>
> Patrick,
> Hate to jump in on the other side,
Rick, don't "hate it", just do it! I'm always willing to listen to the
"other side". One reason we're here is to air all sides of these issues.
> but I use my parking brake EVERY time I park.
I don't doubt it, but you're definitely in the minority in my experience.
> Getting REALLY opinionated, may I say I don't understand
> why someone would spend hundreds of dollars converting to
> disc brakes to combat brake fade (which can be prevented by
> proper use of low gear), and make no provision for parking
> on a hill or stopping in case of hydraulic failure.
I don't understand why GM would design a system where the brake drum is
bolted to the inside of the hub making it impossible to be certain that the
wheel bearings haven't been contaminated during reassemby. Brake fade is
one consideration, but that's what pushed me over the edge on the rear disc
conversion. BTW, the conversion actually only "cost" me about $200 since
two of my brake drums had thrown their weights and the other two were
corroded bad enough that it was only a matter of time before they tossed
theirs also. It would have been "free" if I hadn't already bought new
shoes, hardware and wheel cylinders(which have found a home on my father's
Eleganza). In addition, it "saved" me about 7lbs per axle unsprung weight.
And I am making provisions for parking with the line lock. I'm also doing
my best to minimize the possibility of hydraulic failure, but I will admit
to some nagging doubt on that score(I may change to park brake calipers on
the rear later). Regarding use of low gear, I can still do that AND have
better brakes. Actually, the only time I've ever had problems with brake
overheating was coming out of a campground in WV. Low gear was insufficient
braking for the long, steep, switchbacked entrance road. I had to use the
brakes much more than I liked and they were smoking by the time we reached
the main road.
> BTW, I understand that using the park pawl on a REALLY steep
> grade can cause it to lock up, requiring a tow truck to pull
> the coach slightly uphill and unload the park pawl before
> driving away! Fun!
Now seriously Rick, would you really consider parking a 6 ton RV on a grade
that steep? Not I, regardless whether I had a parking brake or not.
Just my $.02 also - no offense intended or taken!
Patrick
> Patrick,
> Hate to jump in on the other side,
Rick, don't "hate it", just do it! I'm always willing to listen to the
"other side". One reason we're here is to air all sides of these issues.
> but I use my parking brake EVERY time I park.
I don't doubt it, but you're definitely in the minority in my experience.
> Getting REALLY opinionated, may I say I don't understand
> why someone would spend hundreds of dollars converting to
> disc brakes to combat brake fade (which can be prevented by
> proper use of low gear), and make no provision for parking
> on a hill or stopping in case of hydraulic failure.
I don't understand why GM would design a system where the brake drum is
bolted to the inside of the hub making it impossible to be certain that the
wheel bearings haven't been contaminated during reassemby. Brake fade is
one consideration, but that's what pushed me over the edge on the rear disc
conversion. BTW, the conversion actually only "cost" me about $200 since
two of my brake drums had thrown their weights and the other two were
corroded bad enough that it was only a matter of time before they tossed
theirs also. It would have been "free" if I hadn't already bought new
shoes, hardware and wheel cylinders(which have found a home on my father's
Eleganza). In addition, it "saved" me about 7lbs per axle unsprung weight.
And I am making provisions for parking with the line lock. I'm also doing
my best to minimize the possibility of hydraulic failure, but I will admit
to some nagging doubt on that score(I may change to park brake calipers on
the rear later). Regarding use of low gear, I can still do that AND have
better brakes. Actually, the only time I've ever had problems with brake
overheating was coming out of a campground in WV. Low gear was insufficient
braking for the long, steep, switchbacked entrance road. I had to use the
brakes much more than I liked and they were smoking by the time we reached
the main road.
> BTW, I understand that using the park pawl on a REALLY steep
> grade can cause it to lock up, requiring a tow truck to pull
> the coach slightly uphill and unload the park pawl before
> driving away! Fun!
Now seriously Rick, would you really consider parking a 6 ton RV on a grade
that steep? Not I, regardless whether I had a parking brake or not.
Just my $.02 also - no offense intended or taken!
Patrick
