Hi all, I am thinking of changing my drum brakes out on our duel wheel van (22ft) to Disc brakes, has anyone done this and was it a hassel.? I know I can call the suppliers etc, but just wanted some feed back first. Also any ideas on cost etc..
As I have said above the van is 22ft, so its quite heavy, although the Land Cruiser pulls it up ok, I just thought disc's may be better..
travelyounger said
06:05 AM Sep 29, 2020
Branchie wrote:
Hi all, I am thinking of changing my drum brakes out on our duel wheel van (22ft) to Disc brakes, has anyone done this and was it a hassel.? I know I can call the suppliers etc, but just wanted some feed back first. Also any ideas on cost etc..
As I have said above the van is 22ft, so its quite heavy, although the Land Cruiser pulls it up ok, I just thought disc's may be better..
Hi KB
I have a van with 3.5 ton gvm usually always loaded to max and have no issues with brakes.I have a redark controller which I change the settings regularly for the conditions.It might be easier and cheaper to use a good brake mechanic to check your brake drum and liners and magnets and or upgrade your brake controller.
Those long steep downhill roads could also have brake fade with disc brakes maybe that's why you do not see on many vans but I could be wrong.
Cheers
HandyWalter said
07:51 AM Sep 29, 2020
Travelyounger I think you will find drum brakes fade faster than disc on long hard applications. Branchie I have considered disks as after every long trip on dirt roads my drum brakes are shot and need a complete overhaul. But I have resisted as the cost to convert is very expensive, and in most cases the van brakes should be assisting the braking process of the car not being the main brake unit, so putting on disks is questionable. Also disc brakes without vacumn assistance do not work as well as drum brakes. They require a lot of force to work effectively.
Gundog said
08:57 AM Sep 29, 2020
HandyWalter wrote:
Travelyounger I think you will find drum brakes fade faster than disc on long hard applications. Branchie I have considered disks as after every long trip on dirt roads my drum brakes are shot and need a complete overhaul. But I have resisted as the cost to convert is very expensive, and in most cases the van brakes should be assisting the braking process of the car not being the main brake unit, so putting on disks is questionable. Also disc brakes without vacumn assistance do not work as well as drum brakes. They require a lot of force to work effectively.
You are correct drum brakes do fade quicker because they cannot dissapate heat as quickly as disks.
If converting to disk brakes you would use electric over hydraulic, your existing electric brake controller is ok, changes required other than rotatars and calipers are a hydraulic actuator, hydraulic brake lines.
I think with some prudent shopping you could buy all the components for under two grand plus 2 to 4 hours labour.
Whenarewethere said
09:06 AM Sep 29, 2020
Put it in a lower gear, manual or auto, for those longer downhill runs.
erad said
09:20 AM Sep 29, 2020
Not a caravan, but a boat. My friend years ago had a rather large boat and the trailer had disc brakes. Now for a trailer which is going to be immersed in water, disc brakes make a lot of sense - they will work after you dunk the trailer whereas the drum brakes probably won't work at all. HOWEVER - the discs on his trailer were totally rusted - indicating that the pads were never being applied to the discs to even wipe off the rust. As others have said, you need a lot of force on the pads to be effective, and drum brakes normally do a reasonable job of braking the trailer.
Going down a steep hill with a van can cook the brakes if you don't drive sensibly. If you have over-ride brakes, you don't have much choice - braking of the rig by foot brakes or engine braking results in the van pushing against the tug and applying the van brakes. However, any van of 3 tonnes or whatever will be default have either electric or some form of power assist braking, so the driver has some control over braking of the van. Use low gear - sure you go sown slower, sure you may delay other people behind you, but you will reach the bottom safely and at least the drivers following you won't be choking in the smoke from your brake linings.
Jaahn said
10:00 AM Sep 29, 2020
Branchie wrote:
Hi all, I am thinking of changing my drum brakes out on our duel wheel van (22ft) to Disc brakes, has anyone done this and was it a hassel.? I know I can call the suppliers etc, but just wanted some feed back first. Also any ideas on cost etc..
As I have said above the van is 22ft, so its quite heavy, although the Land Cruiser pulls it up ok, I just thought disc's may be better..
My thoughts ! If it ain't broken don't fix it, is an old saying that springs to my mind. There must be lots of useful things to do that would improve your setup for the sort of money that you would spend doing that There are literally thousands and thousands of heavy vans getting along very well with the drum system.
Jaahn
Warren-Pat_01 said
10:01 AM Sep 29, 2020
I read an article recently in some junk email that I get where the discussion was drum vs disc - the overriding thing is cost.
Perhaps manufacturers could offer clients the chance to buy vans with discs on? Would discs work as good as drums in a break-away situation?
