Lifespan of brakes on large motorhome

While there are certainly exceptions most DP brakes are heavy duty AND lightly used. I may be unique but I have to go out of my way to properly exercise my brakes. Otherwise I would rack up thousands of thousands of miles with nothing but a gentle stop aided by the engine brake.

^^^ Agreed.

Although I'm sure it can be done, I think it would be almost impossible to ride air brakes like a standard system.

Just chiming in with a point of reference. I'm in PA and we have annual state inspections. I've got a 2010 AC Revolution that has 143,000+ miles. Just had the annual inspection done and the brakes still have around 80% of their life left. Lots of interstate driving. Use the exhaust brake as much as we can.

I just don't see where any one with "normal" use of a diesel pusher would need to worry about brake replacement before 250,000 or 300,000 miles unless there is some sort of problem with the brake system.

VERY, VERY dependent on the driver.

When we sold our 1993 Foretravel at 170,000 miles, brake shoes were still over 50%.

I have seen others on coaches I have done mechanical inspections on where the brakes were severely overheated and shoes and drums needed replacement in less than 25,000 miles.

Well if the brakes are working, it may just need some pads. Not hard to do and should not be expensive.

bob_nestor wrote:
Brake life on any vehicle depends a lot on how the vehicle is driven, especially those with automatic transmissions. There are a lot of drivers who "ride the brakes" causing a lot more wear on the brakes. There are also drivers that I call "binary drivers". These are the ones that go full throttle or full stop and that requires more use of the brakes. The ones who anticipate stops and coast to slow down before applying the brakes will get a lot more brake life.

Then too, it depends on where the vehicle is driven. If it spends more time in mountainous terrain the brakes probably get used a lot more. Of if it's driven on gravel roads the dust, dirt and small rocks can do a job on the pads and discs. Had to totally replace the discs an pads on my Jeep after towing it to Alaska and back and running all over up there with it.

All great advice and very true. The coach has spent the majority of it's life between Florida and Arizona but has done some mountains. The owner is a friend and I know he is not a "hot foot" driver.

Would like to hear from someone who has had to replace brake drums, rotors and/or pads and shoes and if so, at what mileage......

Brake life on any vehicle depends a lot on how the vehicle is driven, especially those with automatic transmissions. There are a lot of drivers who "ride the brakes" causing a lot more wear on the brakes. There are also drivers that I call "binary drivers". These are the ones that go full throttle or full stop and that requires more use of the brakes. The ones who anticipate stops and coast to slow down before applying the brakes will get a lot more brake life.

Then too, it depends on where the vehicle is driven. If it spends more time in mountainous terrain the brakes probably get used a lot more. Of if it's driven on gravel roads the dust, dirt and small rocks can do a job on the pads and discs. Had to totally replace the discs an pads on my Jeep after towing it to Alaska and back and running all over up there with it.

51,000 miles and they look as new. Gotta love the engine brake.

I don't have an engine brake on my gasser, but at 80K miles, the pads still look pretty good. I did replace the calipers and lines a couple years ago due to their age. Good brake pads won't do you any good if the hydraulic lines pop due to rot.

Freightliner told me they are heavy duty truck brakes and should last about 200,000 miles.
I have 80,000 on mine and use my exhaust brake all the time. A lot of mountain driving but never ride the brakes. Cross country trips are interstate so very little braking.