Unsafe brake delay on 2021 310GK - what should I expect?

[wallymann]

I had the same problem with Titan disc brakes, which was fixed by bleeding the brakes.
A scant bubble or 2 was all it took.

[2psnapod2]

Also the brake system they are using is the Dexter system. It requires Dexter brake pads and all parts are only available from a Dexter Dealer. The system we at PTB use is the Titan/kodiak. The repair parts are much cheaper and the brake pads are available at most Auto parts stores.

The system that GD is using is a completely out dated system. Please let everyone know that the GD option is not the best system and to contact Performance Trailer Braking for the best system, installed at your location!

[Roll With The Changes]

Wow! This thread gave me more to look at before my next trip.

But back to the original subject... I installed the same system myself this spring. I noticed the same delay. I can't say how long the delay is with mine, but we all have to keep in mind that unlike the TV brakes the resting state of the trailer system is zero hydraulic pressure (there is no accumulator). It will take time for the electric pump to start and build pressure. So I believe some delay is just the nature of the beast. I don't notice it that much, partly because I'm used to it by now, but also because driving technique is in play here as well. This setup should not feel like race car brakes.

With all that being said... I noticed the same delay with a different trailer with electric brakes recently. My truck (2020 F350) has a setting for the "aggressiveness" of the trailer brake controller. I haven't found the comfy setting for mine yet, but maybe your truck has a similar setting.

[fez111]

....I contacted GD. The representative I spoke to said he talked to their hydraulic brake specialist, and was told that a few seconds of delay is normal! I can't believe this is normal, but I'm hoping I can get some estimates from those of you who have disc brakes on your trailer. Can you help me out? Thanks!

I finally convinced my DW that I REALLY needed hydraulic disk brakes on our 2016 Solitude 379FL because in a panic situation I could stand on the brake pedal with both feet knowing I would probably cream the car that perpetrated the incident. I made all of my own brake lines (I hope I NEVER see another double flare). I bought the Kodiak system with the same Hydrastar power unit that you have. I can confirm that there is definitely a delay in my unit, but no more than a half second or so at most. Remember that the system starts from no pressure at all and ramps up to as much as called for by the truck controller. I can also attest that with my 2006 Ford 250 that there needs to be a certain amount of pedal pressure before my actuator even fires.

Um, what size lines did they run? Larger than normal brake lines would/might take longer for the system to build pressure. I used 3/16 inch steel tubing as recommended in the manual which I ran in the upper webbing of the beams where is is protected. Just asking questions...

[falconhunter]

We had a 2011 Carriage Carri-Lite that we full timed in for 11 years all over the country. It had the EOH disc brakes and never had a delay in any of the 3 trucks that I pulled it with. There were people on the Carriage forum that had a delay with the same set up and usually found that either the brakes needed bled or the main supply line from the master cylinder to the first tee was too small. Doing one or the other usually corrected the problem.
Way back when the EOH first came out there was a magnet trick to get the brakes to work. People would wire an electric brake magnet into the wiring somehow to get the brakes to work.
Chip

[falconhunter]

Also I might ad that Mine were a Dexter set up from the factory with the Morride independent suspension. I personally think the Dexter calipers are superior due to the fact that they are dual piston beasts that stopped my 18K trailer short of getting in an accident several times in 11 years of full time use. I notice that the Titan and Husky are single piston calipers.

[Nuffsaid]

I installed a kodiak system on my 2018 310gk and while I do notice a small delay in brake application, it is nothing compared to the factory brakes not having much of a braking effect at all. On my last trip, I noticed my trailer brakes quit working, hmmm, blown fuse.

[2psnapod2]

Also I might ad that Mine were a Dexter set up from the factory with the Morride independent suspension. I personally think the Dexter calipers are superior due to the fact that they are dual piston beasts that stopped my 18K trailer short of getting in an accident several times in 11 years of full time use. I notice that the Titan and Husky are single piston calipers.

They are actually not as good as the Kodiak ones. They only come with the E-Coating and with the 2 pistons, they have more seals and pistons to go bad. They are also only available from Dexter Authorized Dealers, and most do not stock them. So parts are going to be really hard to get. The Kodiak Caliper comes in the Dacroment coating and is far better at fighting rust. The parts are available more often and the brake pads are available at most auto parts stores. They also are about 1/4th the cost.

[2psnapod2]

The Dexter Brakerite Actuator is at the 25% capacity within .3 seconds. There really should not be a noticeable delay. With the Hydrastar actuator, it is a full 1/2 second longer to get to the same capacity. So inherently the Hydrastar actuator is going to have a delay.

[falconhunter]

They are actually not as good as the Kodiak ones. They only come with the E-Coating and with the 2 pistons, they have more seals and pistons to go bad. They are also only available from Dexter Authorized Dealers, and most do not stock them. So parts are going to be really hard to get. The Kodiak Caliper comes in the Dacroment coating and is far better at fighting rust. The parts are available more often and the brake pads are available at most auto parts stores. They also are about 1/4th the cost.

Never had my Dexters go bad in 11 years and over 100k miles of full time use. No problem finding pads. Kodiak has had it's share of problems. Dexter owns Kodiak now.