Braking Down Hills

[coffeeguy57]

I'm new to this Classic RV and have only taken it out on one adventure. What can i expect from the brakes? I Have never driven anything this age before. I can only compare it to my other vehicle 2000 Durango. The brakes require a lot more effort to operate. I went down a small hill we have here in Eugene and I was nervous!! I had to apply constant hard pressure to the brakes to the point my leg was getting fatigued. This was on a small but steep hill.

I took My durango from Sacramento into Lake Tahoe With a 4600# trailer and had NO concerns about goin down steep grades. I'm just wondering is there that much of a difference or is my brake system in the Winne in need of help.

IT does seem to stop OK on flat ground/ Tracks Straight...etc but does require a lot of pedal pressure...and they are a quiet a bit spongier than my truck.

[GOWINIGO]

Check the Vacuum line to the brake booster both mine and my dads were rotten! I bet this is the problem...
-Bryan

[coffeeguy57]

I have and it looks good. When i pinch off the line and press hard n the pedal and the release the vac line i get a small bit of pedal travel. maybe and inch max. It doesnt move when i start the engine either. i dont have a vacuum gauge so i dont know how much vac i have.

[vbazinet]

I had the same problem. I had old fluid and air in system. I suggest reading all the posts on this site pertaining to brakes, I did and learned so much more then I thought I would. These folks have been through it all. Good luck.

[Oz]

Very good advice.  If you just recently acquired this rig, you don't know what has or hasn't been done with a lot of things or how old the fluid in the brake system may be. 

When in doubt, bleed and replace all the fluid.

[coffeeguy57]

DONE! The brakes feel a TON better. After bleeding a whole can of fluid through they feel good.

I brought her to the coast for a pre weekend retreat with The fam'. The Winnie AKA "Chili Wagon" Feels good. Its bean a good test run around the central Oregon coast for my trip to the ICS Oregon State Chili Cookoff!!!

On another brake note I do feel the vacuum pulses form the engine when I depress the brakes and the engine speed is relatively slow.