Brake performance

[silvrsled]

We have a 2016 30' class c on an E450 chassis. I feel that the brakes kinda suck. We bought it used with 32k miles on it and put 4k on top of that. I usually drive leaving a lot of room to the car in front but had to do an emergency stop the other day. I had to veer off to the shoulder to avoid a crash. I'm not sure if this is normal due to the weight of the rv or maybe the previous owner glazed the pads and rotors? Thoughts?

[silvrsled]

Thanks for the response. Our trailer does have brakes and work pretty well. Infact I usually lock up the trailer tires well before they should due to varying loads. The trailer brakes actually help stop the rig a little better.

The RV is a 2016 so it has the latest iteration of brakes.

J-d, when we panicked stopped, the motorhome brakes never locked up, just didnt have much grab. This is why I was thinking the brakes are glazed. I just had the front wheels off and the pad thickness and rotor looked fine. Of course I didnt take the pads off to see if they looked glazed. My fear is the previous owner just rode the brakes all the time and glazed the pads. I think I will have new pads put on and cut the rotors and see if that helps.

Pnichols, we always have tow/haul mode on.

[j-d]

photobug wrote:
Goodyear place I usually get all my work done has fixed the immediate issue, but are unwilling to modify or change from stock. Still looking for a good solution.

Call John at QuadVan in Portland and see what he can do on a front brake upgrade, using new late model brakes. If your front end is worn, as in needing ball joints, the whole Twin-I-Beam, its radius arms and its complete brakes, all come off when QuadVan switches the unit over to 4x4

[wolfe10]

Does your trailer have brakes and are they working?

[Bordercollie]

Make sure that brake calipers are not sticking, and that whole brake system is working correctly. You need all the braking power, safe following distance, and proper use of gears on grades and curves. Have brake fluid flushed and changed, it collects water which turns to steam and brake fade on grades.

[theoldwizard1]

ScottG wrote:
Spend some money on better brake pads. The difference between stock and something like Hawk, EBT, Power Stop, etc. is remarkable.

If you check Rock Auto, you will see even in their "Heavy Duty (Long Life, Truck & Tow)" category that some manufacturers have a choice of more than one type of brake pad. I personally like Raybestos. You want either ceramic or metalic pads.

[photobug]

I've had 3 ford vans plus the e450 mh brakes on all have sucked, especially the fronts. Ford dealer has been unhelpful. Goodyear place I usually get all my work done has fixed the immediate issue, but are unwilling to modify or change from stock. Still looking for a good solution.

[pnichols]

This doesn't help much regarding panic stop situations/problems, but ... overall normal braking and brake pad life can be improved on your Ford E450 chassis by driving full time in Tow/Haul mode.

[ScottG]

Spend some money on better brake pads. The difference between stock and something like Hawk, EBT, Power Stop, etc. is remarkable.
I know some think stock is great but for others like me, I can never have too much braking power with a RV.

[j-d]

Have you weighed this coach, loaded with people, supplies, and stuff as for a trip? If it's overweight (more than 14500 pounds) braking will suffer.

Ford improved their braking significantly starting with 2008 Chassis Year.

1. Slightly larger Rear Disc Brakes
2. Better Rear Disc Caliper Hardware
3. Parking Brake incorporated in Rear Brakes (moved from Driveshaft)
4. MUCH larger Front Brakes

Because of all the above, I'm with the idea of checking your pads for glazing and rotors for possible scorching or other damage. Previous owner may have abused the brakes. Is the pedal smooth or pulsing when you apply the brakes?

If you need Pads, please get back with us. We have a couple guys who are really into this and can make good suggestions as to which work best.

FYI - Those of us with 1992-2007 Chassis Year can do upgrade 4. above by buying new take-off brakes from a shop that converts E-Series to 4x4 using F-350 parts.

When you left the road in that panic stop, had the brakes Locked or just didn't hold? We have a 2012 axle and brakes on our 2002 chassis and can lock the front wheels.

EDIT: Were you towing that Trailer, and what Braking does IT have? Ford's brakes are designed to stop GVWR 14500, NOT GCWR up to 22000...

[ThePowells]

Maybe pulling the tires and wheels and then getting an definitive look at trotors and pads will tell you somehing.