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bswan's avatar
bswan
Explorer
Apr 10, 2018

Disk Brakes and suspension maintenance

Well this years 5TH wheel maintenance called for the wet bolt shackle upgrade and a disk brake conversion. First test drive with the new suspension upgrades provided a WOW factor! It took a little convincing to win the wife over on spending the money on these items but after our ride she was "all in". The only one who didn't like it was our dog when he was launched into the front seat on the first brake tap. The money spent didn't make it any prettier, shiny, or more sleek but it sure does allow a more relaxing feeling of safety and security in our equipment. The disk brake job was done at my residence by Performance Trailer Braking (Highly recommend).
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Apr 10, 2018
    Nice mod - I'd like to do the same some day.
    (I'm sure someone will be along to say drum brakes have always been good enough for them though...) ;)
  • 2naEagle's avatar
    2naEagle
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2018
    ScottG wrote:
    Nice mod - I'd like to do the same some day.
    (I'm sure someone will be along to say drum brakes have always been good enough for them though...) ;)


    Not me Disc is the best.:)
    Performance Trailer Braking did mine also.

    Now put shocks on the list if you don't have them.:D
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Apr 10, 2018
    Yes mine started when the springs flatted out. Did the suspension upgrade with that repair. Swapped to disks last year with self install. In hindsight I should have done both a decade earlier.
  • bpadamson's avatar
    bpadamson
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2018
    I'll take the bait. Drum brakes have always been good enough. I do wonder what excellent and superb might be like, and will probably do the same update. :C
  • ford_truck_guy's avatar
    ford_truck_guy
    Nomad
    Apr 10, 2018
    Another Performnce Trailer Braking customer here....

    Like you, DW was NOT sold on the money spent until our first trip out. We had a car pull out in front of us on a 2 lane and then she stopped in the lane.. dead stop... SO did we, With room to spare, where as with the old drum brakes, I am positive I would have hit her..

    I got the head nod and smile... that told me everything I needed to know
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 10, 2018
    So the drum brakes on the TT/5er were inadequate? Or just something you wanted to do?
  • dblr's avatar
    dblr
    Explorer
    Apr 10, 2018
    Our River Stone Legacy came standard with the disc brakes which was on my list of must things, also 8,000lb axles and H rated tires. Very pleased with them and will probably never get a unit without them now.
  • RollandB's avatar
    RollandB
    Explorer
    Apr 11, 2018
    After so many Dexter grease seal problems, one being my own I turned to Performance Trailer Braking for the brake conversion and have had no regrets. Found another grease seal soaked brake assembly when removing the old drums. I have some peace of mind that if a seal goes now it isn’t concealed in a drum assembly while it gets soaked.
  • memtb's avatar
    memtb
    Explorer
    Apr 12, 2018
    With over twenty years of towing 5th wheel rv’s....disc brakes were at the top of my RV “bucket list”! Fulfilled that a little over 4 years ago.....along with a short list of other “must haves”. I “Am Not” disappointed!

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