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01-17-2019, 05:58 PM #1
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Has anybody done a disk brake conversion on an imagine?
As the title implies. It seems to be a very common upgrade on 5th wheels. Don't see it too much on travel trailers. Cost is probably a factor, but the benefits aren't really debatable. Electric over hydraulic disks are a vast improvement over the drums on the trailer. Wondering if anybody's done it.
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01-17-2019, 07:09 PM #2
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01-18-2019, 09:40 AM #3
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At the Texas rally last year I was talking to the owner of an Imagine bunk house, don't remember what model, he was having disc brakes installed onsite at the rally. I watched the installation crew installing the upgrade. They were finished in a few hours. He anticipated that it would make a big difference. The owner had a bad towing experience and had to stop short and darn near got into an accident, scared the bejesus out of him, that was why he said he was installing disc brakes. He was towing with a 1/2 ton pickup.
Just my opinion - but on a smaller lighter Imagine @ 8000# you would have to weigh the cost Vs the benefit. On a bigger heavier Reflection, Solitude, Momentum I can see it would be a real good thing to do.
On our Imagine 2950RL, @ 9000#, I think the drum brakes work fine properly adjusted, but then again I'm towing with a 1 Ton with exhaust brake and big brakes. Now when we step up to the Solitude 3350RL- @ 16,800 # GVWR that's another story!Last edited by Steven@147; 01-18-2019 at 09:44 AM.
Steve & Tami Cass - Escapee's, FMCA Members, Texas Fulltimers Since July 2020
2019 Solitude 3350RL S-Class, 2018 Ram 3500 DRW, Laramie Longhorn, B&W Companion, Texas Class A Non-CDL Drivers License
Sharing the Fulltime Lifestyle - www.youtube.com/@tsrvadventures3219/videos, Nonprofit Channel
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01-18-2019, 09:53 AM #4
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Not a direct answer but I just had disc brakes put on my Solitude 310GK at the Quartzsite rally. There is a world of difference. As Steven@147 said the differences may be less dramatic on a lighter trailer, but I have never heard anyone say they wanted less brakes.
Jeff and Jen
2016 F250 CC Lariat 4x4 6.7L, Firestone Airbags, Pullrite Superglide
2017 Solitude 310GK, a little solar, a little lithium, disc brakes and a few suspension mods
Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. - Ben Franklin
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01-18-2019, 11:24 AM #5
pilotpip - Another "indirect answer" . . . The conversion is designed to fit the axles. Either LCI or Dexter. It doesn't matter what type of "box" is being carried by these axles. The only complication that I can think of is deciding where to put your electric-over-hydraulic actuator. This is usually in one of the front compartments on a 5th wheel, but could be (literally) anywhere in the trailer. I think I would still look for a location protected from the weather. Although these units are often located in a propane locker on 5th wheels, they are not "ignition protected" in the marine context, so I would not (personally) locate the EoH actuator anywhere near a fuel source.
The actuator can be adjusted (by the brake actuator gain control in the truck) to match your combination of TV & trailer. The discs are able to smoothly absorb the braking heat for a much longer time. The drums work well on the first apply, less so on the second . . . and so on, until your only choice is lock up, if they will still do that. The EoH disc system always brakes the same.
The bumper on the front of your truck is worth more than the disc brake conversion. The first time some little car cuts you off and jams on their brakes . . . avoiding rear ending that car just paid for the brake conversion .
RobCate & Rob
2015 Reflection 303RLS
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01-18-2019, 12:24 PM #6
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I was kind of thinking that this would be a good one, especially towing with a 1/2 ton. Price is on the high side, but as stated, how much is a wreck?
A 2400BH is lighter than the others, but it's still several tons.
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01-18-2019, 12:37 PM #7
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for some reason I was thinking about the cost of independent suspension. So I got to searching for just a disc brake conversion to see what the cost would be. Ran into Performance Trailer Braking kits and this note "Unfortunately disc brake conversion kits do not support 4.4k axles. In order to use disc brakes, you'll also need to upgrade your axles". Don't know if that is true or not. Yup our 2950RL has 4400# axles.
Gives me something to search for on this rainy chilly day.Steve & Tami Cass - Escapee's, FMCA Members, Texas Fulltimers Since July 2020
2019 Solitude 3350RL S-Class, 2018 Ram 3500 DRW, Laramie Longhorn, B&W Companion, Texas Class A Non-CDL Drivers License
Sharing the Fulltime Lifestyle - www.youtube.com/@tsrvadventures3219/videos, Nonprofit Channel
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01-18-2019, 02:51 PM #8
Hi Steve,
Hmmm . . . never thought of that. Talk to Bill Halasyn at http://www.stopyourtrailer.com (813-363-4685) Bill will know the answer to this question . . . and, what it takes to install disc brakes, if you still want to pursue this.
If all you need is heavier "bare axles", this would not be too expensive. The disc kits have everything that attaches to the basic axle (except the spindle nut and washer). A complication might be wheel bolt pattern. If this upgrade takes you requiring new wheels and tires, that would be a significant additional cost.
RobCate & Rob
2015 Reflection 303RLS
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01-18-2019, 02:58 PM #9
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Might be cost effective to , if needing to buy new axels , buy these with disc's already installed. All you would need it the electric over hydraulic unit and some brake line.
Brian
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01-18-2019, 03:13 PM #10
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