Disc brakes vs standard

[Jeff&Karen39MB]

Can anyone share with me the difference between Disc & Standard brakes on Rv?
Just purchased the 39MB and did not get disc brakes, we plan on full timing, RV ordered, so wondering if I need to upgrade.

[Dave&Ginny]

Once you pull a large trailer with disk brakes.....you'll never want to go back to the standard brakes. Stoping is so much faster and more even.

[piper guy]

Had drum brakes on the RL when we got it. Even after adjusting brakes and playing with the brake gain, I never had the feeling of great stopping power. In fact, blew through a couple of intersections when the light changed and I knew I couldn't get it stopped.

When we did the upgrade to the IS suspension at MorRyde, I made the disc brakes conversion also. Only comment I can make is OMG what a difference. The whole rig now brakes like I didn't even have a trailer back there. Stopping for something is no longer a much planned ahead issue and in fact got the rig stopped short to miss a dog in the road that I know I couldn't have done with the drum brakes.

Will NEVER tow a trailer again without discs. Just my .02.

[Titan Guy]

The closer you are to your towing capacity, the bigger the difference disc brakes make. On average, disc brakes will stop you 50% faster than standard electric drum brakes.

[Grandpa]

We did not get the disc brakes on our 36RL. If we bought another one I would definitely add them.

[Rick and Mindy]

I do not have them but do plan on upgrading to them when I start fulltiming. Not only will you be able to stop faster but maintenance is much easier as well. When the pads wear down, you just put new ones on like your tow vehicle and continue on. Replacing and repairing the electric brakes is a real hassle unless you just purchase the backing plate and brakes in one piece and even that requires cutting and reconnecting wires. I purchased my 31SL off the lot but if I was ordering, I would definitely pay for them.

[mhs4771]

We had done the Disk brake upgrade on our previous Montana, so it was a no brainer when ordering the RW that it would had Disk Brakes.

[atom ant]

I was tickled to see disk brakes as an option. The Dealer told me he didn't think they came with them and I opened the front box on one of his yard units and showed it to him. Much cleaner and compact braking system then they used to be.

We didn't hesitate to put that as an option. Love ours on these steep mountain passes.

[Enroute]

This is the one option I let the dealer talk me out of adding to my order sheet. Being I am close to the 16,500lb GVW on the coach, I wish I would have ordered them. When the time comes to purchase another coach, disc brakes will be added to the build sheet without hesitation.

[Titan Guy]

Why wait? A disc brake conversion is only $2500 installed.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Enroute

This is the one option I let the dealer talk me out of adding to my order sheet. Being I am close to the 16,500lb GVW on the coach, I wish I would have ordered them. When the time comes to purchase another coach, disc brakes will be added to the build sheet without hesitation.

What was his reason for talking you out of it?

[Jim & Mary]

I'm considering converting to disc brakes and would like to know options besides Mor-ryde. I don't feel comfortable by having someone besides their service center do the conversion, and we're 2800 miles away, which is an expensive trip. One of the guys on the forum represents Titan, anyone have experience with those?

[Oregonbound]

Originally Posted by Titan Guy

Why wait? A disc brake conversion is only $2500 installed.

For some "only" and "$2500.00" are seldom used in the same sentence...

[johnboytoo]

Well said, OB had to chuckle !

[coloradolivin]

We have the drums, bought off the lot that way. Currently under brake replacement through warranty. Wish we had disc.

[Titan Guy]

OB, I guess you can tell I have been full timing with my wife too long! Picking up her bad habits.

[travelin' texans]

At the time we ordered ours there were several options in limbo as to their availability, slide in a slide, disc brakes, granite counter tops, are just the ones I recall. Dealer was clueless as to what was/was not available, thankfully Doug Richards stepped in.

[Jeff&Karen39MB]

Hi All,
Just got home from work, saw some of your comments today on my phone, and thank all of you so much for your knowledgeable feedback. I have a call into our dealer in Ashland Va to get the upgrade done.
Next question, looking to get a 2015 Ford F350 crew cab,short bed diesel, any suggestions as to options such as four wheel drive, dual wheels, or anything else we may not be thinking of, not planning to go off road, just to see America, but have concerns as we want to get it right.
We have never owned an RV in our life, though we have camped with friends a couple of times in a pop up. We love to travel and have no doubt this is right for us. Wow that was a lot to say.

[mhs4771]

Granted it's costly to add Disk Brakes after the fact, but knowing you have good braking ability in that panic situation is "Priceless".

[mhs4771]

Jeff & Karen, with an MB, I would HIGHLY suggest the Dually, and I personally would opt for the long bed (not sure on Ford, but Dually may not be avail in a short bed) then no need for a Slider Hitch or any worries doing that 90 degree jack knife into that perfect site.