Cause For Wear On Motorhome Brakes
Dear Editor:
I enjoyed reading the informative air brake articles by Mark Quasius (“Understanding Air Brakes,” page 48, August 2016, and “Testing Air Brakes,” page 40, September 2016). I am writing you because I have an issue with one paragraph in the September article. At the bottom of the first column, the last paragraph states, “For someone whose driving style leans toward heavy engine brake usage and minimal service brake usage, chances are good the service brakes will not be in proper adjustment.”
I fail to see how the brake adjustment could possibly be impaired by extensive use of engine braking systems such as the Jake brake or the exhaust brake, and I assume the same would apply to the heavy use of the transmission retarder. All three of these systems are completely separate from the air brake system. Neither the Jake brake, exhaust brake, nor transmission retarder can bring the vehicle to a complete stop; this forces the operator to use the air brake system to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. In order to do this, the brake pads must be pushed by the S-cam, and assuming the slack adjuster, S-cam, etc. are functioning properly, once the wear on the brake shoes and drum reaches the point where an adjustment is necessary, the push rods should extend to the required distance to allow the adjustment to occur. Therefore, I do not see where the warning about excessive use of these alternate braking systems is justified.
Second, if the operator follows the author’s suggested testing procedures, the slack adjusters should be fully extended during the testing process numerous times, resulting in any necessary adjustments being completed.
Ross Hill, F298071
San Ramon, California
Mark Quasius replies: You are correct in that both disc and drum brakes are self-adjusting, at least under normal circumstances. The reasoning behind not using excessive auxiliary braking forces, such as transmission retarders or engine compression or exhaust brakes, is not related to adjustments of the brakes. It is related to the ability of the brake shoes or pads to effectively grip the brake rotor or drum. Brake lining material performs best at a certain temperature. Overheating them by riding them on steep grades to control your descent speed will cause them to harden, reducing the friction required to stop the vehicle. Riding them lightly also contributes to glaze as gases escape the lining material. Minor glazing generally can be removed by a series of hard braking applications. Excessive use of the engine brake with a light touch of the service brakes at the end will allow glazing to occur.
By using the service brakes fully, you will be doing basically the same thing as a deglazing operation, and the hard surface won’t be allowed to build on the surface of your brake pads. Save the engine braking for those downhill grades.
Chapter Plans Rolling Rally
Dear Editor:
The Rolling Thunder of Texoma chapter invites fellow FMCA members to join in our big October Rolling Rally. From Texas, we will travel to the South Central Area Rally, which takes place October 26-29, 2017, at the Four States Fairgrounds in Texarkana, Arkansas.
We would love for you to join us as we take three weeks to “roll.” We will start our journey at Thousand Trails Lake Texoma in Gordonville, Texas. Our first stop will be Checotah, Oklahoma, followed by stops at Grove, Oklahoma, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, on our way to the rally in Texarkana.
We’ve planned specific sight-seeing activities along the way, yet have scheduled time and opportunities for you to choose additional outings, relax in the campground, or attend church. Some of the tentatively scheduled activities include going to a community theater, exploring museums, attending a festival, going on a boat ride, and much more. Additional sight-seeing options include (but are not limited to) visiting Dallas attractions, shopping, fishing, antiquing, and horse racing. We encourage carpooling and spending time with other Rolling Rally participants.
While at the campground, we will share in potluck meals, cookouts, and walks; play cards and games; do craft projects; and enjoy the outdoor amenities. It’s a great time to brainstorm solutions to RV questions, swap travel stories, share photos, and get to know one another.
We hope that you will join us. Our activities are planned for empty nesters. For more information about the Rolling Rally with Rolling Thunder of Texoma members, please contact Connie Farrar via email at connie.farrar@gmail.com.
Debra Heath, F434331
Westlake, Texas
Dog Deposits
Dear Editor:
Here’s a suggestion for RV park operators to reduce the problem of dog waste left by inconsiderate pet owners. Parks could charge a reasonable deposit, $10 to $20, when campers register with pets. The deposit would be returned at departure upon presenting “evidence” of being responsible.
Fred Raymond, F447343
Spring Branch, Texas