Finished thanks for the help Converting to air/hydraulic brakes

[Heavymetal]

At the present time we have a 2005 Newmar Mountain Aire with twin Dexter 10k axles, it is setup with electric/hydraulic brakes and I would like to convert them to air/hydraulic. I have tried to search the furom for answers but figure I must be asking the wrong question. I called Dexter to find the cost of converting to true air brakes and it would take new axles to accomplish this. The disc brakes on the RV are not anti-Lock at this time so while making the conversation I would like to convert to the anti-lock at the same time.

If you have made this conversation or know of a thread that covers this I would appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

[DanBree]

You will want to look at the BluDot system. Jack Mayer has this installed on his 5th wheel trailer. This converts the tractor air to hydraulic trailer brakes. Here is a link on the HDT resource guide... http://www.hhrvresource.com/node/243

[phoenix2013]

Send me an email, I wrote couple technical of articles on the process after doing mine. Does the Newmar have disk or shoe hydraulic brakes?

[Heavymetal]

Send me an email, I wrote couple technical of articles on the process after doing mine. Does the Newmar have disk or shoe hydraulic brakes?

I just found your article by searching Blue Dot. From what I have read so far it is the info I was looking for.

 

This is why I love this site there is always someone here that has been there and done it. My Newmar is sitting on tandem dually 10k Dexters with disc brakes. I looked into converting to Mor/ryde but to costly ($10,200) I did talk with Dexter and new axles with true air brakes are around $2,500 each not to bad but still pricey.

[SIBERNUT]

Bludot is the way to go, I have same setup on a KA. Put the air tank under the propane bottles.

NOTE- be sure to drop the trailer air when you unhook, the Dexter calipers do NOT like constant pressure. PM me for info & pics, all my air lines are hidden up to the pin box

[Av8r3400]

I just found your article by searching Blue Dot. From what I have read so far it is the info I was looking for.

 

 

 

Can you post a link to this information, please?

[MrSeas]

http://www.bludotinc.com/pdf-html/7-8000-series.html

[Heavymetal]

One important question is, does it change the DL that you need with the air/hydraulic set up?

[DanBree]

It shouldn't. For Minnesota, it is still an RV, regardless of how trailer brakes are activated, so the DL doesn't change.

[Darryl&Rita]

In Alberta, yes.

[billr]

Trailer with Blue Dot still had Hyd brakes. Just using air to control. But since it has all the components of an air brake trailer except the actual brake units would it be considered Air brakes ? Hum.

 

Although all of us with an HDT have or should have an Air Brake endorsement? At least in Ontario. Your location may be different??

[MrSeas]

Isn't the DL upgrade required by the TV?

If your DL already requires an upgrade due to driving a TV with air brakes and you have complied with that

requirement where does it say an DL upgrade is also required due to air/hyd trailer brakes?

Where are you guys getting your info to make it a DL upgrade (endorsement) to have air/hyd brakes on a "trailer"?

[Darryl&Rita]

Location dependant. Just because they work better, doesn't mean the powers that be want them.

[Heavymetal]

I am in Texas, I am going to head the the DMV later this week and ask some questions and find out just exactly what I need and don't need. Then I will add it to my binder that I started so like others on the furom I have all my ducks in a row.

 

I know if it quacks like a duck.

[wtgeodog]

In Texas the DL class is governed by the combined weight of the trailer and TV.

When I took my driving test the examiner asked a few questions about the air system but nowhere is there any notation on the license about air brakes.

 

ShortyO

[lockmup68]

How much do I need to set aside for the Bluedot system and install? 3 axle dexter on a teton.

[rickeieio]

Back in March, I was quoted $512.xx, but I have hydraulic disc already. Triple 6k# Dexter axles. I'll be doing this conversion over the winter.

[Jack Mayer]

HERE is a presentation on BluDot. Along with Henry's paper that should get you going. If you have questions I'll be happy to help where I can. As I'm sure Henry will be.

[NoDirectionHome]

With a new truck, I think you'd also want to consider this approach unless you're dead set on running air. http://www.direclink.com/direclink.html

[Jack Mayer]

With a new truck, I think you'd also want to consider this approach unless you're dead set on running air. http://www.direclink.com/direclink.html

You should consider the Direclink solution combined with ABS. But - IMO - it does not operate near as well as the BluDot. BD is truly proportional and has nothing on the truck. It works quite well. But it has downsides, like all things. I cover some of the "Cons" in my presentation. BD does have an ABS version but I'm not familiar with it.

[Heavymetal]

You should consider the Direclink solution combined with ABS. But - IMO - it does not operate near as well as the BluDot. BD is truly proportional and has nothing on the truck. It works quite well. But it has downsides, like all things. I cover some of the "Cons" in my presentation. BD does have an ABS version but I'm not familiar with it.

I went to the Direcclink web site and on the left hand side it states that it works with with electric or hydraulic drum brakes it does not mention disc. I sent them a inquiry last night about disc brakes, hope to hear back by Monday.

[GeorgiaHybrid]

It works with electric over hydraulic disk brakes. Have that controller on my 2017 KW with disks on our DRV.

[Heavymetal]

It works with electric over hydraulic disk brakes. Have that controller on my 2017 KW with disks on our DRV.

Thanks

[Ronbo]

I also have it in my 2001 kenworth t2000. I love how it works.

[Heavymetal]

Talked with them today and they said it should just fine all I need is the 9 pin cable for the Freightliner which will work on the new Western Star.

 

Thanks for all of the input.

 

Heavymetal