken out of the garage for a day on the lawn but never traveled more than 100 feet or so before returning to the heated garage. The Airstream is brand new in all respects. The trailer came with all books and Tommy Bahama equipment and the price was only $62K!!!! Now for my question. When driving home to Rhode Island, I noticed that when i applied the brake in the truck at speeds over 20mph I felt a pulsation in the brake system. When i drive the truck unconnected to the trailer it is fine with no pulsation. Also, I had another Airstream trailer last year with the same truck and no pulsing, so I know it is not the truck or brake controller system. I do have a trailer brake controller and the pulsing occurs even when the controller is shut off. I can't believe the brakes are bad from just not being used. Any ideas of the problem are welcome.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by Boba911

I have just purchased a 19 ft Tommy Bahama Airstream from an owner in Vermont. The Airstream was only driven 200 miles since new and the rest of the time it spent its life in a heated garage for the last 4 years. Occasionally it was taken out of the garage for a day on the lawn but never traveled more than 100 feet or so before returning to the heated garage. The Airstream is brand new in all respects. The trailer came with all books and Tommy Bahama equipment and the price was only $62K!!!! Now for my question. When driving home to Rhode Island, I noticed that when i applied the brake in the truck at speeds over 20mph I felt a pulsation in the brake system. When i drive the truck unconnected to the trailer it is fine with no pulsation. Also, I had another Airstream trailer last year with the same truck and no pulsing, so I know it is not the truck or brake controller system. I do have a trailer brake controller and the pulsing occurs even when the controller is shut off. I can't believe the brakes are bad from just not being used. Any ideas of the problem are welcome.

When a vehicle sits, the brake drums (or rotors) get surface rust on them. This layer is different, usually, in areas where the brake lining is nearly against the drum than areas where they are open to air and moisture. If this is the issue, they should wear off this layer with a few dozen firm applications of the brakes.
One or more drum could be slightly out of round as well, requiring machining at a brake shop.
Adjust them properly and put some miles on it, them decide if turning on a lathe is required.

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[dznf0g]

Btw, I bought my 2007 in 2010 with a very similar background history. Just because it is new looking, doesn't mean it is new. 3 years sitting takes its toll. Expect some startup issues.
Still, I would prefer hardly used, over high miles any day.

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