Swapping From Electric Drum Brakes To Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes On A 2007 Coachmen Chaparrel

Question:

Im trying to go from electric drum brakes to hydraulic disk brakes on my fiftwheel and needing help on what I need

asked by: Joshua H

Expert Reply:

To switch from electric drum brakes to hydraulic disc brakes on your 2007 Coachmen Chaparral 5th wheel you're going to need a disc brake assembly, brake line kit, electric over hydraulic actuator, breakaway kit, and brake controller.

From my research it looks like you should have a 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern which would mean you can use the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit - 12" Hub/Rotor - 6 on 5-1/2 - Dacromet/KodaGuard - 5,200 to 6,000lbs # K2HR526DKG you were looking at. This kit is for one axle so you'll need two for your tandem axles.

From there you'll need a brake line kit, you can use the HydraStar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Tandem Axle - 25' Long, 3/16" Main Line # HS496-252. I've attached a video below where Conner will walk you through the installation of this brake line kit.

You'll then need the actuator to activate the brakes, I recommend the HydraStar Vented Marine Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi # HS381-8067. I've attached the wiring diagram for this actuator below to help you with the installation process.

Since you already had electric drum brakes you should already have a breakaway kit and a brake controller. If for some reason you don't have a breakaway kit or just need to replace yours then I recommend the Tekonsha Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger - Top Load # 50-85-313. This breakaway system with built-in charger is designed to bring a trailer safely to a stop by activating its electric brakes should it become disconnected while being towed. Push-button tester lets you know if the rechargeable battery is fully charged.

You'll want to ensure that your brake controller is compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes. If you do not then the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional # 90195 is a great option that is compatible with the # HS381-8067 actuator. You'll also want to ensure the brake controller settings are changed to the correct mode for electric over hydraulic brakes.