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Old 04-24-2020, 05:05 PM   #1
DTH
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Disk Brake Install

Just recieved kit and getting ready to begin install. I have read and watched many install stories and think I am ready to start. Thought I would see if anyone who has done this on a Montana has any tips that apply to our brand. If you have any information from having done this I would appreciate your experience.
 
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Old 04-24-2020, 05:43 PM   #2
jeffba
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LOL do a disk brake search on the the forum. you will find lots of threads on this
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Old 04-24-2020, 09:24 PM   #3
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I would do like the installer did with my rig. I used the hydraulics to fully lift the rig off the tires, he put jack stands under the frame, and all the hardware on the ends of the axles were removed all the way down to the backing plate mounting flanges. He used a crocus cloth to clean all the surfaces on the spindles including the seal area, and then installed everything on all four axle ends. Then he installed the actuator, got all the wiring done and then plumbed all the brake lines, and then bled the system.
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Old 04-25-2020, 07:00 AM   #4
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I suggest you spend some quality time planning the routing of the metal line from the actuator to the axles. Depending on your trailer length and the length of the supplied line you could either have to do imaginative routing to use up the entire piece or cut and re-flair one end. I just borrowed a double flair tool from a local auto parts store and avoided unnecessary loops in the line. The flairing is not difficult, but you should practice on the scrap piece you cut off. I cut mine at the axle end at a point that allowed some variance in case my flair leaked and I needed to cut and flair again. The rest is pretty much straightforward and not difficult at all.
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Old 04-25-2020, 09:07 AM   #5
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I did mine at home. Running the lines was the part that took the longest to configure. It is doable. One thing I had to do was to bring the connection from the rubber line to the hard line about 8 or 9" INWARD from the frame and I used a piece of angle iron to do that. Had to do it on two other trailers the same way. Here's a pic of it.
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Old 04-25-2020, 11:11 AM   #6
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Disk Brake Install

Thanks to all for the help. I knew there would be good ideas developed from those who have done this. I appreciate your help!
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Old 05-16-2020, 08:09 PM   #7
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Disk Brake Performance

Completed my conversion. I used many ideas from those who shared their experience as I began. Thanks again for that help. The angle iron bracket was a very good suggestion. I ran two from side to side.

Brake performance is exceptional. Now takes no more brake pedal pressure to stop compared to just braking the truck. Very smooth. Stopping distance drastically decreased. I highly recommend this addition.
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Old 05-16-2020, 09:17 PM   #8
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I understand some owners design of getting the flex lines away from possible tire separation issues on your RV, but I don't feel the location is of any more concern than inside the front wheel wells of your tow vehicle. This is just an example of a brake conversion I did a few years back. I used nickel/copper lines because they are easier to double flare and bend, and the alloy is used on some makes of cars now on the road.
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Old 05-17-2020, 06:01 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DTH View Post
Completed my conversion. I used many ideas from those who shared their experience as I began. Thanks again for that help. The angle iron bracket was a very good suggestion. I ran two from side to side.

Brake performance is exceptional. Now takes no more brake pedal pressure to stop compared to just braking the truck. Very smooth. Stopping distance drastically decreased. I highly recommend this addition.
Congratulations on your install!! I've said it before, but after using disc brakes, I'll never own a camper without them again!
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Old 05-25-2020, 12:15 PM   #10
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What's the cost for the disc brake kit?
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Old 05-25-2020, 12:21 PM   #11
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Just about 2K from any of the vendors. After I finished mine, I did an install for a friend. After seeing my results he had to have his upgraded also. Really a great improvement an worth the investment.
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Old 08-03-2020, 09:34 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DTH View Post
Just about 2K from any of the vendors. After I finished mine, I did an install for a friend. After seeing my results he had to have his upgraded also. Really a great improvement an worth the investment.
I'm seriously getting ready to pull a lever and do it.
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Old 08-04-2020, 08:22 AM   #13
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Quote:
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I'm seriously getting ready to pull a lever and do it.
You don't have to buy all at one place in a "kit". When I did mine I bought everything but the actuator from etrailer.com but purchased the actuator from someone else and saved about $150 if I recall correctly. Can't remember who I got it from but maybe Michigan Spring. I got my American made Timbren bearings from Amazon. Total conversion was $1550.00 for me.
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Old 08-04-2020, 11:23 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by WeBeFulltime View Post
You don't have to buy all at one place in a "kit". When I did mine I bought everything but the actuator from etrailer.com but purchased the actuator from someone else and saved about $150 if I recall correctly. Can't remember who I got it from but maybe Michigan Spring. I got my American made Timbren bearings from Amazon. Total conversion was $1550.00 for me.

Getting a quote on a complete system from Performance Trailer Braking, with me doing the install.
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Old 08-04-2020, 05:41 PM   #15
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Disk Brake Install

I believe you will be pleased with the results. Install is not technically difficult but does take a little time to get lines secure and nicely laid out. Lots of creeper time.
Stopping power and response is night and day. I had a good test a few weeks ago. Went down a four mile 11% grade. Exhaust brake plus trailer upgrade made it uneventful.
Good luck with your conversion.
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Old 08-04-2020, 06:09 PM   #16
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So happy to read about how big a difference the disc brakes are....we are going with performance trailer for our brake install with 3 cross members and we are leaning towards keeping our OEM suspension/wet bolt system and was wondering if anyone has done it that way???
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Old 08-04-2020, 07:06 PM   #17
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4 miles at 11%! Where was this at?
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Old 08-04-2020, 08:43 PM   #18
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Upper end of the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. It is as steep as any I have traveled in the Rockies.
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Old 08-04-2020, 09:30 PM   #19
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Sweet! Have to look for that one!
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