Montana Brakes

[RKassl]

We have a 2005 Montana 2955RL. Our biggest trip was 6000 miles last year with many smaller ones back to 2004. I would guess we have at least 15,000 miles on the original brakes. When we have our normal Spring maintenance that involves wheel bearings they always have inspected the brakes.

My question if we are planning an Alaska trip this year is it time for new brake shoes just because of normal use, or if they look OK that is enough?

Thanks for any information.

[ols1932]

RKassl, for my peace of mind, I'd put new brake shoes on before I'd tackle a trip to Alaska and back.

Orv

[camper4]

I would get a complete brake maintenance done. There is more than shoe replacement. Just make sure whoever does the maint. work knows their stuff.
Enjoy the trip!

[exav8tr]

Get your whole bottom end checked out thoroughly by a very competent wheel man that has trailer experience. Those stiffeners between wheels would be something I would have put on. Order and install the wet bolt kit for your schackles. Check all spot welds and maybe have some extra stiffeners welded in..... A good coat of wax is a must also. Make sure you have a lot of bug remover stuff also and wash when you get the chance........I would consider a tire pressure monitor system also. Carry at least a 6 ton bottle jack and some 4x4's to jack your rig up. road side emergency flares would help also...OH, and have a great trip!!!!!!

[grampachet]

Get your whole bottom end checked out thoroughly by a very competent wheel man that has trailer experience. Yes, you will be sitting many hours...:-)

[semperfi66]

Having made two trips to Alaska, I highly recommend a tire pressure monitor. I have used "Pressure Pro" for several years. I wouldn't start a trip w/o it. Don't know what route you're taking, but I recommend the Cassiar Hwy on the way home, it can be iffy, in the spring. Definately get your brakes and bearing serviced. Have a good trip.

[Clemson1881]

Magnets wear out quicker than shoes in some cases. Replacing the complete brake assembly is not too expensive. I replaced all four on my previous camper. It was very easy.

[Art-n-Marge]

For an Alaska trip you will easily put on several thousand miles. If you already have about 15,000 miles on the rig, even if there is a chance you would need a brake job, it could be VERY expensive in parts and labor. If you have your brakes checked and you find you have enough pad on the shoes available, you might even consider taking a whole set of brake parts with you with the reasoning you wanted to guarantee the parts are on hand and hopefully you can find a place willing to work on your brakes only charging labor.

Greg and Tracy (Clemson1881), do you have drum or disc brakes? Did you do the brake job yourself? When replacing the brake shoes did you have the drums or discs turned? For a complete brake assembly what else is included besides shoes and magnets?

[Clemson1881]

It was drum brakes. The complete brake assemblies are sold online or at a good trailer supply store. They are completely assembled. All you have to do is remove the wheel, brake drum, front wheel bearing, remove the nuts holding on the old brake assembly, and pull it off the spindle. I did do it myself, and it was a very easy task. When finished you have 100% new brakes! The price of the complete assembly was equal to a new set of shoes and magnets, so it was a no-brainer. Turning the drums is always recommended when introducing new shoes. When I need to replace shoes or magnets on my current rig I will do the same thing. It was good for peace of mind to know everything was new (springs, adjuster screw, etc.). I can't remember the name of the site I bought them off of. I just did a web search and went with the best price.

[Clemson1881]

I just looked at the site Trailer Parts Superstore. The complete assembly for Dexter 7000 lb. axles are only $59.95 each. So for $240 you can 100% new brakes not counting getting the drums turned. It's not worth the trouble of changing shoes and magnets when you can replace the whole works for that price.

[Clemson1881]

Also the new assemblies are self adjusting too. So if you have manual adjust brakes you get that benefit as well.

[RKassl]

I was looking at the replacement brake assemblies, do we have 10" or 12" brakes on the Montana?

[8.1al]

12" x2" The last time I changed brakes I bought the whole assembly, backing plates and all, it wasn't much more and that way everything is brand new. Dexter now offers self adjusting brakes so you might want to look into that.