What a difference Disc Brakes make!

[Bones1]

Originally Posted by Lake Huron

Dont be feeling all warm and fuzzy inside about the price. I got the same kit as Magnolia Tom. His came in at like $1600 and I'm sure that was a few years ago. I got mine under last years price and mine was $1950. Now, I did have to add the adapter for the GM truck and that was $85. I know there was a price increase for 2020 so I'm sure that same kit is pushing $2k.
It is a nice looking set up though

I don't think 2k is a bad price for stopping power. I'll just have to save for it. I have had one too many close calls over the years.

[Lake Huron]

Oh, I hear ya. That's why I ponied up and did it, WAY too many close calls.

[rkelly]

Originally Posted by bgelyhome

Just converted my 2016 Jayco 36RSQS Pinnacle from Electric Brakes to Disc Brakes. The difference in stopping the trailer is like night and day. While the Electric Brakes would slow the Pinnacle down, the Disc Brakes will stop it. My tow vehicle is a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500HD SWD with a Duramax Diesel. As a result of the Disc Brake installation, I have changed my Trailer Brake Control from 8.5 to 5.5 to keep from sliding the trailer tires. I purchased the Performance Trailer Braking (PTB) Kit for my 7,000 lb Axles and John & Barbara Alinger installers for Performance Trailer Braking came to my 5th wheel and expertly installed the kit for me. PTB took my axle manufacturer and serial numbers and match the Disc Brakes to my axles. I have attached a few before and after pictures. They are heavy duty and also look good. The installed disc brakes make it easy to inspect for grease leaks on the rear seals and add a shot or two of grease annually. During installation, we found that both my right side wheels had leaked grease onto the electric brake shoes (scary). I would recommend Performance Trailer Braking system. If you will mention my name (Billy Ely – Birmingham, AL) when ordering your Performance Trailer Braking system, you will get a $50 discount.

Where did they mount pump/controller on your unit? I am seriously considering on upgrading mine

[Lake Huron]

I'm still in the install process on mine. Weather has not exactly been ideal for the most part, incorrect parts in my kit and a little customization on my end is holding me back.
However, I mounted my pump behind the back wall of the pass thru storsge/basement. I wanted to keep the line run as short as possible, keep it inside and protected from the weather and road debris/damage also.
I've seen most installers mount it up front in a propane storage or even the front storage area. I figured it's easier to run wire to the pump than a longer hard line from the pump to the brakes.
Even if there is a leak at the pump, I have it located on the outside area of the frame so any fluid will drip down to the bottom of the trailer instead of all over inside.

My back wall has an access panel, that I put on hinges and a magnetic catch to keep it closed, to give access to a couple low point drain valves and the slide out system control box. I will also be able to access my pump thru it for minor servicing if needed. I ran the entire thing with Niccop line instead of the flex line other than the brake hoses that connect to the calipers. Those are going to be stainless braided.

[Poppyof5]

Great post. Thank you for the info

[Lake Huron]

No problem.
Here's a link to my thread I got going on my install.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...mod-73495.html

If you do a search for disc brake conversion or disc brake mods it should bring up a few. MagnoliaTom did one, I believe MoparEarl did one and bookemdanno did one along with some others.

You should get one going if you're doing one with pics. Because if you dont have pics, it didnt happen. Lol!

[Mopar_Earl]

Yep, I did one. Here is my thread on it.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ted-69952.html


Earl

[TCNashville]

Originally Posted by Lake Huron

No problem.
Here's a link to my thread I got going on my install.

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...mod-73495.html

Hey Lake, how's the thumb doing?

[Lake Huron]

Well, not too bad really. I can almost get it bent the same as my other thumb, it's still swelled up a bit. Strangely enough the nail is still growing. Prolly 80% of the bruising is gone. Under the nail is still pretty tender and the best I can do for use is pick up an empty plastic cup with it. Any more than that it gets pretty upset and makes sure to let me know it. Lol!
I go see the specialist in a few days for a check up so we'll see what he says and go from there.
Thanks for checking in!

[Peoples16127]

A slightly cheaper option is to convert your electric drum brakes to hydraulic drum brakes, you need new backing plates and a hydraulic brake pump system. By reusing the drums, you don't have to buy the discs, the mounting bracket and the brake calipers. This is the setup I have on my equipment trailer and I can lock the brakes even when I have a full load on the trailer.

[Peoples16127]

CAUTION

If you convert to hydraulic brakes from electric brakes, make sure your controller has a setting for electric/hydraulic brakes. If it does not, the controller will likely send a continuous low current to the brake actuator, this is hard on the pump in the brake unit.

[TouringRetirees]

Originally Posted by AKRUEBBE

That's just for the parts. If you have them installed the labor would be added which I really have no idea what they charge to install.

I was just given a quote of $5700 for the modification of the Drum to Disc brake upgrade on a brand-new NP. That was from my local Jayco dealership.

This is one of the modifications I am looking for on a special order unit - can't find the right one on the RV lots nearby.

Yes, I drive a heavy large 5er [and generally in the slow lane] - with the engine brake assisting also. I can not tell anyone how much happier I am with disc vs drum on these heavy rigs.

[Mopar_Earl]

$5700!!?? That's crazy.


Earl

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by Mopar_Earl

$5700!!?? That's crazy.


Earl

X2!!

[Bookemdanno]

x3...way to much!
Get a quote from performancetrailerbraking.com
You can install yourself or they will have a local tech come to you and install!

[TouringRetirees]

I thought so also but have not done business with this dealership yet. I may try to learn what a local Truck/RV service center would estimate.

Dumb question; are there specific details I should be providing the estimator with to describe specifics on Disc Brakes?? I kno nuttin about this mechanical stuff.

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by TouringRetirees

I thought so also but have not done business with this dealership yet. I may try to learn what a local Truck/RV service center would estimate.

Dumb question; are there specific details I should be providing the estimator with to describe specifics on Disc Brakes?? I kno nuttin about this mechanical stuff.

I paid $2,249 for the disk brake kit and upgraded 8k axles from performancetrailerbraking.com. I think it was $1k extra for them to send out an installer.

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by TouringRetirees

I thought so also but have not done business with this dealership yet. I may try to learn what a local Truck/RV service center would estimate.

Dumb question; are there specific details I should be providing the estimator with to describe specifics on Disc Brakes?? I kno nuttin about this mechanical stuff.

I bought a 7k kit for about $1600 and did the install myself.

You’ll need to tell them your axle size (probably 7k, and the maker...either dexter or Lippert) when asking for estimates.

[Magnolia Tom]

Originally Posted by Bookemdanno

I paid $2,249 for the disk brake kit and upgraded 8k axles from performancetrailerbraking.com. I think it was $1k extra for them to send out an installer.

Did you mean 8k spindles and bearings?

[Bookemdanno]

Originally Posted by Magnolia Tom

Did you mean 8k spindles and bearings?

yes...sorry! I started killing the corona with vodka already!