Forum Discussion

pmobin's avatar
pmobin
Explorer
Sep 28, 2020

1995 Fleetwood Flair 22ft

Hi, newbie to RV'ing as of two weeks ago. I picked up the flair a couple weeks ago and busy fixing this and that.

On the subject of brakes

1- At 55-60 on highway the brakes pretty much are ineffective. They do engage but skiddish and gutless. I don't know if this is the way these big box rigs are or I need to fix the brakes.

2- In case of fixing, how do I find what parts to buy for rotor, pads, etc?

3- Is there a manual for the truck part of this thing? I can only find it for the home part of the motorhome : )

Many thanks happy campers
Farzad

PS I am in San Jose CA and planning to start our first continental trip early October.

13 Replies

  • Whether you have a particular brake issue is unknown ... but I can safely say that most new RV owners are surprised that it's often hard to stop an RV. Also RV brake's take more maintenance than autos .. partly because many rigs tend to sit long periods of time and the brakes don't get used much (things rust/degrade and brake fluid accumulates water).

    If your thinking of taking long distance trips in a 95 RV you should seriously consider taking the rig into a Tire/Brake shop and have both the tires and brakes inspected (often free). You should also consider having a mechanic inspect the chassis stuff - all the rubber (hoses/belts) in the engine compartment may have to be replaced and things like water pumps/radiators maybe suspect and other items like spark plug wires/distributors etc maybe due for replacement.
  • Look at the year of the vehicle the vin for sure and figure out when the box was put on it. It will be either a Chevy or Ford. So that the year and say Ford which will be a F53 chassis to the place you deal with and if possible take the item and you can usually get it right.

    Brakes yes they should be check. Ours last gas was a 99 38 foot , just over 24000 loaded. You touch the brakes you felt it. Brake pads and rotors are not that hard to find. They glazed over just like a car. You also need to get into doing a full brake fluid bleed. Suck out the master brake fluid and fill in with new and then each bleed each wheel till you get clean and new fluid at that point. Ours was done every two years with a high end fluid. Made a lot of different. Also check your rubber hose on the brakes. If they have not been replace it way past time. The can and do separate inside and can cause issues. Auto transmission fluid need to replace every few years also if driving in the Mountains or hills. Again ours was either 2/3 years due to where we live. Not sure how much you weigh in at but that something you need to know. Yell when you need something. Someone is always here. Welcome to the Forum.
  • “the brakes pretty much are ineffective...”

    Please don’t drive the MH until the brakes work. My life may depend on it.