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Mako1949's avatar
Mako1949
Explorer
May 05, 2017

Help. Converting Auto park Brake to manual lever

Good morning, made the switch from class c to class a. Just bought a 2001 Georgetown 30 footer. On the way home the auto park light turn on and started leaking oil, make it ok. After reading all problems with the brake system (did my homework after I bought it, big mistake). All I wanted was to be on a Chevy chassis. I know me as I will be driving this thing would always be on my mind and I won't enjoy the trip.
I want to put a manual brake, I have spoken to some guys at MILL supply, they have parts for the Chevy workhorse square trucks like the bread trucks and gave me some part numbers.
Is there anyone out there that can help me with this, how to install it, have they done it. Am to the point that and thinking of selling it and going back to class c, but I really like this class a. Sorry for the long post. And thank u in adva
Class A
  • Mako1949's avatar
    Mako1949
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    Hi hank do u recall more specifics about it where did u get the parts. Thank u
  • Hank_MI's avatar
    Hank_MI
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    We had a 1994 Bounder with autopark. When it failed I disconnected it, replaced the brake shoes and used the parking brake foot pedal. Yes you have to remember to apply the brake but I didn't have to worry about it failing again.
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    Oh, my. Grab yourself a set of chocks immediately or ASAP. Meanwhile, jamb some 4X4's under the wheels, all around. You've got a dangerous situation there with the Autopark brake and leaking oil with the AP light on is not to be ignored.
  • Mako1949's avatar
    Mako1949
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    Tropical
    The autopark light on and is leaking oil, I made it home ok, and I guess the park brake is working cause it's park in an incline in my driveway and is still there. But am just worry with all the stories out there, I had back surgery an my back is not good, so I cant even get under the rig and replace anything, trying to make it as easy as possible, besides am the only person who drive it. Had stick shift cars all my life and always left then with the manual emergency on.
  • Jim's avatar
    Jim
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    Start here: Oldusedbear web site...

    for help with the Autopark brake system. He's a wealth of knowledge and willingly helps people who call him. Give him a call.

    I've seen a long posting with pictures made by someone who completely changed his Autopark brake system to a manual system with a pull lever next to the driver, on the left. But you'll have to search for that yourself.
  • Mako1949's avatar
    Mako1949
    Explorer
    May 06, 2017
    I went to their site and it's interesting the system they have. It's replacing it with air brakes. It comes out to $1,300 plus delivery and installation. Am looking for something more simple and less expensive. Any help would really b appreciated
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    May 05, 2017
    Mako1949 wrote:
    Good morning, made the switch from class c to class a. Just bought a 2001 Georgetown 30 footer. On the way home the auto park light turn on and started leaking oil, make it ok. After reading all problems with the brake system (did my homework after I bought it, big mistake). All I wanted was to be on a Chevy chassis. I know me as I will be driving this thing would always be on my mind and I won't enjoy the trip.
    I want to put a manual brake, I have spoken to some guys at MILL supply, they have parts for the Chevy workhorse square trucks like the bread trucks and gave me some part numbers.
    Is there anyone out there that can help me with this, how to install it, have they done it. Am to the point that and thinking of selling it and going back to class c, but I really like this class a. Sorry for the long post. And thank u in adva

    Why not just fix the darn thing, like you would with anything else that broke. I had one for 9rs in an 18yr old coach and yes, I did fix it now and then, but it's not all that bad a system, once you understand it and carry a few spare parts on board.
    There's and AP guru, that goes by the handle of the oldusedbear, that will help you along and doesn't charge a cent. He will also rebuild your actuator if needed for a paltry sum. The Chevy engine in your year is probably the best bet and does surprise me that it even has AP, since a 30ft coach can't be over 15K lbs. Double check if it might have a parking pawl gear and if so, I would then not hesitate in installing a brake lever.
    Will the coach hold itself on a slight grade with the way it is now?
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    May 05, 2017
    As you collect the information, please post-- a very good alternative to the Auto-park system.
  • Mako1949's avatar
    Mako1949
    Explorer
    May 05, 2017
    Thank u I will give them a call. Am holding off on the remodeling inside. This has me nervous
  • catkins's avatar
    catkins
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2017
    Know that Brazell's RV Performance Center near Centralia, Washington has had a fix for this for a long time. They specialized in Workhorse Chassis for years and have now added more to their line. Don't know if they can assist with parts etc for a do it yourselfer. Good luck!

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