Upgrade to disc brakes?

[zibberfitchy]

Was wondering peoples’ recommendations to upgrade to disc brakes or not. If so, what is involved and what do you recommend.

[traveldawg]

I'm sure anyone here who has or who has upgraded will tell you they are great and work a lot better than drum brakes. I upgraded right after I purchased my rig but GD did not offer them back in 2018.

As for whether an Imagine needs them, I am not sure. They will certainly work better and will require less maintenance. Just not sure about the cost there.

Other will chime in soon....

[Second Chance]

On heavier rigs, it's a no-brainer. I'm not sure it would be worth the expense on a travel trailer with a GVWR of 8,995 (I'm sure THIS will start a discussion...).

Rob

[kb0zke]

What about one that is 11,295?

[Second Chance]

What about one that is 11,295?

It's a cost/benefit analysis that each owner will have to evaluate themselves.

Rob

[Johnww]

Was wondering peoples’ recommendations to upgrade to disc brakes or not. If so, what is involved and what do you recommend.

I upgraded our 5th wheel several years ago doing the install myself. Not a particularly difficult job and the end result was very satisfactory. To me, the additional comfort level when towing offset the cost of the upgrade. FWIW I used the Performance Trailer Braking kit. Good people to work with.

[poohbear]

I have been talking to Performance and thier installed price is close to $5600 includeing one moryde X-Factor brace & they will be here in East Tx in May . Etrailer wants $3200 for the 3axle kit for diy. Ill be 75 in May & Im recovering from 2nd knee replacement so that installed price is starting to look not too bad
Anyone have any other recomendation for suppliers ?

[Butcher]

There are way too many additional parts/components that are added to convert to disc brakes. All those additional parts are just another thing to fail. For me, I would pass on disc brakes.

If I was towing something huge, consistently going over dangerous mountain passes, I would re-evaluate that decision.

[jsm180]

My issue with disc brakes is they are activated with an electric motor driven hydraulic pump, like Butcher said, way too many failure points. It is not a system I would bet my life on.

[Second Chance]

My issue with disc brakes is they are activated with an electric motor driven hydraulic pump, like Butcher said, way too many failure points. It is not a system I would bet my life on.

If you fly commercially, just about every modern airliner is fly-by-wire these days. We've had electric-over-hydraulic disc brakes on both of our fifth wheels and put tens of thousands of miles on them without a single problem - nor have I read of any problems with this setup on the forums I frequent. I have, on the other hand, seen numerous postings of issues and failures with electric drum brakes... everything from wires being pinched/cut/pulled out near the axle assemblies to various failures inside the drums themselves. I don't think your comparison would hold up to an evaluation of the data.

Rob