Disc brakes

[sunshine 1]

I am going to Elkart to install IS Suspension. I am thinking about getting disc brakes at the same time which would cost little more than $3000 more. Is getting disc brakes worth that extra cost???

[kowbra]

Originally Posted by sunshine 1

I am going to Elkart to install IS Suspension. I am thinking about getting disc brakes at the same time which would cost little more than $3000 more. Is getting disc brakes worth that extra cost???

We don't have the IS so I cannot comment on that. However, our unit is the Legacy package, which includes disc brakes.

Here's my thoughts on disc brakes: don't walk, RUN towards getting them! They are a game changer.
There is a reason that disc brakes took over drum brakes decades ago in automobiles. I'm surprised the RV industry still even installs drum brakes.
Seriously, I believe this is one of the biggest things you can do for safety. You will stop shorter than you have ever done with a big rig before.

Now, as to the extra $3000 cost? When we were shopping over 18 months ago, part of the reason we chose the Legacy package was that a disc brakes install in our area seemed to be $5-6k. So, I think it's a good deal to do now compared to doing it later.

hth!
Brad

[dannyrver]

I have the IS and disc brakes from MorRyde and would get the brakes if I could only have one.

[RK & Jen]

Agree Disk Brakes first. I had disk brakes installed at the 2019 National Rally then IS installed this past June. Wish I had done them together in 2019.

[Butchl]

Get them both.
The disc brakes surely are worth the expense.
I was a doubter, until someone pulled out in front me, never would of stopped with the electric drums.
We had the Independent Suspension and disc brakes installed at Morryde in February.
It's pricey, but certainly worth it.

[sunshine 1]

Ok, guys you have convinced me to add the extra money and go with the disc brakes.
Thanks for the input.
I have an appointment on the 29th to do it. I am kinda excited about getting new suspension and brakes.
Of course not the money expense.

[MandK]

Sunshine 1, I purchased disk brakes back in April and am still waiting for the e/h actuator. I’ve been told they are not available and that is why keystone is not installing disk brakes on legacy units right now. I’ve heard that Dexter is going to start producing the Brakerites again at the end of this month. Do you know whose actuator they are using?
$3k is a reasonable price, that is what PTB is charging for the kit and does not include the install.

[sunshine 1]

Mark, I don't know that.
The price they quoted me was $3150 for the disc brakes. That was little more than a year ago when I set up my appointment with Morryde, so I would think that price would be higher now.

[MARK A]

Definitely

[Dave W]

Disc brake adder is a no brainer in my mind after having them on ours and having a couple close calls that may have ended in a crash otherwise. $3150 seems a bit costly but then everything else these days has gotten that way.

[Camp CA]

What is(are) the advantage(s) of a IS Suspension and what is the estimated installed cost? Have installed TorkLift Stable Load Suspension Upgrade on the tow vehicle's upper overload springs to eliminate 2 inch deflection and bottoming out the upper springs when the fifth wheel trailer is hitched to it. That was good value for money.

[SLB]

Not sure if you still need one but I have a brand new dexter e/h for sale. Listed for sale on Montana site.

[Doug Brown]

Best upgrade I have ever done.

[skypilot]

Originally Posted by Camp CA

What is(are) the advantage(s) of a IS Suspension and what is the estimated installed cost? Have installed TorkLift Stable Load Suspension Upgrade on the tow vehicle's upper overload springs to eliminate 2 inch deflection and bottoming out the upper springs when the fifth wheel trailer is hitched to it. That was good value for money.

We had the IS and disc brakes installed by MorRyde back in March. Had disc brakes before so it was a no brainer to retain them although we did upgrade to 8K IS and disc brakes to go with those (ours were worn so we opted for all new). Just over 10K out the door for upgrading from 7K to 8K IS and new Kodiak disc brakes. We also got new Goodyear G614 17.5 inch tires so you can probably take a little over 2K off that price for the tires.

[sunshine 1]

I will be up there next week to do mine. I am unsure if I should go with the 8000lb axel. Would that be a overkill? My trailer is a 3120 with maximum weight of little over 16000.
I am always close to the weight limit, l am living full time in it.

[skypilot]

Give MorRyde a call - I believe Lyndsee (spelling is probably off) can give you a better answer. That said, while we were there another coach was getting 8K beams and stuff but the 7K rubber shear kits for over all ride. As I recall they were also full timers and actually over gross a bit. Regardless, MorRyde will set you up. Be aware, the IS is a bit heavier and will take from your gross allowable weight. Might be a deciding factor.

[sunshine 1]

Thanks skypilot,
that might be a deciding factor. My last weight was 12000 lb on the trailer axles, that is 6000lb per axle so I have little more than 15% safety marginal for the 7000 lb axle.
Will probably go with that axle.

[Kris & Al]

I agree with low kowbra. Run and get the disk breaks. Saved us a couple of times from people pulling in front and putting on the breaks. Much better stopping.

[Zinnman]

Absolutely, without a doubt. If the money is available you will be glad. We had the Morryde IS and the disc brakes updated last December. I am far more relaxed now when in heavy traffic of wester mountains.

[jjwhite368]

I got the Legacy Package just for the disc brakes. They are fantastic. I run with integrated controller set at 5.5 and I hardly notice the trailer behind me.