BAZZA44 said
11:21 AM Sep 29, 2020
Has your van got 10 inch or 12 inch brakes ? If 10 inch then change to 12 inch. If already 12 inch then there must be some fault with them, as they would pull you up without even using tug brakes if on maximum setting.
I only have my controller on about halfway to pull up the cruiser and 3100 kg van, any more and the van drags me to a stop if required. Even though your van is heavier it should get similar result.
Barry
Peter_n_Margaret said
12:05 PM Sep 29, 2020
No one would consider a tug with drum brakes. Why is it OK on a 3T van?
Save 3 and fourpence.
Cheers,
Peter
HandyWalter said
12:22 PM Sep 29, 2020
Sorry Pete N Margaret, most utes have rear drum brakes!!!
Peter_n_Margaret said
02:02 PM Sep 29, 2020
HandyWalter wrote:
Sorry Pete N Margaret, most utes have rear drum brakes!!!
.......that only do a small % of the braking, but I still wonder why?
Even our 26 year old OKA has disks on all wheels.
Cheers,
Peter
travelyounger said
02:52 PM Sep 29, 2020
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
No one would consider a tug with drum brakes. Why is it OK on a 3T van? Save 3 and fourpence. Cheers, Peter
I have a dmax rear drums and 3500 ton van with 12" drum breaks when towing and brakes better towing than not towing I don't know what you mean Peter as the majority are drum brakes on vans and I did enquire about drum brakes when buying my JB scorpian and the price was extra 5000 and could not justify that sort of cost.
Cheers
Peter_n_Margaret said
03:58 PM Sep 29, 2020
$5,000 EXTRA? Somebody is kidding you? www.ebay.com.au/i/174067753905
Plus an electric over hydraulic actuation unit for under $1000.
Cheers,
Peter
travelyounger said
05:45 PM Sep 29, 2020
Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
$5,000 EXTRA? Somebody is kidding you? www.ebay.com.au/i/174067753905 Plus an electric over hydraulic actuation unit for under $1000. Cheers, Peter
That was a van alreay built and your right I said are you kidding.
Cheers
Warren-Pat_01 said
06:50 PM Sep 29, 2020
BAZZA44 suggested changing from 10 to 12 inch brakes - if that process is required, it is not that simple either. The stubs will need to be changed, along with the bearings but on a van of that dimension, it should already have 12" brakes.
Branchie, get your van's brakes checked out to ensure they are working correctly & stay with a good working system.
Peter, your link refers only to 10" discs - whether 12" are available, I don't know.
And as pointed out above, our utes all have drums on the back - cheaper??
Peter_n_Margaret said
08:02 PM Sep 29, 2020
Warren-Pat_01 wrote:
Peter, your link refers only to 10" discs - whether 12" are available, I don't know.
I found 10"discs for trailers good for 1.6T per axle, depending on bearings fitted, but I did not look very hard.
12" disks for trailers show to 2.25T per axle (depending on the bearings fitted).
The OKA disks are 325mm diameter (12.8'') (up to 2.8T on the front axle and 3.8T on the rear axle - total 6.6T) and I run a risk of locking up all wheel in a panic top. The discs, callipers, and pads are all identical front and rear, last a very long time and are cheap ex the USA. 16" rims fit over them.
Cheers,
Peter
Mamil said
08:44 PM Sep 29, 2020
I've just ordered a new Cub camper trailer with Alko override mechanical discs. It is however, very light compared to a caravan, and I'm not expecting to do much off-road with it.
Branchie said
09:42 PM Sep 29, 2020
Well guys, many thanks for the input, i will take all considerations away with me, and ponder.. Again many thanks, its good to know, so many people out there are happy to give advise and good advice at that..
rgren2 said
09:42 PM Sep 29, 2020
My boat trailer has disks, just saying.
Aus-Kiwi said
01:06 PM Oct 7, 2020
Light trucks have drums on rear . But very good disks on the front ! The reason most keep drums is due to handbrake is easier . Even most disk rear systems have drum brake inside for hand brake ! If you can fit discs at an affordable price ? Then go for it !! One good part about disks is in most cases just fitting new parts is only required when servicing . Drums dont always self adjust very well . Btw when towing . DONT use your brakes 100 % to control speed !! Use your engine braking !! I have seen so many drive with brake lights on near the full length of Mt Victoria etc . Just crazzy !! Good brakes or not !!
Peter_n_Margaret said
03:53 PM Oct 7, 2020
Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Light trucks have drums on rear . But very good disks on the front ! The reason most keep drums is due to handbrake is easier . Even most disk rear systems have drum brake inside for hand brake ! If you can fit discs at an affordable price ? Then go for it !! One good part about disks is in most cases just fitting new parts is only required when servicing . Drums dont always self adjust very well . Btw when towing . DONT use your brakes 100 % to control speed !! Use your engine braking !! I have seen so many drive with brake lights on near the full length of Mt Victoria etc . Just crazzy !! Good brakes or not !!
