Braking on 83 Viscount Aerolite

Notso, Yes the Hydraulic system works fine , just thought an electric system might be better...as everyone seems to be fitting these types of system.
As you mention a LOT would have to be changed, might not be a necessary item.

My first van had Hydraulics and they worked fine. It would be quite a bit of work, and money to replace. I'd give them a go for a while, the van isn't that heavy. Just don't forget to flip the little stopper over when you are reversing, otherwise the brakes will activate.

NOTSO Thankyou for that info , regards Stan

Stan,
I've got a 16 ft Viscount Grand Tourer of the same vintage and it's only fitted with override brakes (cable operated) and they work fine for the weight of the van at 880kg empty and 1200kg loaded.
Your Aerolite should be even lighter than that, depending on length.

I investigated fitting electric on mine and it came out at around $4500, more than half the price of the van
Considering that the existing brake system is still legal and works well I decided not to go ahead with the change to electric brakes.

Hope this helps.

Disco.

Hi Disco,
Yes Ive decided to stay with the brake system already there.
I dont know if NOTSO will be reading this but he mentioned the STOP OVER
I know what he's talking about as I had one on my other van I had years ago,
but Ive noticed on this one it has a cable looks like its connected to the hand brake system, never come across this before and unsure on how it operates but will investigate further. At present unsure how to disengage braking when reversing.
Thanks for your info
Stan

Stan,
On your tow hitch there 'should' be a gap of around 25-30mm between the rear of the coupling and the housing fixed to the drawbar. there 'should' also be a small halfround casting/forging attached to pivot on the front of the drawbar housing.
This is swung over into the gap that should be there thus preventing the coupling shaft from moving rearward as you back.
This is what prevents the brakes from operating in reverse.

The cable attached to the hand brake should apply the trailer brakes when pulled upward. This should stop the van from moving when parked and disconnected from your vehicle.

Don't forget to release the hand brake before moving off. Not doing so is a good way to stuff up the brakes and even set fire to the van when it's travelling.


In my case the handbrake works reasonably but, as a matter of course, I chock the wheels as well. Just to be on the safe side.

Again I hope this helps.

Disco.

Hi NOTSO, DISCO, BILL & VINCE,
Many thanks for your input, has been a great help and understanding of what is whats.
Ill leave the system as it is and try and figure out the deactivation of reverse component, at present unable to see where the locking plate is.... but will have
another look see, might have missed it somewhere. The one I had on my other van was quite visible . Thanks once again to all.
Stan

I converted my son's work trailer to electric brakes. It cost $1500.00 for parts. My labour was free

That was for four wheels

THANKS for that Ray but I'm no mechanic so would be very expensive to have it done , I had further checks for where the locking plate is but appears there isn't one that I can see... hoping to go to a caravan repair shop locally sometime this week and see what is what with this 80's system, it appears its a German design.
regards
Stan