
	Already a member? Login here. If not, Register Today! \| Help

Newest | Active | Popular | RVing FAQ

Forum Rules | Forum Help and Support | Contact

Open Roads Forum > Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)

This Topic Is Closed | Print Topic | Post New Topic |

Sponsored By:

ramduallydude

New Member

Joined: 04/11/2012

View Profile

Posted: 04/11/12 07:11am

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

I am looking at a very nice 34 ft 5th wheel that is equipped with air over hydraulic brakes.

questions:

1) am i correct to assume that air/hydraulic is designed to be pulled by a vehicle that is equipped with air brakes ie: a single axle road tractor or simimlar?

2) it it possible to convert the air/hyd actuator on the trailer to an electric/hyd unit so that i can pull it with my 1 ton with an electric brake controler.

-- i know dexter makes an elec/hyd actuator but am uncertain how much mod might be required to install.

the reason i am even considering this is that the rv is priced very right (im assuming because the air/hyd system is difficult to resell used) and the traier is overall in very good condition.

thanks for your help!

PEM

donn0128

Pronounced Ore-gun

Senior Member

Joined: 04/21/2005

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 04/11/12 08:02am

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

UH are you sure about that? Disc brake conversions are hydraulic powered by an electric actuator. Unless it was pulled by a class8 tractor that already had air brakes no one in their right mind would go with air/hydraulics. If it truly is air/hydraulics then it should be as simple as swapping the actuator out to the tune of about a thousand dollars.

Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All

blackf3504dr

Leesburg , FL. .Lake

Senior Member

Joined: 08/13/2004

View Profile

Offline

Posted: 04/12/12 07:47am

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

Go to escapees dot com and scroll down to the HDT section, these guys pull their 5th wheels with converted road tractor and can answer your questions.

Mom , Dad , Scooter & K.C ( killer cat )
'96 F350 4dr. Dually, 7.3 5sp.
'92 Holiday Rambler 34'
REAL TRUCKS DON'T HAVE SPARKPLUGS !

ramduallydude

New Member

Joined: 04/11/2012

View Profile

Posted: 04/12/12 09:15pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

@ donn & black:

thanks for your help, its greatly appreciated!

trucker LOU

Calif.

New Member

Joined: 05/27/2010

View Profile

Good Sam RV Club Member

Offline

Posted: 04/13/12 11:17pm

Link | Print | Notify Moderator

Hey ramdualydude, if the trailer has hydraulic brakes it might have the Dexter E/H 1000 brake actuator which works off a regular electric brake controller.(except some GM factory units).Check online at Dexters website and down load operation maintenance service manual.Look over your trailer to see if it has this unit.I hope this helps.If it is straight air over hydraulic it will have air hoses&connectors.let us know what you find out.----LOU---