Disc vs. hydraulic

danheit98125 · 09-13-2021, 07:02 PM

Wife and I are debating ordering a new 5th wheel but not sure if I should spend the extra money on the hydraulic brake option upgrade. Advice most welcome! Pulling with a 2016 F350 6.7 turbo diesel dually

Lubehead · 09-13-2021, 07:09 PM

Assuming the disc brakes are the option. then yes, you can never have too much brakes.

Can you share what the upgrade actually includes and the cost?

emm-dee · 09-13-2021, 07:37 PM

There are hundreds and hundreds of posts here about problems with the pitiful magnet brakes on RVs. I don’t remember any posts about problems with disc brakes being reported.

aceinspp · 09-13-2021, 08:22 PM

If your referring to disc brakes go for it . Be the best investment you ever did. Later RJD

NMWildcat · 09-13-2021, 08:44 PM

I guess it would depend on how much they want for them and if it means you have to give up something else. Disc brakes are low on my list of nice to have items.
So what is the price increase for that option if you don't mind?

lcv800 · 09-14-2021, 05:41 AM

Disc brakes and Morryde suspension if they are available. A lot depends on how heavy and how much towing you do. If you have a trailer park queen, then probably not worth it, but if you travel a lot, money well spent.
Rusty

Rolland · 09-14-2021, 09:16 AM

I installed disc brakes on our previous fifth wheel which when loaded was about 12,500 lbs. night and day difference in how easier it was to stop. With our current TT weighing about 6000 lbs, I’m not so sure it would be needed.

Chuck_S · 09-14-2021, 10:11 AM

Electric activated hydraulic brakes are common on large boat trailers as they need to keep the electric parts dry. Few of us deliberately back travel trailers down boat ramps and submerge the wheels. They add a level of complexity -- and maintenance -- as there's an electrically driven hydraulic pump that has to get it's power from somewhere plus the hydraulics themselves. I suspect they draw power from the trailer battery. Big boat trailer for sure. Camper? The advice above seems appropriate.

-- Chuck

emm-dee · 09-14-2021, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

Electric activated hydraulic brakes are common on large boat trailers as they need to keep the electric parts dry. Few of us deliberately back travel trailers down boat ramps and submerge the wheels. They add a level of complexity -- and maintenance -- as there's an electrically driven hydraulic pump that has to get it's power from somewhere plus the hydraulics themselves. I suspect they draw power from the trailer battery. Big boat trailer for sure. Camper? The advice above seems appropriate.

-- Chuck

What language are you talking???

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