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BurbMan

Indianapolis, IN

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Joined: 09/20/2001

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Having lived on Long Island for many years and towed a 34' TT all around the area, I can tell you that it's impossible not to...if you leave the required space behind the vehicle in front of you, somebody will jump into it. More than likely will proceed to hit the brakes as well. Spend any amount of time on the highways in the NE corridor and it's baffling the stuff that people do.
I've only had 1 incident like that on I-95 just north of Stamford, CT and also was fortunate to stop. Thankfully it wasn't raining that day.
TT was 8500 lbs and I always kept the Prodigy dialed up so that the TT brakes led the truck brakes. For me, changing them out to self-adjusting drum brakes was a big win. It's a sad commentary on the RV industry when you're excited about upgrading the braking technology on your 2008 RV to 1960 standards...
You're absolutely right, though...big, heavy 5ers should come from the factory with disc brakes.
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edited 06/03/22 07:43am by an administrator/moderator *
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JTrac

Oklahoma

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I had gotten used to the disc brakes on our previous trailer and was disappointed when the only option on the Pinnacle we got a couple of years ago were drum. I thought I could deal with it until I made my first panic stop. I called Performance Trailer Braking and had them come to my house to do the conversion. What a difference it made. My drive is much more relaxed knowing I have much better braking power.
JimT
2020 Jayco Pinnacle 32RLTS, 2020 Ford F350, Platinum, 6.7 diesel, 4X4, CCLB, SRW, 12,400 GVWR
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ford truck guy

Pennsylvania

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BurbMan wrote: bucky wrote: I agree that they are better. Maybe you were following too close to begin with?
Having lived on Long Island for many years and towed a 34' TT all around the area, I can tell you that it's impossible not to...if you leave the required space behind the vehicle in front of you, somebody will jump into it. More than likely will proceed to hit the brakes as well. Spend any amount of time on the highways in the NE corridor and it's baffling the stuff that people do.
I've only had 1 incident like that on I-95 just north of Stamford, CT and also was fortunate to stop. Thankfully it wasn't raining that day.
TT was 8500 lbs and I always kept the Prodigy dialed up so that the TT brakes led the truck brakes. For me, changing them out to self-adjusting drum brakes was a big win. It's a sad commentary on the RV industry when you're excited about upgrading the braking technology on your 2008 RV to 1960 standards...
You're absolutely right, though...big, heavy 5ers should come from the factory with disc brakes.
You are correct about the NE corridor, although the PA drivers are a smidgen better than NJ who are a smidgen better than the NY drivers...
Was I too close, I guess that would be subjective, in my eyes, no.. I always keep MY safety BUBBLE around me, but like Burbman stated, it is difficult in this part of the country.. Pulling a 17k fifth wheel primarily around the NE and you get you aware of ALL possible scenarios... Not to mention my wife didn't tell me I was too close, so I guess I was ok ![biggrin [emoticon]](http://www.rv.net/sharedcontent/cfb/images/biggrin.gif)
JTrac - Jim, I am surprised the the Pinnacle line does not offer the disc option?? I had Performance Trailer Braking do the install back on my first Redwood, back when Ron was the owner of the company, they were and still are a good company.
Me-Her-the kids
2020 Ford F350 SD 6.7
2020 Redwood 3991RD Garnet
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Learjet

Louisiana

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I agree disc brakes only...I converted my old trailer and ordered the new trailer with disc brakes...they are great!
2017 Ram Big Horn, DRW Long Box, 4x4, Cummins, Aisin, 3.73
2022 Jayco Pinnacle 32RLTS, Onan 5500, Disc Brakes, 17.5" tires
B&W Ram Companion
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JTrac

Oklahoma

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Joe, not an option on my 20 model but were starting with the 21's. PTB did an excellent job. We've had them for a year and a half now and definitely worth the cost.
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Cummins12V98

on the road

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Learjet wrote: I agree disc brakes only...I converted my old trailer and ordered the new trailer with disc brakes...they are great!
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/JwB2rsul.jpg)
Looks like a nice setup. I bet the brakes work great with the twin piston calipers.
2015 RAM LongHorn 3500 Dually CrewCab 4X4 CUMMINS/AISIN RearAir 385HP/865TQ 4:10's
37,800# GCVWR "Towing Beast"
"HeavyWeight" B&W RVK3600
2016 MobileSuites 39TKSB3 highly "Elited" In the stable
2007.5 Mobile Suites 36 SB3 29,000# Combined SOLD
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Learjet

Louisiana

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they are actually 4 piston calipers, the line connects at the inner top, crosses over and then there is another crossover line at the bottom for the inner calipers with another two pistons.
They are much smoother and stronger than my single piston calipers on the old trailer. Went from 6.5 on the brakes to 4.0
Just looking at my own picture and thinking about it...This set up eliminates the pins the calipers usually ride on and the stick problem they can have.
here is another picture...
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edited 06/04/22 01:18pm by an administrator/moderator *
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ford truck guy

Pennsylvania

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Learjet ,
Is that factory install? or aftermarket? Those quad piston calibers look great !
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Learjet

Louisiana

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yes, factory Jayco installed upgrade option. They are Dexter brakes.
One pin and the pads come out....hope they last...they are @ $500 for a set of pads for 4 wheels at Etrailer.
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Cummins12V98

on the road

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The problem I have with my Kodiak 8K and Dexter 3.5K is they are both single piston calipers and they wear the outer pad WAYYY faster than the inner. I keep the slide pins properly lubed.
They LOOK impressive. Only negative I see is the hub cap is not threaded to allow for oil bath.
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