Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Setting airbrakes in storage? (Read 556 times) previous topic - next topic

Setting airbrakes in storage?

I have a level cement floor shop where I park the FT. It doesn't roll or move. I was wondering if it is easier on the brake system to not set the air brakes while storing and plugged into 110 volts for battery maintenance or if it matters either way?
Thanks
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #1 –
Once the pressure drops, the springs will engage anyhow.  The air pressure keeps the springs retracted, so once the tanks leak down, the brakes will engage.
40ft 1997 U320

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #2 –
In order to not set the brakes while parked you would need to keep air pressure applied or mechanically release the parking brake chamber by compressing the spring with a wrench and the engaging tool. The spring is very strong and powerful and It would not hurt it to be compressed for an extended period of time but I don't think it would serve to reduce the wear or lifetime of the brake mechanism.
1999 U270 36, no slide

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #3 –
Seems like a safety risk to me.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #4 –
You could use wheel chocks but put the brakes on.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #5 –
Just put the park brake on, it was designed to be applied when parked.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #6 –
Ok. I'll keep it on
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #7 –
The title of this post is setting the air brakes in storage. It would be one thing if you were actually setting the air brakes but the cockpit control actually releases the air allowing the spring to apply force to the caliper just like would happen if the pressure in the air tanks leaked out while in storage. So, it's a mechanical thing, not air doing the job.

Not a big deal but important for new to air brakes members of the forum to understand.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #8 –
Yes Pierce. I had no idea. Thanks
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.
 

Re: Setting airbrakes in storage?

Reply #9 –
Quote from: dans96u295ft –
I have a level cement floor shop where I park the FT. It doesn't roll or move. I was wondering if it is easier on the brake system to not set the air brakes while storing and plugged into 110 volts for battery maintenance or if it matters either way?
Thanks

As Pierce pointed out the rear brakes will set themselves by spring action once the air pressure bleeds down.  It's a feature not a defect.  Someone, somewhere, somehow thought that it might be nice to have the brakes automatically apply after a loss of air incident.  The guy was probably dining alfresco sitting opposite a tee intersection watching trucks roll down the hill toward him.

With antique automobiles, some of which may sit for a year or more, we tend to chock the wheels and leave the parking brake in the off position.  In 1949 Chrysler Corp used a self energizing disk brake with multiple brake pads, ramps and rolling balls and I can say from experience you want to leave the garage briskly before applying the brakes for the first time.  Or have plenty of room to back up and scrape the rotors clean.

But for RV brakes, pull the big yellow button and chock the wheels.  Belt and suspenders, always belt and suspenders.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.