storm Brakes

fun2fly · 04-03-2008, 05:17 PM

I would imagine this topic has been visited several times already. I took the rig out this last weekend for a 700 mile familiarazation trip. As many of you might agree, the brakes on this 11,000 pound vehicle are marginal in my opinion.
What is the general thought on the storm brakes for those of you who have it. Is the price tag proportional to the increased efficiency in braking?

Are there any other options out there?

Thanks in advance.

Tony

**daveb** · 04-03-2008, 07:13 PM

I had these put on and are better than stock at this size but the larger systems like on the Ford 550's work better. I would have to change too much to make it worth going with larger rotors and pads. I pull a SMB trailer and brake fade almost got me into a wreck. The van seems to stop faster but more important is the brake fade was reduced big time.

http://www.thebrakeman.com/superbrakes

fun2fly · 04-03-2008, 09:13 PM

would that be a ford parts that is a direct match for the 550 series? Do you know anyone who has done this?
Any fabrication involved?

Thanks,

**daveb** · 04-03-2008, 11:09 PM

SMB will do an uprade to larger Brakeman equipment for about 4K but I would have had to change the rims and tires. It should be better quality than the Ford product. Unfortunately I have a trailer with matching rims and tires. Counting the spares changing 8 is way beyond what I want to pay. The Brakeman upgrade works OK for me but truly only time will tell.
Dave

fun2fly · 04-04-2008, 10:21 AM

got it. I am faced with the same situation.

thanks for your thoughts.

oclv · 04-04-2008, 11:36 AM

Fun2fly, When you get a chance, let me know what size tires you have. I like the looks of your rig. thanks. oclv

BC · 04-04-2008, 01:43 PM

Dave B, curious. How much did your upgrade cost and did I read correctly that you do feel it made a significant enough difference to justify?

**daveb** · 04-04-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BC

Dave B, curious. How much did your upgrade cost and did I read correctly that you do feel it made a significant enough difference to justify?

Well your mileage might vary. I have been told by so call “brake experts” that without changing the physical size of the rotors and calipers all brakes are very similar in stopping power. Also you have to through in all the variables like reaction time, road conditions, tires, weight of the vehicle, stuff like that. Brake fade is one factor that can be improved on using design changes that can greatly reduce some of the brake fade by helping with heat dissipation. At least that is what was told to me. As far as fade goes I saw a big difference. But someone with a lighter van and no trailer behind them might not see as much of a change and although I think I saw better stopping power, I never tested it before I had the upgrade done. After the switch to the new system I took it out and did some stop tests at high speeds (w/o a trailer) and was surprised how fast it came to a halt but because I didn’t do a side by side test, maybe it was wishful thinking. I do know it made a difference while pulling my trailer but I have yet to find the point where I loose most of my pedal. Obviously finding that point can stress the rotors and I really am trying to avoid that. With the weight of these vans brakes are the weakest link and I wish I had the new 08 brakes on my rig. So was it worth the 1000 bucks? For me and my setup, yes. For others I don’t know. I am willing to do a test with someone that has a similar vehicle to get a ballpark idea, but with so many deciding factors I really wonder if it would be of value. Check the archives on the owners group. There was a long discussion on the topic.

fun2fly · 04-04-2008, 05:40 PM

oclv,

I'll check it out this weekend and will get it to you. I wrote it down during the week, but i don't know what i did with it.

Thanks,

tonhy

fun2fly · 04-06-2008, 07:17 PM

Here is the link for the brake discussion in Yahoo.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/spo ... sage/23728

Thanks,

Tonhy