Our (Australian built) OKA uses US made DANA disc brakes on all 4 wheels. Parts are cheap and they last a very long time. All 4 wheels use identical discs, callipers and pads making for convenient parts supply. Braking performance is exceptional. They never need adjustment.
The hand brake is mechanical and operates on the rear tail shaft. It's performance is "ordinary". There is an aftermarket mechanical disc brake kit available which transforms the performance.
Cheers,
Peter
Aus-Kiwi said
08:03 PM Oct 7, 2020
Pete on yours yes . Same as my GM Workhorse . I was referring to most Jap or Euro duel cab vehicles . Yes our motorhome has 150k on it and the brake pads are just over half warn . Van brakes maybe a little different ? Another thing is disc brakes dont lock up like drums can !!
Hi all, I am thinking of changing my drum brakes out on our duel wheel van (22ft) to Disc brakes, has anyone done this and was it a hassel.? I know I can call the suppliers etc, but just wanted some feed back first. Also any ideas on cost etc..
As I have said above the van is 22ft, so its quite heavy, although the Land Cruiser pulls it up ok, I just thought disc's may be better..
Hi KB
I have a van with 3.5 ton gvm usually always loaded to max and have no issues with brakes.I have a redark controller which I change the settings regularly for the conditions.It might be easier and cheaper to use a good brake mechanic to check your brake drum and liners and magnets and or upgrade your brake controller.
Those long steep downhill roads could also have brake fade with disc brakes maybe that's why you do not see on many vans but I could be wrong.
Cheers
You are correct drum brakes do fade quicker because they cannot dissapate heat as quickly as disks.
If converting to disk brakes you would use electric over hydraulic, your existing electric brake controller is ok, changes required other than rotatars and calipers are a hydraulic actuator, hydraulic brake lines.
I think with some prudent shopping you could buy all the components for under two grand plus 2 to 4 hours labour.
Put it in a lower gear, manual or auto, for those longer downhill runs.
Going down a steep hill with a van can cook the brakes if you don't drive sensibly. If you have over-ride brakes, you don't have much choice - braking of the rig by foot brakes or engine braking results in the van pushing against the tug and applying the van brakes. However, any van of 3 tonnes or whatever will be default have either electric or some form of power assist braking, so the driver has some control over braking of the van. Use low gear - sure you go sown slower, sure you may delay other people behind you, but you will reach the bottom safely and at least the drivers following you won't be choking in the smoke from your brake linings.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hi Branchie
My thoughts ! If it ain't broken don't fix it, is an old saying that springs to my mind. There must be lots of useful things to do that would improve your setup for the sort of money that you would spend doing that
There are literally thousands and thousands of heavy vans getting along very well with the drum system.
Jaahn
Perhaps manufacturers could offer clients the chance to buy vans with discs on? Would discs work as good as drums in a break-away situation?
I only have my controller on about halfway to pull up the cruiser and 3100 kg van, any more and the van drags me to a stop if required. Even though your van is heavier it should get similar result.
Barry
Save 3 and fourpence.
Cheers,
Peter
.......that only do a small % of the braking, but I still wonder why?
Even our 26 year old OKA has disks on all wheels.
Cheers,
Peter
I have a dmax rear drums and 3500 ton van with 12" drum breaks when towing and brakes better towing than not towing I don't know what you mean Peter as the majority are drum brakes on vans and I did enquire about drum brakes when buying my JB scorpian and the price was extra 5000 and could not justify that sort of cost.
Cheers
www.ebay.com.au/i/174067753905
Plus an electric over hydraulic actuation unit for under $1000.
Cheers,
Peter
That was a van alreay built and your right I said are you kidding.
Cheers
Branchie, get your van's brakes checked out to ensure they are working correctly & stay with a good working system.
Peter, your link refers only to 10" discs - whether 12" are available, I don't know.
And as pointed out above, our utes all have drums on the back - cheaper??
I found 10"discs for trailers good for 1.6T per axle, depending on bearings fitted, but I did not look very hard.
12" disks for trailers show to 2.25T per axle (depending on the bearings fitted).
The OKA disks are 325mm diameter (12.8'') (up to 2.8T on the front axle and 3.8T on the rear axle - total 6.6T) and I run a risk of locking up all wheel in a panic top. The discs, callipers, and pads are all identical front and rear, last a very long time and are cheap ex the USA. 16" rims fit over them.
Cheers,
Peter
Our (Australian built) OKA uses US made DANA disc brakes on all 4 wheels. Parts are cheap and they last a very long time. All 4 wheels use identical discs, callipers and pads making for convenient parts supply. Braking performance is exceptional. They never need adjustment.
The hand brake is mechanical and operates on the rear tail shaft. It's performance is "ordinary". There is an aftermarket mechanical disc brake kit available which transforms the performance.
Cheers,
Peter