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Changing to disc brakes

NuttyTexans
Explorer
Explorer
Am considering having my current brakes (drum) swapped out for a disc brake system. Present systems is not very effective and I have had the brakes adjusted and checked numerous times with no improvement. Has anyone done this and were you happy with the results? Cheaper than buying a new rig and don't know what rigs would have a disc system on them. Thanks and travel safe.
58 REPLIES 58

Fulltimer50
Explorer
Explorer
My experience says that it may have more to do with your brake controller in the truck, than your trailer brakes. Before I bought my 2011 F350 I had a '99 F250 with a Max Brake controller. The trailer was a 12k Newmar with diskbrakes. The Max Brake controller was sooo much better than the new Ford controller with the same trailer. So even with diskbrakes you may not be any better off.
George

2011 F350 PSD CC LB 4X4 DRW Lariate
2015 Mobile Suites 41RSSB4 5th Wheel

hoopers
Explorer
Explorer
NuttyTexans wrote:
Am considering having my current brakes (drum) swapped out for a disc brake system. Present systems is not very effective and I have had the brakes adjusted and checked numerous times with no improvement. Has anyone done this and were you happy with the results? Cheaper than buying a new rig and don't know what rigs would have a disc system on them. Thanks and travel safe.


Not to sway your disc brake alternative (definitely a good choice, but they are expensive), but there have been some threads on this forum about trailers having inadequate wire guage on their trailer brakes. Many posters have reported much improved braking after they upgraded their brake wiring. Just something to consider.
2014 Winnebego Vista 30T
2017 Ford Expedition
Texas gulf coast, Colorado, or on the road camping somewhere

pcm1959
Explorer
Explorer
I have some questions for those of you with the disc brakes: maintenance is virtually eliminated with disc, right? Also, I have heard the consistency of stopping with the disc compared to the drum is always the same as opposed to the inconsistency of drums?
Finally, I have a 2011 Silverado Duramax with factory integrated brake controller. I understand that the Titan Brake Rite has an adapter that allows you to continue to use the factory controller?
Thanks guys for all the info!
NuttyTexan, if you do the conversion, please keep us posted. Phillip
2018 GMC Sierra 3500 DRW 4x4 Duramax/Allison
2014 Lifestyle LS36FW
St Augustine, FL

Cummins12V98
Explorer III
Explorer III
My Dad bought Kodiak disk brake kit with sealed bearings and Dexter actuator for his 34' HH Premier I will be helping him do the install. It sounds like an easy job.

Our MS came with disk brakes and they are amazing to say the least. Never thought a RV could stop that quick.
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"

"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600

2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable

2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD

thomasmnile
Explorer
Explorer
NuttyTexans wrote:
Am considering having my current brakes (drum) swapped out for a disc brake system. Present systems is not very effective and I have had the brakes adjusted and checked numerous times with no improvement. Has anyone done this and were you happy with the results? Cheaper than buying a new rig and don't know what rigs would have a disc system on them. Thanks and travel safe.


Some of the best money you can spend on your trailer. Worthwhile and you will not regret it.

TheAmRheins
Explorer
Explorer
I just converted to disc brakes last weekend.It took about a day and a half total.And WOW what a difference.I only wish I had done this mod sooner.
Ken & Kathy
Ruben(the cat)& Tiadora (nother cat)
2003 Chev 3500 D/A Dually
2009 Landmark Augusta

Sundance07
Explorer
Explorer
I have 4 wheel disc brakes on my Citation Supreme as a factory option.

All I can say is, WOW are these brakes awesome! If you do a conversion I think you will be very happy.
2012 Ram 3500 4x4 CCLB/DRW Laramie, Cummins 6.7 HO, 68RFE, 4.10 Max Tow, Firestone Ride-Rite, 50 Gal Transfer Flow
2008 Citation Supreme Platinum XL 34.5 CKTS, GVW 15500, MorRyde, 4 wh disc brakes, -30C Polar Pkg

buc1980
Explorer
Explorer
I have them on my Kountry Star. Very good improvement.
2017 Ford F350 DRW,2005 Kountry Star 35ft,16750 lb weight on SAILUN tire,6 points LIPPERD Level-up.New Mor/ryde IS suspension install.Full body paint 2022.RV flex roof 2023

vietvet66-67
Explorer
Explorer
You will love the way it will stop. Have them on mine and love them.
2006 Chevy 3500 DRW LBZ/ALLY LT2 The "DREAM CATCHER"
1999 Newmar American Star Newmar Kountry Klub #19708
Curt Q20 P-2 Controller
LIFE MEMBER OF THE VFW MEMBER 335 "DUALLY CLUB"
"GOD, GUTS, AND GUNS KEEP AMERICA FREE"

pcm1959
Explorer
Explorer
Planning to make the upgrade/changeover this Winter on our 12k pound (empty) Carriage Cameo. I have never read anything negative about disc. Seems those with them say they will never tow another without discs.
We plan to do the change over ourselves. It is pretty simple, actually. There are a number of videos online such as places like YouTube. Good luck, Phillip
2018 GMC Sierra 3500 DRW 4x4 Duramax/Allison
2014 Lifestyle LS36FW
St Augustine, FL

JohnnyT
Explorer II
Explorer II
Moved from class A forum
2004 40DS02 Travel Supreme ISL 400
Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford F150
M&G Brake & Break Away
Blue Ox Aventa LX Tow bar

NuttyTexans
Explorer
Explorer
Sorry about lack of details. Thinking of making the change on my 15,000lb Bristol Bay 5er. TV is 2012 F350 DRW.

workhardplayha1
Explorer
Explorer
A little more information would be helpful. You posted on Dinghy Towing. Are you wanting to convert brakes in Dolly, car or motor home?

Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Explorer
Hi,

Are you considering changing the drum brakes on your travel trailer or fifth wheel to disk brakes? This place can help with all the parts.

ETrailer.com

If you plan on changing your car's drum brakes to disks, there are also several converters that can change the 60's era drum brakes to something more modern.

Fred.
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