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Topic: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post (Read 1920 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #25 –
Quote from: Michael & Jackie –
BillO...call up Aubrey Lee at MOT. 936-564-1112. He was the electrical engineer guru at FOT and is now at MOT, very glad that he was kept in the industry!  A resource if on road and need some help but the electrical things were, I was told, his main area.  You can check with him.  Very nice fellow. . .

Hope this helps.....

mike

Mike,
Aubrey was the fellow who brought the valve back from FOT.  When the MOT tech working on my rig saw the incompatibility he went back to Aubrey and Kieth, returning with the info that both had said just forget it.  That's when I went over to FOT.

I don't believe that any of the OEM's pay much attention to component systems like ABS other than to install and hook up the parts.  Certainly they don't have the background/knowledge to bridge from 4 to 3 wire system connections.  My guess is that the earlier system had separate grounds for each brake side and the 3 wire used a common ground, but figuring out which wire is which without Haldex/Midland specs was too much of a risk.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Not the newer ones, though  ;)  .  Most of the Spartan-based have the Wabco 6S/6M ABS system.  Not familiar with the Freightliner RV chassis specs.

Michelle,

My understanding is that at some time in the past DOT set regs requiring all vehicles over a certain GVWR to have ABS.  I don't know exactly when this reg was implemented, but suspect that this influenced the thinking of some shops that didn't want to touch my brake situation.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #27 –
Trying to find the requirement for ABS brakes.
On the Haldex web site I found a table with ABS requirements that states any single unit ( trucks or buses, RV's not mentioned )with air brakes manufactured after March of 1998 must have ABS brakes.
If so, when did Fortravel change to a different system if parts are not available for this system? They are using something.
Is this another one of those " this system is obsolete " so it will require changing to a new system when parts are needed?
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #28 –
John,

A few observations.

Haldex likely listed trucks or buses as that is their focus.  I suspect that the DOT reg was more general (i.e. all vehicles with air brakes over xx,xxxx lbs. must have ABS).

Foretravel appears to have gone through a number of iterations.  However, even later ABS may not help.  If you go back and review the original thread that I started one poster (rbark) had a later Wabco system and even he had to resort to a re-manufactured valve after a search.

Even in the regular automotive world consumer protection regs only require parts availability for 15 years.  Judging from stories of other RV owners this doesn't apply to the RV industry. 

Essentially, someone with a DP built after the ABS reg went into effect may run into a dilemma when it fails down the road -- invest in a new ABS (big bucks), go back to non-ABS and have a good lawyer on retainer, or send the rig to junk yard.  If the coach is new enough to still have parts available and one plans to keep it, investing in spares might not be a bad idea.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #29 –
The regulation as I read it states that trucks and motorcoaches with air brakes manufactured since March 1st in 1998 must have ABS. However, I am have been searching but haven't found the definitive answer, however, I haven't found one site that lists motorhomes in the same category as motorcoaches as far as a legal definition goes. My takeaway so far is that motorcoach as described in this requirement is referring to common carriers that transport passengers, in other words buses and commercial for hire vessels. I wouldn't mind confirming this, however, as the possible failure of the ABS system and its consequent disabling remains a possibility for all of us. Of course finding a substitute part that preserves the ABS function would be even better! Fortunately, not a concern for us as ours gives no indication of problems.
Don
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #30 –
Good faith on part of the owner, to maintain a safety system, as opposed by bad faith on part of the OEM supplier to no longer continue to supply replacement parts for a  $$$$$ required safety system. ????????
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #31 –
While you may not find legislation saying an rv must have abs. There is slot of wording up here to the effect that if it came with abs it must still have it and work. I would imagine there is legislation along those lines where you are too. Also the liability would be huge in the event of an accident after some one removed the abs.
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #32 –
Quote from: its toby –
While you may not find legislation saying an rv must have abs. There is slot of wording up here to the effect that if it came with abs it must still have it and work. I would imagine there is legislation along those lines where you are too. Also the liability would be huge in the event of an accident after some one removed the abs.

This is a good point though I tend to consider liability concerns overblown.  That said, Texas safety inspections tend to say exactly that....it may not be required equipment,it may be optional equipment, but if it's installed it must work.  I suspect this is a common requirement across many regulatory agencies.

I like ABS. Driving on ice the first time with a car with ABS and traction control really opened my eyes to the capabilities.  It would be great to find a workaround to keep this system operational.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #33 –

Who was the oem supplier and what part are you needing?
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #34 –
While it would be labour intensive it wouldn't be impossible to install a complete new system. Bendix and meritor sell systems for trailer available in many different configurations for trailers and can easily handle inputs for as many sensors and valves you would need. Even ones that are compatible with lift axles. You already have power at the original control module for it and sensor mounts are already installed so you could pull the new sensor wires with the old ones and then change out the valves to match. It would be expensive but current systems will have parts available for a long time.
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #35 –
Lots of thoughts and opinions! That's good.
I still have not found RV's mentioned anywhere. Also have not seen them mentioned in any list of exemptions either.
That makes me think I'm not looking in the right place.
Another question, has anyone ever had their ABS system checked during a state inspection? I never did in Washington or Texas.
ABS works. I wouldn't own a car without it.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Update to ABS Valve Replacement post

Reply #36 –
Considering replacement for relay valve, has anyone used with success haldex part# AL430624 for a OEM part# AL45061?
The mount plate is different but does the valve work?
I have 1995 U295C foretravel motorhome.
Thanks for any input.
Paul Salsman