Voided warranty

[Bob_Vaughn]

We were looking at a new 5th wheel. It did not have disk brakes so we asked about installing disk brakes on this unit before we took delivery. The mgr. said it would VOID the warranty. How crazy is that? Why would better brakes void the factory warranty??

[RAS43]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

way2nutz wrote:
They're feeding you a line. If you replace the brake system with an aftermarket system, they won't cover that system. Per the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act they can not deny warranty claims based on modifications/aftermarket parts. They must prove that your modifications lead to the failure you are claiming.

The Magnuson-Moss act also protects all of us diesel owners that may have modified our intake/exhaust/tuner. If you're ever denied a claim based on mods, mention your familiarity with the act and you'll be amazed at how quickly they'll change their tune. Unless of course your mod DID cause the failure.

Throwing out the mumbo jumbo, this is the statement within the Act that applies:

"Warrantors cannot require that only branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty. This is commonly referred to as the "tie-in sales" provisions......."

I sat on the Warranty Board for the US's only large passenger Aircraft mfg for many years.

Dream on! Just ask any of these vendors spouting the MMA if they will represent you in court.

Totally agree. Even the statement quoted refers to aftermarket replacement parts, not performance upgrades.

[Lantley]

Its not that complicated. If dealer won't do it simply because they don't want the headache than find another dealer or settle for drum brakes.
The dealer has stated their position.
I would not want to force them to do it.

[RollandB]

I agree to check with the manuf. I can't believe a dealer added item (i.e. Slide toppers) would void a warranty. If not some items then why brakes?

[Cummins12V98]

way2nutz wrote:
They're feeding you a line. If you replace the brake system with an aftermarket system, they won't cover that system. Per the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act they can not deny warranty claims based on modifications/aftermarket parts. They must prove that your modifications lead to the failure you are claiming.

The Magnuson-Moss act also protects all of us diesel owners that may have modified our intake/exhaust/tuner. If you're ever denied a claim based on mods, mention your familiarity with the act and you'll be amazed at how quickly they'll change their tune. Unless of course your mod DID cause the failure.

Throwing out the mumbo jumbo, this is the statement within the Act that applies:

"Warrantors cannot require that only branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty. This is commonly referred to as the "tie-in sales" provisions......."

I sat on the Warranty Board for the US's only large passenger Aircraft mfg for many years.

Dream on! Just ask any of these vendors spouting the MMA if they will represent you in court.

[mtofell1]

It's not that disc brakes are better or worse than drums. And it's not that the frame of the trailer is too weak for new better brakes. It's that the new setup was never tested or rated. Everything these days comes down to things being manufactured to perform a VERY precise task. Any variation means more planning, more testing and more engineering. No one is willing to spend the money so the easy answer if just no - don't do it or your warranty is voided.

[way2nutz]

They're feeding you a line. If you replace the brake system with an aftermarket system, they won't cover that system. Per the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act they can not deny warranty claims based on modifications/aftermarket parts. They must prove that your modifications lead to the failure you are claiming.

The Magnuson-Moss act also protects all of us diesel owners that may have modified our intake/exhaust/tuner. If you're ever denied a claim based on mods, mention your familiarity with the act and you'll be amazed at how quickly they'll change their tune. Unless of course your mod DID cause the failure.

Throwing out the mumbo jumbo, this is the statement within the Act that applies:

"Warrantors cannot require that only branded parts be used with the product in order to retain the warranty. This is commonly referred to as the "tie-in sales" provisions......."

I sat on the Warranty Board for the US's only large passenger Aircraft mfg for many years.

[time2roll]

I would prefer disk brakes over some flimsy warranty. Don't let that dealer install ANYTHING.

[laknox]

Maybe the Lippert frame is so suspect that adding disk brakes would provide so much braking that the frame, specifically the pinbox area, would be at risk of failure from the extra stress. Nah, couldn't be...

Lyle

[3oaks]

Slownsy wrote:
Frame and walls cracking by using brakes ? What engineered, I gues better brakes will rip it apart, delaminating cased by water,
Frank.

I think he was referring that the manufacturer would be looking at any excuse to void their warranty, to get out of fixing or paying for repairs no matter what the defect was.

[azjeffh]

Bob Vaughn wrote:
We were looking at a new 5th wheel.

IMO, it's best to find new trailers that offer the options you want rather than trying to convert them after the fact.

[Allworth]

What BS!

The axles and brakes are warranted by their own manufacturer so the trailer assembly company doesn't enter the picture.

If you have an axle fail; see how quick you get turned over to Dexter or Lippert for warranty service.

Once you try disks, you will never consider drums again.

[Shrek51]

IMHO As a retired brake mechanic, what everyone keeps forgetting is that disc rears DO NOT need to be adjusted.

Also the trailer is not engineered for the brakes but for the frame that it sits on.

Drum brakes are the cheapest brakes to put on the trailer, disc braces cost as much as 2 to 3 times as drums because discs work on hydraulic fluid where drums work on electric on trailers.

They are easier to replace pads then drum shoes. 🙂

[ford_truck_guy]

Send a PM to ronald73072
. That is Ron Russell , he owns Titan Performance Braking and sells and installe the Titan Disc brake systems on all trailers.. He can and will answer any and all questions about the subject...
If I had that choice , even if my warranty was to be voided, I would do it... Warranties are only 1-2 years, disc brakes are forever.... I made the swap and it was night and day....
If you want, you can PM me and I can send you all his contact info...

On edit-- I believe his complete disc brake kits are around $1800.00-$2000.00 shipped to your door... Depending on where you live, and his travels , he can also arrange for the install... I had a local weld shop who builds custom trailers do my install...it was less than $1000.00

[broark01]

If you have enough truck (front brakes) then...

"...the truth is that today's disc/drum setups are completely adequate for the majority of new cars. Remember that both disc and drum brake design has been vastly improved in the last 20 years. In fact, the current rear drum brake systems on today's cars would provide better stopping performance then the front disc setups of the '70s. And today's front disc brakes are truly exceptional in terms of stopping power. Combined with the fact that between 60 and 90 percent of a vehicle's stopping power comes from the front wheels, it's clear that a well-designed, modern drum brake is all that's required for most rear wheel brake duty."

[Slownsy]

Frame and walls cracking by using brakes ? What engineered, I gues better brakes will rip it apart, delaminating cased by water,
Frank.