Disk brake conversion issues (long read)

[C&H Conner]

I have an interesting quandary. Bought a new 2 axle 2015 Momentum 380th on 9/4/15. I recently had a local shop order a complete electric/hydraulic disk brake system to convert it over as the trailer has issues stopping at reasonable distances.

Got the call the parts were in a couple weeks ago but I was busy putting the belly coroplast back together. So I took the trailer down last weekend to have them put the brake system on and got bad news.

It appears the trailer is equipped with 8k axles (tagged) with 7k spindles and hub assemblies as evidenced by the 1/2" studs in the hubs/wheels. 8k axles come with either 9/16" or 5/8" studs. The Titan 8k brake kit would not fit the smaller spindles. After many calls and emails back and forth neither Titan nor Kodiak make a product that will fit this particular Lippert axle configuration. Titan and Kodiak both indicated this is not the first Lippert axles they have seen with bastard (their words) assemblies. Both offered to fab a backing plate/hub assembly that might work but the wait time is 6-9 months.

So what to do? Full axle swap to Dexter axles with disk brake setup will cost a bundle but may ultimately be the best course of action. Can't say I am crazy about the idea of having 8k axles with undersized spindles on it.

So to you guys that have done the conversion any issues with axle/spindle/hub assemblies? If so, is there a work around other than going with 7k brake parts? Both Titan and Kodiak said it may work but the brakes would be undersized for trailer weight.

Sheesh!!! Didn't mean to write a book! Sorry!!

 

[Dave and Monica]

I'd suggest that you start with a call to Jerry McCarthy, the VP of Service Operations. You shouldn't have non-standard 8000# axles on your Momentum.

Dave

 

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Chris,

You have obviously researched this very carefully. Time to contact Grand Design. If I were you, I would ask GD to provide you with proper 8K axles with correct spindles . . . this is what their manufacturers label says is on your rig. Then you can take it from there with standard Titan disc brake upgrade kits.

Rob

 

[C&H Conner]

Thanks to both of you. Calling Jerry is next on the list as I just found out tonight it's a no go. I have had several contacts with him regarding other issues and he is a pleasure to deal with.

I was really wondering if anyone else had experienced this when converting brake systems on a GD trailer and what they did to facilitate the switch.

 

[Dave and Monica]

You could also contact LCI Customer Service at 547 537 8900...you will need your axle serial numbers from them to investigate...the numbers on the bearings would be good too.

I spent a little time on the LCI looking up components on their 7000 and 8000# axles. No info on the spindles but they use the same inner bearings on both but different outer bearings.

Dave

 

[Dave and Monica]

Here's a link to the LCI site... http://www.lci1.com/support-center Select Axles and Suspensions, Springs Axles, 7000# or 8000# axles...

Dave

 

[C&H Conner]

Thanks for the link Dave. I looked online but didn't come up with anything nearly this descriptive of the parts used in the different axle configurations.
Interesting to see the 7k axle has either a 1/2" diameter stud or a 9/16" stud.
The 8k schematic shows either the 9/16" or 5/8" stud that both Titan and Kodiak said it should have.

I haven't had much success with contacting Lippert directly regarding issues with other trailers previously owned. Maybe this time it will go a bit smoother and they can provide some useful information.

I will update this post with information I find out in the event someone else has the same issue.

 

[Fulltime Livin]

Throwing this out as an option- If at the end you have to foot the bill, would a change to the MorRyde IS and disc brake be an option for you. Total price is in the $2500 an axle range.

 

[RJTimmer]

if you can not find a solution through GD or Lippert, and you want to have standard 8k axles and hubs, contact Bontragers Surplus Inc. http://bontragers.wpengine.com/contact/ they stock 7 and 8 k axles at reasonable prices. along with many thousands of other surplus factory parts and hardware for most of the RV's manufactured in the north Indiana area.

 

[Cate&Rob]

@RJTimmer

Thanks for the tip about Bontragers Surplus !

Rob