RE: [A/S] Vacuum Disc Brakes...another thought

["David & Bret" <dtbw_1999@xxxxxxxxx>]

Kevin,
As others have stated, the disc brakes on some later 70s models A/Ss were
excellent.  The problems with the system was not related to the disc brakes
themselves but rather the controlling mechanism and the lack of proper
maintenance.  Even IF the original hydraulic controller is shot or the
matching parts for the tow vehicle are not available, you do HAVE options to
maintain the disc brakes without become reliant on a single supplier of
diminishing parts (ie Inland RV).  If I were in your shoes, I would have the
original hydraulic controller on the trailer changed out for a new
MasterBrake ElecDraulic ( www.masterbrake.com ) controller.  This unit along
with the SmartBrake controller would maintain the trailer disc braking
system and eliminate all the need for vacuum and the tow vehicle components.
As its name implies, the ElecDraulic controller is a unit uses the existing
trailer brake wiring as a 2-way digital pathway to/from a BrakeSmart
controller.  These signals control the braking system on the trailer as well
as send information about the trailer braking system back to the BrakeSmart
controller.  This system can go from zero braking to maximum (1600PSI) in
under 30/1000s of a second, so the lag time is less than the lag of the
actual trailer disc brakes grabbing hold.  Updating will not be cheap as the
BrakeSmart controller is about $350 and the ElecDraulic converter is just
under $1000, but the result would be a rig where you can get parts as well
as maintain the superior characteristics of disc brakes.  Given the age of
the A/S system, I would assume that the disc brake calipers would need to be
inspected and potentially overhauled or replaced and that the entire system
would need to be inspected for rust as well as having all the brake fluid
replaced, so again, some additional cost, but in my book, well worth the
price of a vastly better braking system.

David
WBCCI 7548

BTW, Kevin, will we see you again this year at the RM VAC rally...maybe with
the Caddy and the Overlander or even possibly this new rig?