Hand parking brake for fifth wheels

[Big Bird]

I am somewhat new to RV'g and when I first looked at fifth wheels I was surprised that it did not come with a hand parking brake. It seems to me that it should be mandatory. Your car and truck have them; a motor home has them, why not on a FW?

I would like to know what others think about a hand parking brake.

[Rob & Cathy]

But we do, they're called Roto-Chocks.

The only time I've seen hand brakes on trailers were on small utility trailers that you can move around by hand.

Rob

[bigbunkhouse]

i learned that the european ones have to have them. Had never heard of one before, i think it may have been from this forum

[bfast54]

Well, believe it or not, the main reason is ..................it is not required, because the trailer IS NOT self powered.

On top of that, it would add a lot of cost, maint headaches, different systems by different manufactorers (some of the rvs are built in small shops).....................on, and on.

Wheel chocks are the cheapest way, and then roto chocks, etc...........

Don't know if that answered your question, but there is the main reason.

[Olbird]

You can apply power to the blue wire on your trailer wiring plug and pull the pin on the break switch while parked but the electric breaks magnets will remain on all the time.
I do not know the life expectancy of them powered for extended times.
Wheel chocks is what all uses after parked and before you unhitch trailer.

[rpfan]

I have seen one on an older TT. Don't remember the brand. It was a cable system hooked to the front 2 wheels with a lever on the TT frame.
On edit, I have seen people pull the pin on the brakway only to have it over heat and melt.

Rich

[pops91710]

You can apply power to the blue wire on your trailer wiring plug and pull the pin on the break switch while parked but the electric breaks magnets will remain on all the time.
I do not know the life expectancy of them powered for extended times.
Wheel chocks is what all uses after parked and before you unhitch trailer.

Actually, energizing the 'magnets' won't do anything at all unless the drums are turning. The drums turning cause the energized magnets to swing in the direct of the wheel spin and cam open the brake shoes. You would have to apply the brakes while in forward motion, and then never let them off the whole time it is unhitched. Not sure any battery could last that long! Once the mags de-energize, the brakes would release.
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4885424_do ... work_.html

[Traveler II]

What about a system based on air, like what is in a pusher motor home? The air compressor could be powered by the truck and the air could be used to:

run air brakes
air suspension
fill tires
air hitch
run slides

Maybe an idea for a new business for the RV industry.

[bfast54]

Bad idea Jim, ...................because , a Recreational C.D.L., with Air brake endorsement , Haz. mat endorsment (holding tanks) Duobles( rec doubles) etc.................... would be a great way for the Govt. to stick it's nose further into our lives. ................Sad thing, not too far off, not too funny for Calif. people.

[pops91710]

I believe there are hydraulic disk brakes out there for some RV type trailers. It sems I read somewhere (Trailer Life?) they operate off of an electric pump motor. I have never seen any manufacturer offer them. I heard they were prohibitively expensive. Like about a $5K option! And that was a few years back. I am not saying that you can lock hydraulics for extended periods of time, however. I think they would eventually bleed down, otherwise my truck with four wheel disk brakes would not need to have a separate mechanical system independent of the hydraulics. http://blog.easternmarine.com/hydraulic ... -trailers/

[rpfan]

I was at an RV trade show the past 2 days. Lippert is coming out with a "bolt on" cable operated hand brake for trailers. It will not, as of now be offered by the manufactures because cost to them. It will be offered as an aftermarket add on.

Rich

[TexasBBQ]

Nice little intro video on electric brakes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrmU8UMD ... =endscreen

[bfast54]

I was at an RV trade show the past 2 days. Lippert is coming out with a "bolt on" cable operated hand brake for trailers. It will not, as of now be offered by the manufactures because cost to them. It will be offered as an aftermarket add on.

Rich

Rich, it sounds interesting.............but, watch for " Cracks in the actuator cable " ...(I.E. Lippert)