Hello friends, As you can probably see based on my other posts, in less than a month I'm picking up my new 2018 Jayco Jay Flight 285 RLS SLX. Its GVWR is 8250 pounds, and I have a 2017 Ram 3500 CTD. My question is this: is it worthwhile at all to look into a disc brake upgrade? Would that just be wasted money? I will only tow in flat Alberta this summer, but my destinations will change next season. thanks! Kevin

I would basically say waste of money. The engine braking works really well. Besides, 8200 pounds is nothing. But on the other hand have you searched late model ram in dash low controller voltage issue?

Yes. I upgraded my Grand Design 313RLTS in part because of a known failure of earlier Lippert brake seals failing, bathing the brakes in grease (not a good thing), but mainly because I wanted to not have to rely on 50's technology to try and stop my 10,000 lb trailer. The difference is night and day. Out the door it cost me $2,800 to do both axles, but the brakes are really great - then can actually stop the truck.Well worth the money in my mind.

I think the biggest benefit is emergency stopping power you end up with. That is definitely worth something.

Since it would appear to be too late for a factory option I would run a season or two with what you have. If then you think you will keep the trailer long term then the upgrade is worth it IMO. Just install the disks at the first service in a couple years.I did a self install last year and it was a huge improvement to go with disks.

Waste of money for sure unless they are junk brakes from the factory; then get good brakes. Junk brakes are junk brakes whether disk or drum.Drum has a lot of advantages over disk. Two of the biggest is they can apply more braking force and they last longer.The only real big advantage disk has over drum is very little heat retention compared to drum. And that only really comes into play when you ride your brakes down a hill. With the brakes they have now days if you over heat them; drum or disk; you are doing something seriously wrong!

Trailer brake upgrade question | Good Sam Community

ScottG
Nomad
May 22, 2018
I think the biggest benefit is emergency stopping power you end up with.
That is definitely worth something.
jim1521
Explorer
May 22, 2018
Yes. I upgraded my Grand Design 313RLTS in part because of a known failure of earlier Lippert brake seals failing, bathing the brakes in grease (not a good thing), but mainly because I wanted to not have to rely on 50's technology to try and stop my 10,000 lb trailer. The difference is night and day. Out the door it cost me $2,800 to do both axles, but the brakes are really great - then can actually stop the truck.

Well worth the money in my mind.
azrving
Explorer
May 22, 2018
I would basically say waste of money. The engine braking works really well. Besides, 8200 pounds is nothing.
But on the other hand have you searched late model ram in dash low controller voltage issue?

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