disk brake conversion

[lem55]

Has anyone converted over to disk brakes? Do they sell complete kits and can regular person do this? I also have read about going with oil to lube the wheel bearings instead of grease any pros or cons?

[is_it_friday_ye]

ORbiker wrote:

is it friday yet? wrote:
I have the clear dust covers over my wheel bearings but have them greased with a zerk fitting instead of the oil bath.

Was installing the Zerk fitting a special adaptation?

Could you go into a little more detail?

Thanks, KEN

I believe I used the one that was already on my spindle. I'll double check though. My trailer was brand new when I did the brake conversion.

[C_Schomer]

I camp in the winter and my truck and RV set idle for 9+ months, no problem. When I was trucking, I bought used trucks and trailers that sat in Iowa fields for years and didn't have problems. Guess what lubricates the transmissions, axle and diff bearings in all trucks, cars and most equipment... oil! We'd have a world wide epidemic of bearing failures if oil didn't work. Craig

[ORbiker]

is it friday yet? wrote:
I have the clear dust covers over my wheel bearings but have them greased with a zerk fitting instead of the oil bath.

Was installing the Zerk fitting a special adaptation?

Could you go into a little more detail?

Thanks, KEN

[fj12ryder]

Did those oiled bearings sit for 6-8 months at a time?

[C_Schomer]

I grew up with trucks and had my own business and I never heard of rust problems with oiled bearings. I doubt if oil would be so popular if they had problems like that. It was because of my good experience with oil on my semis that I went with oil on my 5er and the Kodiaks. As far as the question about adding the magnets vs. more electronic gadgets to make the IBC work, I'd rather have the magnets... Cheap and simple. Craig

[padredw]

Thanks for the invitation, Banjo. You really are CENTRAL Texas. We come down that way on the way to the Texas Hill country usually in April. Maybe we can plan it so as to find the Pearl Community Center.

And I have to be honest about it; I had never heard of Pearl or the Bluegrass programs before.

I'm still working on the brake controller/actuator and hope to have everything working within a week.

[banjo]

Padre, i have seen both "adapters" on a Hydrostar Actuator.

If you are wandering around Central Texas with nothing to do come see us. Show is free. RV spots are $15.00 The first Saturday every month.

http://www.pearlbluegrass.com

[Cummins12V98]

Helped my Dad do the Kodiak conversion on his HH Premier. It was a fairly easy job. He really loves the disks!

[padredw]

Hi Banjo, I see you are my neighbor. I had this work done in Weatherford and came back (without brakes) through Cleburne, Ennis, and on to Canton. I lived in Palestine and served a district that went as far west as Teague and Fairfield.

Since I have the HydraStar 1600 actuator, I think the HBA-CAM must be comparable with the Titan you mention.

Here is a web page of the use of the CAM with the HydraStar:

HBA-CAM adapter

Let me know what you think. BTW, I did get an answer from a fellow HitchHiker owner on the NuWa forum who is using the HBA-CAM for the same reasons I need an adapter.

[banjo]

padredw,

The "Titan Adapter" in my post is what you need.
Call Bill Halasyn
(813) 363-4685

[JTrac]

padredw wrote:
I am still hoping for a direct response to my plea:


Here is my urgent request: Is there anyone who has actually used the HBA-CAM adapter in a GM truck? That would be my choice if I knew that it would work as advertised.

Thanks 🙂

I had the same issue when we bought our Excel in 2012. I had a 2012 GMC 3500 at the time and the integrated controller would not work with the trainer's disc brakes. The Excel dealer installed the magnets and it worked like it was supposed to do. Not a problem in the 3 years we had that truck. The 2015 GMC'S corrected that issue but I left the magnets in place and it still works just fine. I have no experience or knowledge of the adapter so can't help you there.

[padredw]

I am still hoping for a direct response to my plea:


Here is my urgent request: Is there anyone who has actually used the HBA-CAM adapter in a GM truck? That would be my choice if I knew that it would work as advertised.

Thanks 🙂

[is_it_friday_ye]

I also bought from Stop Your Trailer. It was right around $1500 for my trailer also. I had a friend help me and it took us a few hours to install. The part that took the longest was running the brake lines and wiring to the pump. I do have an exhaust brake and that is not a replacement for going to disc brakes. I did have to buy a new brake controller that was compatible with hydraulic brakes. I have the clear dust covers over my wheel bearings but have them greased with a zerk fitting instead of the oil bath.

[rjsurfer]

Best thing I have done for my camper, no more squealing, grabbing and constant adjustment of the brake controller.

We just came back from another cross country trip this time with disc brakes and even my wife noticed the difference. Those 8-9% downhill sections went by uneventfully.

Yes many people on this forum will come back and say get an exhaust brake instead. Sure an exhaust brake would be of equal help but there is more to braking than just slowing down on steep stretches. Exhaust brakes don't eliminate that jerkiness and occasional locking up that traditional drum brakes can exhibit when overheated or wet.

Ron W.