Disc brake conversion - Montana Owners Club

Twopetes · 02-26-2018, 08:45 PM

I have been looking at converting the Monty to disc brakes. I recently ran across a forum that was questioning the torque that disc brakes put on the springs and axles.

Has anyone heard of issues or concerns with this type of conversion. I can understand the extra torque put on the springs and would not want to break the springs because of it.

Just wondering peoples thoughts

Thanks,

Steve

**scottz** · 02-26-2018, 09:46 PM

There are several threads discussing disc brakes. Here's one.

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=72889

Dave W · 02-27-2018, 05:21 AM

OP, You have an '11 Ford with an integrated brake controller (IBC) that will apply the RVs brakes proportionally to the application of that TVs brakes. The only time you will see additional, or should I say harder, braking is in a very hard stop. And then it's only faster vs the crummy magnet brakes.

Regardless of whatever trailer you have, main leaves are still only 1.75 wide and are usually approximately 3/8" thick and 25-1/4 to 26 inches long. When you see that most manufacturers are installing disc brakes as an extra cost option, this becomes a virtual non-issue.

You can do as I did though for other reasons, and use 6K or 7K springs (one step heavier then the OEM) but that main leaf - it's still only 1.75 wide, 25-1/4" long and 3/8" thick.

I'll take safer, more positive braking every day vs magnet brakes

jking · 02-27-2018, 07:42 AM

Yep, jus what Dave said ��

richfaa · 02-27-2018, 08:02 AM

Disc brakes are a great addition however in a emergency stop that is like something stop s 4 or 5 vehicle lengths in front of you and you do a emergency stop you are still going to run over that vehicle. Keep that in mind.

dieselguy · 02-27-2018, 08:10 AM

I as well as others have or have installed for others disk brakes on a bunch of trailers. Several shops across the country do the conversion ... some will come right to your RV. Several companies either make or sell disk brake conversions and the parts to support them. In today's world of "worry about everything" and the lawyers to feed off that crowd ... if there was an axle or spring issue, the LAW would have closed the conversion ability down way before now. I have over 7000 miles on my conversion ... no mechanical issue ... lots more confidence in stopping.

richfaa · 02-27-2018, 08:29 AM

BTW the mor ryde IS system is a good addition at the same time.Get rid of the OEM suspension.

Twopetes · 02-27-2018, 09:50 AM

Thanks for all the comments. I am easy on brakes and tires anyway so I was not worried about the need to over-brake. And I agree with the idea that the braking should be the same as the drums - only more efficient. I just wondered if this had been reviewed. Looking at the Kodak conversion this spring. I want to be sure I have the right set up to head west when I hang up the spurs next spring. thanks again and I will post pictures when I make the conversion

Steve

mtlakejim · 02-27-2018, 12:28 PM

Another good reason to look at independent suspension at same time as disc brakes?

beeje · 02-28-2018, 06:02 PM

The braking is NO WHERE NEAR the same as with drum brakes. My trailer will stop the whole rig if necessary. The difference is night and day.

jeffba · 03-01-2018, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beeje

The braking is NO WHERE NEAR the same as with drum brakes. My trailer will stop the whole rig if necessary. The difference is night and day.

Question, would that extra stopping power stress the frame, kingpin and hitch?

beeje · 03-01-2018, 05:50 PM

There is no way to answer that ?. However the truck and trailer slow down and stop in unison. I do not feel the trailer pushing the truck at all.

Texan · 03-01-2018, 11:31 PM

With the truck and trailer stopping as one i can't see where there would be any stress on the truck or trailer. Only stress i see is the stress you get rid of when you get rid of the antiquated drum brakes.

Dave W · 03-02-2018, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffba

Question, would that extra stopping power stress the frame, kingpin and hitch?

Why would it be worse than what our formerly shovel ready but never repaired roads would place on the components. Supposedly the trailer frame has been well designed for major driving stress, the 2"kingpin is the same size as any semi trailer and the hitch you use should have been sized for your 5ers weight both in horizontal and vertical load. My B&W has a 5K vertical and 20K horizontal rating - which I doubt the sig trailer would ever come close to exceeding.

Overthinking takes the fun out of life

**scottz** · 03-02-2018, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffba

Question, would that extra stopping power stress the frame, kingpin and hitch?

Less stress than slamming into something because you could not stop in time.

Anthony T · 01-29-2019, 07:13 AM

Can anyone tell me when you change your brakes over to disc , they use the hydraulic system from trailer or did they install a separate pump

WeBeFulltime · 01-29-2019, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony T

Can anyone tell me when you change your brakes over to disc , they use the hydraulic system from trailer or did they install a separate pump

On our previous 2012 Montana I installed the disc brakes myself and used a "Hydrastar" actuator. I don't think you can use existing pump.

mhs4771 · 01-29-2019, 08:22 AM

Disc Brakes are an entirely different system than the Hydraulic system used for the Jacks and Slides. It also uses standard Brake Fluid and not ATF like the RV's Hydraulic system.

JEROME · 01-29-2019, 08:28 AM

I live near Charlotte NC who would I ask about changing my brakes to disk breakes on 2019 3720 RL ? Is it worth the cost?

rmthelen · 01-29-2019, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JEROME

I live near Charlotte NC who would I ask about changing my brakes to disk breakes on 2019 3720 RL ? Is it worth the cost?

I would say that it is a personal choice and dependent on how much you travel or plan to travel with your unit. I would think that for short weekend local trips it would not pay, BUT, that would be your choice also. There is an amazing difference and they are highly recommended by the ones who have them and use them.

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