Brake options for RV owners
If you own a Grand Design RV Reflection, Solitude or Momentum fifth wheel. If you want improved trailer braking, upgrading from traditional drum brakes to DeeMaxx hydraulic disc brakes may be worth it.
Grand Design RV has offered different braking and running-gear configurations across model years, including ABS on certain Reflection, Solitude and Momentum models, so compatibility should always be verified for the specific RV, axle setup and VIN before planning a conversion.
Why Grand Design Owners Consider Disc Brakes
Reflection, Solitude and Momentum fifth wheels cover a wide range of sizes and weights. Current Grand Design specifications, for example, show Reflection fifth wheels reaching well over 12,000 pounds unloaded on some floorplans, while current Solitude models are heavier still.
For owners towing larger fifth wheels, trailer braking performance is an important part of the overall towing experience.
A properly designed hydraulic disc brake system can provide strong, smooth and consistent braking response compared with the operating characteristics of traditional electric drum brakes.
Electric Drum Brakes vs. DeeMaxx Disc Brakes
Traditional electric drum brakes use magnets, brake shoes and internal hardware inside the brake drum.
A DeeMaxx hydraulic disc brake conversion uses rotors, calipers and brake pads along with an electric-over-hydraulic actuator. The actuator receives the braking signal and creates hydraulic pressure to operate the disc brakes. DeeMaxx offers 1,600-psi electric-over-hydraulic actuator equipment designed for trailer hydraulic disc brake applications.
More Than Just Changing the Brakes
A professional disc brake conversion involves more than removing the drum assemblies.
Depending on the Grand Design RV and existing equipment, the installation may involve:
- Rotors or hub/rotor assemblies
- Calipers and mounting brackets
- Brake pads
- Hydraulic brake lines and fittings
- Electric-over-hydraulic actuator
- Electrical connections
- Breakaway system integration
- Brake fluid filling and bleeding
- System testing and final inspection
Wheel, axle, bearing, suspension and brake-controller compatibility should also be evaluated.
Not Every Grand Design Is the Same
This is especially important with Grand Design RVs.
Equipment has changed between model years and product lines. Newer models may have ABS or different suspension and axle configurations, and Grand Design continues to make running-gear changes across its fifth-wheel lineup.
That’s why we recommend inspecting the RV and verifying its existing equipment before recommending a DeeMaxx conversion.
Professional DeeMaxx Installation for Grand Design RVs
At California RV Specialists LLC, we can inspect compatible Grand Design fifth wheels and determine what is required to upgrade the existing braking system.
California RV Specialists LLC
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, CA 95240
209-263-7040
Own a Grand Design Reflection, Solitude or Momentum? Contact us to have your current braking and running-gear system inspected and determine whether a DeeMaxx hydraulic disc brake conversion is compatible with your RV.
