Why Professional Installation Matters When Upgrading Your RV to Disc Brakes

Close-up of a RV trailer wheel hub with brake rotor and caliper, showing lug studs and a yellow center cap on a paved surface.

Upgrading a fifth wheel or travel trailer from electric drum brakes to hydraulic disc brakes is a significant improvement.

Many RV owners consider DeeMaxx disc brake installation worthwhile.

Yet a disc brake conversion involves much more than replacing brakes at each wheel.

For DeeMaxx disc brake installation, ensure the entire braking system is properly installed, connected, filled, bled, and tested.

Additionally, the RV should not return to the road until the braking system passes tests.

Installing the Rotors, Hubs & Calipers

At the wheels, the conversion begins.

The technician removes the existing drum brake components, depending on the system.

The technician installs the new disc brake components.

Proper installation includes the rotors or hub/rotor assemblies, caliper brackets, calipers, brake pads, bearings, seals and related hardware.

Additionally, fitment, clearances and component compatibility all need to be verified.

Routing the Hydraulic Brake Lines

However, unlike electric drum brakes, hydraulic disc brakes require brake fluid to operate the calipers.

Hydraulic lines must be properly routed and secured throughout the RV.

Care needs to be taken around suspension components, axles and other moving areas.

Additionally, the lines must avoid damage while traveling.

Connections also need to be checked carefully for leaks.

Installing the electric-over-hydraulic actuator

The actuator is essential to an RV hydraulic disc brake conversion.

Additionally, it receives the electrical braking signal and creates the hydraulic pressure needed to operate the disc brakes.

Mount the actuator properly, wire it correctly, and connect it to the hydraulic system.

Electrical & Breakaway System Integration

A disc brake conversion still relies on the RV’s electrical system.

The actuator, tow vehicle brake controller and RV breakaway system need to work together correctly. Additionally, wiring, power supply, grounds and connections should all be inspected as part of the installation.

Brake controller compatibility should also be verified.

Filling & Bleeding the Brake System

Firstly, fill the brake reservoir to the recommended level. Next, bleed the brake lines to remove air.

Additionally, after everything is installed, DeeMaxx disc brake installation requires filling the hydraulic system with the correct brake fluid. It must also be properly bled.

Air trapped inside the hydraulic system can affect brake operation. Additionally, bleeding the system removes that air and helps establish proper hydraulic pressure throughout the brake lines and calipers.

Testing Before the RV Leaves

However, installation isn’t finished when the last component is bolted on.

The braking system should be tested for proper operation, and the hydraulic system should be checked for leaks. Additionally, the breakaway system and electrical operation should also be verified.

A final inspection helps confirm that lines, fittings, wiring, calipers, and other components are properly installed.

Additionally, they are secured.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Your RV brakes are a critical part of your towing system.

Moreover, a disc brake conversion combines mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical work.

This is why proper installation matters.

Additionally, having the system professionally installed provides an opportunity to inspect related components.

These include wheel bearings, suspension, and running gear while the RV is in the shop.

Large modern travel trailer on leveling jacks outside a service shop, with branding logos in the corners:'Your RV Specialists' and 'California RV Specialists'

Professional RV Disc Brake Installation in Lodi, CA

California RV Specialists LLC provides professional RV hydraulic disc brake conversions for fifth wheels and travel trailers.

From installing the brake components and hydraulic lines to wiring the actuator, bleeding the system, we can help.

Additionally, we confirm the disc brake upgrade is installed correctly.

California RV Specialists LLC is at 200 S. Cherokee Lane in Lodi, CA 95240. Additionally, you can reach them at 209-263-7040.

When you’re upgrading one of the most important systems on your RV, professional installation is essential. Indeed, this ensures the job is done right.

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California RV Specialists