RV brakes - fyi

**sourdough** · 01-12-2018, 09:33 PM

An article from Trailer Life that might be of some interest if you don't receive it in the mail or electronically......

http://www.trailerlife.com/rv-gear/i...19230_01122018

Harleydodge · 01-13-2018, 03:31 AM

That's interesting and looks like a worthwhile mod. I just wonder why they are "forward adjusting", rather than "reverse adjusting", which is how the old self adjusting drum brakes worked on a car or truck. When you back the vehicle and subsequently braked, they would suck up any slack.
Forward adjusting seems to me like they would "adjust" more frequently than needed.

notanlines · 01-13-2018, 03:56 AM

Where to jack the trailer is a question we go to about once a month. Here's the answer from your article, Danny,

**chuckster57** · 01-13-2018, 05:44 AM

I don’t have the answer why they are forward adjusting, But I do know they work real good. I will put a set on my fiver when I get a chance. They come as standard equipment on some new trailers.

Hodgy · 01-13-2018, 06:04 AM

.

Interesting, adjust every 3000 miles or annually ? That sounds very aggressive. Thoughts anyone ?

Is there anything in our owners manual covering this ?

.

rhagfo · 01-13-2018, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodgy

.

Interesting, adjust every 3000 miles or annually ? That sounds very aggressive. Thoughts anyone ?

Is there anything in our owners manual covering this ?

.

Adjusting drum brakes is a very simple DYI task and con easily be done in about an hour for four wheels, from start to finish.

Personally before installing these, I would go with disk brakes.

Hodgy · 01-13-2018, 06:27 AM

.

So are you guys adjusting your brakes annually ?

What would the disk modification cost ? Is that electric over hydraulic ?

.

**chuckster57** · 01-13-2018, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhagfo

Adjusting drum brakes is a very simple DYI task and con easily be done in about an hour for four wheels, from start to finish.

Personally before installing these, I would go with disk brakes.

Assuming your brake controller is set up for electric over hydraulic. Since I have an older prodigy, that would be an added cost. You can swap out the non adjusting for the adjusting in about an hour and it’s way cheaper than the hydraulic system. To each their own.

Dave W · 01-13-2018, 07:16 AM

The Lippert brakes are about $60 a corner with Amazon Prime or about $240 vs about $1200+ for a disc brake mod. You have to decide whether the extra thousand+ dollars is cost effective on how you use your towable RV. In our case, have found several times that the disc mod was well worth the great added stopping power. If we were to only travel a few hundred miles/year instead of thousands, would probably not done the mod.

travelin texans · 01-13-2018, 07:59 AM

As a fulltimer traveling 10-12k a year the disc brake mod was WELL worth the cost. If your just weekenders or part timers or don't plan to keep it but a couple years, no don't spend the $$.
Yes, when I had drum brakes I inspected them, adjusted them, packed wheel bearings & inspected all suspension parts annually. Now with the disc it's inspections & pack bearings.

**JRTJH** · 01-13-2018, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hodgy

.

Interesting, adjust every 3000 miles or annually ? That sounds very aggressive. Thoughts anyone ?

Is there anything in our owners manual covering this ?.

Yup, covered in the new owner's manual on page 81:

"Brake Adjustment
Please refer to the manufacturer instructions supplied with the RV for care and operation and/or www.dexter.com, www.lci1.com.
• Drum Brakes - The electric brakes are of the drum and two-shoe type and adjust the same as most automotive brakes. Adjust brakes after the first 200 miles. Every 3 months or 3000 miles, test the brake drag and adjust if required. Full procedures are outlined in the component manufacturer’s guide,
included in the RV’s manual packet. Never adjust just one brake. When adjusting brakes on any vehicle, either replace or adjust all brakes at the same time, or at least both brakes on the same axle."

**JRTJH** · 01-13-2018, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleydodge

...I just wonder why they are "forward adjusting", rather than "reverse adjusting", which is how the old self adjusting drum brakes worked on a car or truck. ....
Forward adjusting seems to me like they would "adjust" more frequently than needed.

Trailers are seldom "backed while braking" often enough or with enough braking action to maintain adjustment with "reverse adjusting" brake systems. Back when most cars had "self adjusting brakes" instructions in the owner's manual said to back repeatedly with heavy braking to adjust the brakes. Continue this action until the brakes feel firmer to foot pressure". (or words to that effect). Typically, we don't (and often can't) back our trailers that aggressively. So, manufacturers developed "forward adjusting brakes" as a convenience. Lippert didn't "invent them" but they did contract with China to produce them in quantities (maybe in quality) to make them affordable for the average user. Back when, they were almost as much as a disc brake conversion. In recent years thanks to China, they are being installed on may mid-level and even some entry-level trailers.

There is a "slip mechanism" in the adjuster that prevents 'over adjustment" preventing excessive brake tightness and wear. Does it work? Those who have them say yes. I haven't yet installed them on my Cougar, but I'm considering it when these brakes need replacement.

Harleydodge · 01-13-2018, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Trailers are seldom "backed while braking" often enough or with enough braking action to maintain adjustment with "reverse adjusting" brake systems. Back when most cars had "self adjusting brakes" instructions in the owner's manual said to back repeatedly with heavy braking to adjust the brakes. Continue this action until the brakes feel firmer to foot pressure". (or words to that effect). Typically, we don't (and often can't) back our trailers that aggressively. So, manufacturers developed "forward adjusting brakes" as a convenience. Lippert didn't "invent them" but they did contract with China to produce them in quantities (maybe in quality) to make them affordable for the average user. Back when, they were almost as much as a disc brake conversion. In recent years thanks to China, they are being installed on may mid-level and even some entry-level trailers.

There is a "slip mechanism" in the adjuster that prevents 'over adjustment" preventing excessive brake tightness and wear. Does it work? Those who have them say yes. I haven't yet installed them on my Cougar, but I'm considering it when these brakes need replacement.

Yep, I guess that makes sense.
Seems like those that have them are happy with them as well.
I plan on at least inspecting mine for the first time this spring, and should the shoes need replacement, I may consider doing this as well.

You may also like: