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For normal stops, push the brake pedal down until the vehi-
cle comes to a smooth stop.
In emergencies, brake so that you can steer and keep the
motor home under control.
Air brakes are more sensitive than hydraulic brakes. Practice
stopping in a safe, unobstructed area until you get the feel of
the brake pedal. The front air pressure gauge indicates front
brake system air pressure. The rear air pressure gauge indi-
cates rear brake system air pressure. Please note that the
vehicle will not move until air pressure is sufficient to
release the brake safety springs. A dash indicator will light
and a buzzer will sound until the proper operating pressure is
reached.
With air brakes there is an added delay. After the brake pedal
is pressed, the air may take a fraction of a second to activate
the brake mechanisms on the wheels. For this reason, the total
stopping distance will increase depending on speed. Under
good traction and brake conditions, this delay may add up to
35 feet at 55 mph, making the total distance over 300 feet at
that speed. Please be aware of this increase in stopping dis-
tance, and anticipate your stops with this in mind.
Downhill driving puts extra strain on many drivetrain compo-
nentsof your motor home. The brakes are easily overloaded
and overheated when used for downhill slowing. Brake fade
will occur if the brakes overheat.
When driving down long grades, shift the transmission to a
lower gear at the top of the grade. Rule of thumb: Use the
same lowest gear going down as it took to go up the hill.
Crest the hill in the lower gear. Do not exceed the maximum
downhill speed with exhaust brake ON of 2700 RPM.
Please see the
Chassis Owner's Manual
for more information
about brake system operation and downhill driving techniques.
USING AIR BRAKES
STOPPING DISTANCE
BRAKING ON
DOWNGRADES
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