Comments on: Air Disc Brakes May One Day Be On All DP’s

By: Classic Disc Brake Kits

Classic Disc Brake Kits — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:13:35 +0000

Interesting post. Air disc brakes are superior!

By: BWade

BWade — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:51:34 +0000

Riggarob,
try asking your insurance company. Their actuaries have to keep up with that in order to set premiums. A few years ago I asked why the Annual premium was higher on my wife’s SUV ($30k) than our RV ($120k). She said the claims and accident statistics were much better on RV’s than SUV’s. I did not ask about specifics.

By: Lou

Lou — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:55:19 +0000

Several states do require a CDL class B non commerical license to drive anythong over 26,000 lbs or with air brakes.

Pa is one of those states where it is required and in getting mine I learned several things which helped me drive my 40 foot diesel in a much safer manner

Motorhome Magazine published a state by state list and the requirements, which is where I found out I needed the CDL

By: John

John — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:56:21 +0000

riggarob,

I been trying to get the statistics on the accidents rates for each category of vehicle. Unfortunately, the police do not compile seperate statistics making it virtually impossible to see what the ratio is.
You may want to check the RV Consumer group at http://www.rv.org/index.html for some info.

The RV manufacturers may keep statistics also, but my guess is they wouldn’t want to share that information with the public.

Good luck in finding more.

By: riggarob

riggarob — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:39:38 +0000

Does anyone have HARD FACTS about the % of Rv accidents vise automotive accidents? You know, how many miles auto verses RV, and accidents resuting. I’m guessing that RV incidents are WAY DOWN, opposed to the rest of the motoring public. JM2C

By: Lug_Nut

Lug_Nut — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:06:51 +0000

Great comments John. In Ontario, Canada, where I’m from, the same laws regarding an air endorsement apply. Written test and practical required and then written again every renewal (3 years)

Again, thanks for your comments.

By: John

John — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:49:53 +0000

Regarding Mac’s comment on driver testing:
As a retired Teamster I would have to agree that there should be some kind of scrutiny to verify the operators ability. Lets face it, we love to travel the road as RVérs, but for safety sake we have to be able to safely operate and that includes backing into a campsite.
In British Columbia if a vehicle is equiped with air brakes, the operator must have an air endorsement certificate which is obtained by taking a course and writing an exam and performing a hands on practical exam (adjusting and checking the brake system). There are different levels for various class of vehicles such as on-road and off-road trucks that require fresh water to assist in cooling rakes on steep logging roads etc.

In closing, common sense must prevail when it comes to braking. I have seen too many vehicles (trucks, RV’s and cars) that did give the respect that mountainous terrain demands. Some of these ended up bogged down in the runaway lanes that are seen part way down some steep gardes.

When I go shopping for a new diesel pusher, I’d like to try out the new disc brake systems mentioned in the above article. Although I’ve had good service life from drum brakes on equipment I’ve operated over the years.

Keep it safe and cool…………

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:57:49 +0000

Mac has a good point. About all most new owners of “big rig” RVs, be it MH or fiver, is whatever the salesperson gives them.

Fortunately, most RVers keep within their skills as an operator. Like my good friend who never, ever backs his 40 ft. DP into a campsite. He has his wife do that. ;-]

By: David

David — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:25:14 +0000

Testing out a new Gravatar feature of the rv.net blog site. YOu should see a pic of me in this post. Get your own by going to http://www.gravatar.com.

By: Lug_Nut

Lug_Nut — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:38:48 +0000

Mac, Actually in many provinces and states you do require both higher license levels and air endorsements. This number is increasing as new regulations are made.