Brakes!

[Grandpa]

When we ordered our 36RL we loaded it up with all the creature comforts that were available. Second awning, washer dryer, Sat dish, etc. What we failed to do, unfortunately, was to opt for the disc brakes. Well over a year now and we have had the seals pop on the drum brakestwice. Now we don't feel safe towing the unit. Working through a dealer, we've asked Redwood to help us upgrade to the disc brakes paying a portion of the upgrade,but haven't' gotten a positive response as of this date.

Anyone else have this problem with the drum brakes? Do we have a reason to feel unsafe? Why would the seals fail twice after replacement?

Thanks for the feedback!Edited by: Grandpa

[mhs4771]

Several questions: Are you or the Service Center using the grease zerks in the hubs? If the bearings are hand packed the only way for the rear seal to pop would be if it we installed incorrectly or the wrong seal. If using the zerks, its easy to do if you don't pump slowly and only a few pumps while rotating the wheel.
As for the disc brakes, we had done the upgrade on our Montana, so knew of the greatly increased braking and vowed to never have another unit without them. Our RW is approx 3K Lbs heavier than our Montana and I can't even imagine trying to stop it in an emergency with the stock drum brakes.
If you can't get a good price on the upgrade from RW/Crossroads, try contacting Mor/ryde and get their price for the upgrade (they did the upgrade on our Montana).

[spindrift]

It's extremely easy to pop the seals. Add one part inexperienced tech. Add one grease gun and keep pumping. The seals will pop...especially if they're not installed correctly.

[Grandpa]

Michelle... I'm not much of a grease monkey so all of the work on the brakes and wheels are done by "professionals". Each time the seals have popped, it was at the same Crossoroads service center. I plan to keeppushing forthe upgrade until I get a flat NO! At that point, I'll look at the Mor Ryde solution. Thanks for the insight!

[a64armt]

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You will have the same "seals" on a disc brake
setup that are on your current drum brake system. The seals are part of
the hub/bearing portion of the assembly.
</span>Unless your seals are rupturing due to overheating brakes, switching
from drum to disc brakes wouldn’t prevent this from occurring. </span>As previously stated, the most likely cause
is someone “over packing” using a “bearing buddy” or similar zirk fitting with
an overzealous grease gun operator. </span>Unless
you go to an oil bath bearing assembly which have their own risks, most grease
lubricated bearings will employ the same basic architecture as your current
setup.


There is a slight chance that the brake drum / hub or axle
is damaged or defective that is allowing the seal to work its way out, but a
good mechanic should have recognized this during a disassembly or inspection.


As for switching to disc brakes, they will be an option we
select when we order a unit. </span>If the
manufacturer or dealer doesn’t work with you, there are a few other options. </span>I installed disc brakes on my boat trailer
and was quite satisfied with the ease of install, quality of product and
greatly improved performance. </span>I used
Kodiak Disc brakes. </span>A slightly different
scenario, I used a mechanical coupling surge actuator, on an RV, an electric
over hydraulic actuator will be required. </span>You will also have to run hydraulic lines.


There are a few other options like disc size, separate hub /
brake disc or integrated hub / brake disc that you will have to research.


I used Shadow Trailers http://www.trailerandtruckparts.com/...akes_c_17.html
and was quite happy with their service and prices.


Good luck.OJ

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by spindrift

It's extremely easy to pop the seals. Add one part inexperienced tech. Add one grease gun and keep pumping. The seals will pop...especially if they're not installed correctly.

It should only take a few pumps of the grease gun a couple of times a year. It really doesn't take much.

Edited by: Dave&Ginny

[BradPAjax]

My tech at Camping In Style in Brooklin told me only ONE pump of the gun on each wheel... 2 or 3 could blow the seal...
Also told me no need repack before 6000 miles or 10,000 km. (page 53 of RW Manual)

[atom ant]

Is it actually necessary to add any grease at all? I never could understand why these had bearing buddies. The tapered bearings should hold grease just as well as the old front auto wheelbearings, and I try not to back my Redwood into the lake, much.

[Dave&Ginny]

As long as you keep grease in them properly, I'm not sure they need repacked.

[Beechguyjim]

But that's what we live for Pack Unpack Repack gotta go down the road New place

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Beechguyjim

But that's what we live for Pack Unpack Repack gotta go down the road New place

Ain't that the truth!