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Post by wayfarerfan on Oct 21, 2010 19:27:07 GMT 10
Hi, the old van has no brakes, we are wondering what is the best way to go. 12ft van, no disc brakes, pretty light weight. What's the safest v's whats the most economical way? And what sort of cost should we expect?
Thanks
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Post by Jennison on Oct 21, 2010 20:54:52 GMT 10
WFF, If your van is under 750kg (which at 12' is quite possibly the case)you do not require them for rego. Outside of that, modern electrics are undisputably the go, and basically invisible to the average punter which helps to keep within the theme/looks of your VVs' era and still have the best of braking systems. jennison
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Post by atouchofglass on Oct 22, 2010 5:08:47 GMT 10
Hey WFF
Mechanical brakes should be more than ample for your van. Not that there is anything wrong with electric. They are the bees knees.
Recently replaced the axle and hubs under my van. That plus the new tow hitch and associated cables etc cost about $1200 incl labour. For mechanical brakes If you do it yourself it will be alot cheaper.
I went with someone else doing the work because I have a lot invested in my van and have never done that type of set up before. Besides I didn't need the frustration. ;D ;D ;D ;D
Cheers Atog
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Post by RollyDog on Oct 22, 2010 19:53:23 GMT 10
WFF I am in a similar boat with my 10 foot Munro estimated to weigh under 700 kg. I have towed it a few places with no trouble but as I am towing with a Hillman Hunter will be fitting electric brakes next year. If your van doesn't have brakes already you may need to replace the whole axle and remeasure as if like most vans you don't have a lot of room under the mudguards you have to allow for the brake drum etc. One aspect i forgot when electing not to have brakes initially is when pushing the van onto a site and applying the handbrake to secure the van. Let us know what area you are in and someone should have a local contact you can deal with. Rollydog
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Post by wayfarerfan on Oct 24, 2010 18:06:12 GMT 10
Thanks everyone, we are located in Mordialloc, will get a few prices together and decide. Seems like mechanical will do the job, but electric is the best option, will see how the $$ come in. Rollydog, we had that problem when we picked the van up, stopped in Echuca on the river and spent the night wondering if we were going to roll in to it!
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Post by minicamper on Oct 25, 2010 6:23:12 GMT 10
WWF - you could just about spit at the best people I have found to do this sort of work you're so close.. I have no affiliation with them and found them VERY helpful and well priced. Melbourne Trailer and Caravan Supplies. They're at 1-3 Ashley Park Drive Chelsea Heights (9772 2333), just near the end of the freeway. I chose to add electric to my vans not because of their weight so much, but to ensure that there was no extra pressure on the English brakes in my cars. Take out your old axle (easy to do) take it to them, they will replicate it with brand new hubs and electric brakes, drilled to suit whatever wheel stud pattern you have or want. My job (fairly standard) incl a brake controller was half the price listed above. Go talk to them, they're very helpful and like our old vans... Cheers Chris
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Post by wayfarerfan on Oct 25, 2010 16:50:36 GMT 10
thanks Chris will go and pay them a visit this week.
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