Forum Discussion

Bob_Vaughn's avatar
Bob_Vaughn
Explorer
Aug 31, 2015

Disc Brake Actuator

I am looking at having disc brakes installed on my 5th wheel. Is there a brake actuator that I should stay away from? Or is one better than the rest?

10 Replies

  • aruba5er wrote:
    To compare actuators, one must have used 2 or more. I can't imagine that many have done that. I have the Titan and it's just fine. No need to compare. The kit was supplied with it. And as far as brake pads, even the worst will be a vast improvement over the cheap c**p drum brakes they pass off as brakes.


    I will agree on the with **** pads being a vast improvement over electric brakes! But once you experience better braking it's hard to accept good.
  • To compare actuators, one must have used 2 or more. I can't imagine that many have done that. I have the Titan and it's just fine. No need to compare. The kit was supplied with it. And as far as brake pads, even the worst will be a vast improvement over the cheap c**p drum brakes they pass off as brakes.
  • Randu wrote:
    Ive had 2 different trailers with Disc brakes since 2005 and they both came from the factory with This actuator. No issues at all. Randu


    This is the actuator I decided on for my disc brake conversion last week. So far it looks like a solid unit and has good reviews.
  • I talked to Kevin at Kodiak when doing the brakes on my 97.5 MS and asked about his "BEST" pads he said people would not pay for them so they only offer good and SoSo. He then suggested the NAPA BEST Semi Metallic.

    Randu that's a lot of wear in 10K but if the pads work well who cares!
  • Something that is so safety oriented should not be so cost prohibitive.....
  • Cummins12V98 wrote:
    Randu wrote:
    Ive had 2 different trailers with Disc brakes since 2005 and they both came from the factory with This actuator. No issues at all. Randu


    I had that on our 07.5 MS and I "think" the same on the new 16 MS. No problems, no delays.

    Randu, on a side note I replaced the Kodiak pads on the new MS with the NAPA Best SemiMetallic pads like I did on the 07.5. Was not satisfied with the factory installed pads. For sure better braking.

    That is what I'll use next time as I'm at 50% in about 10,000 miles. Some was WV,VA,NC and PA so very hilly but I'm thinking the Kodiak originals are too soft. Upside is the rotors show no wear. Randu
  • Randu wrote:
    Ive had 2 different trailers with Disc brakes since 2005 and they both came from the factory with This actuator. No issues at all. Randu


    I had that on our 07.5 MS and I "think" the same on the new 16 MS. No problems, no delays.

    Randu, on a side note I replaced the Kodiak pads on the new MS with the NAPA Best SemiMetallic pads like I did on the 07.5. Was not satisfied with the factory installed pads. For sure better braking.
  • Ive had 2 different trailers with Disc brakes since 2005 and they both came from the factory with This actuator. No issues at all. Randu
  • When you say "actuator", do you mean the controller in your truck? Or do you mean the actual hydraulic actuator that you have to install on your trailer that takes the electric signal from the brake controller, and applies hydraulic break pressure for the disk brakes? I suspect you mean the former, but wanted to clear that up.
  • Tekonsha P3 can do electric over hydraulic (hope I am saying that right)

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