wallynm wrote: Not sure whom you spoke with @ Freightliner but ask them what these words mean.
Freightliner neither recommends nor approves
connecting a trailer or other towed vehicle’s
braking system directly to the vehicle braking
system. Freightliner also neither recommends
nor approves tapping into the vehicle air brake
system nor operating a towed vehicle or trailer’s
braking system by means of the vehicle braking
system. Failure to observe this warning could
result in personal injury or death, or substantial
property damage.
A dual air brake system consists of two independent
air brake systems which use a single set of brake
controls. Each system has its own reservoir, plumbing,
and brake chambers. The primary system operates
the service brakes on the rear axle; the secondary
system operates the service brakes on the front
axle.
jess33 wrote: Called Freightliner and could not get a clear answer. I guess I will have to give more thought before I buy.
Again. Thats why I like US Gear, Freightliner pre-wires for you, so that means they approve US Gears system. No cutting into airlines, etc. Robbie
08 Fleetwood Providence 40X
FL-XC
US Gear Braking system
Blue OX towing system
06 Saturn Vue AWD toad
Wife and best friend Martha Baby
SweetPea - 15 year old "Maine coon cat" still mean as ever
Beware of those who point their finger the LOUDEST !
jess33 wrote: Thanks Wallynm? That is the clarification I needed. Called a local dealer and he quoted $960 for the US Gear system + $540 labor for installation. I am s little handy with tools, used to be an electronic tech in the Army many years ago, so I may attempt to install the system my self.
Jess, I bot my US Gear system on line about 3 1/2 years ago, and it seams like I paid about $450.00 for it.(do a google search) I did my own install, and it took about a day, (maybe two)but I'm really peticular about my installs, because, if someone asks, and I show them, I don't want them walking away saying "what a crappy looking set-up that was". Robbie P.S. PM me, and I can give you a lot of install info, if you decide to go this route.
Don't be afraid of cutting the air lines. If Freightliner wouldn't allow it they would never sell a tractor trailer rig. The SMI people are great before and after the sale. Customer service goes a long way.
The SMI AF One looks extremely well engineered and they look to have put a lot of R&D into this unit, besides having many satisfied customers on the road. I am always concerned about saftey and also with the SMI product. That's why we purchased it!
Our coach already has a primary tank and secondary tank (with one-way valve) and even a third tank (with one-way valve) with its own 12v auxillary air compressor to keep air systems up while parked. Now with the AF One, we have a fouth tank and also what I believe is the easiest and best proportional toad braking system on the market.
If you tow, you need a braking system and there are now many options available (we also have the TruControl for the car hauler).
Dian, Robert & Precious - Presently RV'ing in Europe!
2000 45' Featherlite Vogue 5000, tag, slide, Detroit Series 60
2006 19' Towcorp enclosed trailer w/60" tongue
2004 13' Ultima GTR (9.9 seconds standing quarter mile)
Another vote for SMI AFOne. Like many others I struggled with what type of system to install, after a few months of intense research I decided on an air system and eventually went with the SMI AFOne over M&G because of the lack of space under the hood of our Sport Trac. The SMI is likely more expensive than a brake in a box system but in the bigger picture it's likely insignificant compared to the cost of your MH.
Settled on the US Gear, ordered it, received it, and now going to start the installation. Looks complicated. Hope I did not make a mistake. Thanks for all the advice and answers.
jess33 wrote: Settled on the US Gear, ordered it, received it, and now going to start the installation. Looks complicated. Hope I did not make a mistake. Thanks for all the advice and answers.
You'll do fine. My Old Man always said "don't look at the big picture, just take it a frame at a time". Worked for me all these years. Robbie
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