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spotter's avatar
spotter
Explorer
Aug 22, 2013

Brakes overheating

I have a 2005 Coachmen Freelander Class C with about 33K miles on it. On two occasions I have had the brakes overheat and smell and the brake pedal go to the floor (it still stopped me but scared me). On both occasions I was towing my CRV, it was very hot, and I went through alot of stop and go traffic. On both occasions I was just pulling into the campground so was able to stop overnight and let the brakes cool and they were fine the next day.
The first time it happened we checked the brake fluid when we stopped and noticed that it was boiling so when I returned home I had the braking system flushed and new fluid put in. The second time the fluid was not boiling.
Although I've driven for 37 years I never knew that you should not pump ABS brakes. When towing the car I find that I tend to pump my brakes when coming to a stop rather than applying firm pressure. I'm wondering if pumping the brakes may have caused my problem. If anyone has the answer to this I'd sure appreciate you feedback or advice. Thank you.
Class C

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  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Aug 22, 2013
    "Most jurisdictions" do not have aux braking requirements.
    It is a good idea of having one. I have an SMI Stay N Play. Roadmaster Invisi Brake is very similar.
    Yes, an improperly set up aux. brake system can create problems.
    Current problem could be collapsed rubber brake lines. A good shop that has brake pressure gauge should be able to diagnose this.
    Pressure is not releasing back to master cylinder properly.
  • snowdance's avatar
    snowdance
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    hotbyte wrote:
    Sounds like a sticking caliber causing brakes to drag???


    X-2

    As I remember the Freelander it has a cab over bed. On the Class C with the overhead bunk area many of them will run water (Dew,rain, wet fog, AC) off the front of the cab over and right on the front wheels. The splash from those will wash the grease from the slides on the brake calipers. That will cause the brakes to overheat and have less braking power because you end up using on of the two brake pads. Best thing to do is replace the pads and take the calapers apart and clean the slides and regrease.. Then always cover the front wheels no matter what the weather when it setting for a while.

    Or get them redone every few years..
  • jamesa403's avatar
    jamesa403
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    If my memory serves me correct, most jurisdictions require independent braking on a toad. Also, what can be more harm that slamming into someone and perhaps killing them?
  • spotter's avatar
    spotter
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    I don't have one. From posts I've read it appeared that they can cause more harm than good. The RV repair shop I went to to get the brakes flushed said the Ford 450 should have plenty of braking power to stop my little car.
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Aug 22, 2013
    Pumping ABS brakes will not give you the shortest stopping distance, but will not overheat the brakes.

    What toad braking system do you have on the CRV?

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