OK, here is a complete newbie question on brake systems.
The jurisdiction where I live has different driver licensing requirements for different vehicle types. I'm a long-time RVer, but have never driven a diesel or air-brake vehicle, so my knowledge level is pathetic. I don't know whether or not I need to upgrade my licence to drive the Foretravel I want to own.
I'm looking to buy a Foretravel of the 1994-1999 vintage. What braking system(s) are found on these units?
My licensing bureau appears to have classifications for:
-Air-Actuated Disc Brake System
-Air-Over-Hydraulic Brake Systems
-Air-Actuated Hydraulic Brakes System
-Air-Boost Hydraulic Bake System
Which of these describes the Foretravel system(s) for these years? Any help would be much appreciated.
Jack, I would suggest you contact one of our Canadian members, the one that comes to mind is John Haygarth. He can probably tell you from personal experience what is required.
Gary B
It's the first one. Meritor air operated disc brakes.
Keith
Jack this is correct and to drive (legally) in Canada you need an Air Brake Endorsement. Sort of easy to get but it does require you to attend 2 days air brake school, then a pass on all that then you go to your local Licensing office and take a test there. No vehicle is required here just a 70% pass on a computer generated question list. This is for all Provinces.
If it is a hydraulic brake system (as in the Oshkosh 022 series G Villa) you do not need this requirement.
JohnH
Thank you all for the speedy replies so far!
John, the situation in Manitoba is similar to BC, they have 2 static air brake practical test set-ups in Winnipeg (for the whole province), and as I don't need a road test, but would only need the air brake endorsement to my existing licence, no vehicle required.
However, if I can avoid the whole exam/test issue, I will if the right unit comes along, but won't base a buying decision on the upgrade/no upgrade matter.
Are there other models in my target vintage range that are hydraulic systems? SOME of this type here don't require the air brake endorsement.
I think that one is the only one that is Hydraulic, but others on Forum will know that esp' Bob in Calif' as I think he was a"pusher' in Nac for a short time. Brett Wolfe will also know and /or check Barry Beam's site for models.
JohnH
Me in east Texas? I was in irvine, ca.
The Oshkosh chassis were air drum brakes. The unihomes and unicoaches were all air disks.
I kidded the customers about "pushing" them to buy coaches. Every single one voluntarily walked in my door. And liked it.
Actually Bob they were not all air as I had a 93 Oshkosh with hydraulic disc brakes and spring suspension.. I know because I replaced them a year after buying and the brake master cylinder I replaced and actually still have old one. It has an electric power assist in case of hyd loss. The actual model is M3600-022C. May have been a one off as there were other things on it that others do not have.
JohnH
Yes I am aware of the 93 and thought about that but he asked for 94-99 and I did not think the hydraulic/electrical/mechanical system was being offered then.
The two foot + long brake pedal arm under the floor did give some mechanical advantage to furnish some braking if both the 1500 psi hydraulic system failed and the 750 psi backup electrical pump failed. 200? Psi
I agree he was asking about 94 up, but as a salesman you know people change their minds. I was in Real Estate for 35 yrs and it happened almost every time too
JohnH
As you said, "No battle plan survives the first contact with the enemy."
Thanks again all!
Bob, I think and hope John would agree that a good real estate agent is not the enemy of his buyer clients, but yes they will very often change their minds. As for me and my Foretravel hunt I may go up in model year (not likely yet, though), but not down. My puzzling about licence requirements matching my model search is answered though ....... very slim odds that what I end up with will let me get away without an air brake licence endorsement. Oh well, back to the study manual. No required course here John, but I may find one at a private school, if only for some pre-purchase practical knowledge.
Again, thanks to all,
Jack
Consider yourself having an advantage to have to have your air brake license. Flat ground no problem. Slow driving. No problem. Fast speed in the big hills the air brakes have much greater capacity. Air disk brakes are the best there is. Add in a retarder and you have both belt and suspenders.
The course etc I believe is required to teach you the reason and functionality of every part of the air system and what to look for should something not work. We also learn about Semi- Trailer connections and the way the air system is affected by problems with them that may occur. The Braking ability of an air system is discussed and part of the testing but it is more into "what makes the system work and why an air system is used", and, how to control this mass.
It actually in my opinion should be mandatary for all persons wishing to drive the type of coach most of us own and enjoy. It is not the same as driving the family car as we all have found out!
JohnH
Bob, I am old enough to understand the belt and suspenders line, and was heavy enough for personal experience. Good analogy. John, all the practical on-road useful stuff is why I will seek out a course, but although Manitoba acknowledges they were helped by other provinces, "especially British Columbia", in formatting our law and regulations, and writing our official "Air Brake Manual" (which is quite extensive), there is no mandatory & sanctioned course available or required here. However, as you wisely say, a course seems, to me as well, to be required to be safe on the roadways. The highway at speed is no place to start learning, so I'll seek out some instruction beforehand.