poor braking

sanjaun2 · 07-23-2018, 01:44 PM

Hello all,
My 2018 Chateau 24FS (sprinter) brakes are not as good as I thought they would be. You really have to stand on the pedal to get braking. It feels like there is no power vacuum assist. Is this normal or should I have it looked at? I bought it brand new with about 2k miles. Has 3k now. Sometimes it does not down shift correctly and power going up mountain passes is not as good as described here by others. (speed drops to 50mph on some passes) How are your brakes on your sprinter?

Fulltimer50 · 07-23-2018, 01:57 PM

Somethings are best taken care of by the mechanic and not the forums.
Take it in to be looked at.

DanChateau33SW · 07-24-2018, 12:31 PM

If it's a diesel, there won't be a vacuum assist, more likely hydraulic. But it is best to take it in to be checked out.

Bob Denman · 07-24-2018, 12:47 PM

This is something that should be dealt with professionally...

You don't want to take advice from a guy like me!

Pete'sMH · 07-24-2018, 01:28 PM

Or maybe go to CW and “test drive” another one and see if it’s better.

Gary A · 07-24-2018, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulltimer50

Somethings are best taken care of by the mechanic and not the forums.
Take it in to be looked at.

Agree. I had a vehicle that acted the same way, feeling that I had to stand on the brake. Mechanic replaced the brake assist hose, took 5 min, and I'm good.

sanjaun2 · 07-24-2018, 02:31 PM

Thanks gents, I know diesels do not get their vacuum from the intake manifold as most gassers do. They usually have a pump for it. I just wanted to know if the hard brakes were normal. Looks like I need to find a MB place in Albuquerque to have it looked at. Just hate having some one else touch my rigs

Thought about going to a MH dealer and test driving another one, Just don't want to be hounded by a salesman!

sanjaun2 · 07-24-2018, 02:45 PM

I just called the local service department to make an appointment, The service guy claimed the brakes are a common complaint on this platform. and I should not worry

Bob Denman · 07-24-2018, 03:32 PM

I love it when they say that!
If you're not comfortable with the feel of the brakes: strongly suggest what they feel: AFTER a test-drive of the rig.

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1532446273

Pete'sMH · 07-24-2018, 09:35 PM

I’ve had WAY too many service people tell me “that’s normal” or “they all do that” on all sorts of issues over the years. I have no idea why that’s their fallback response since they are in the business of finding things wrong so they can fix them but there it is. I trust my own senses and experience when it comes to my vehicles. But that’s also why I suggested trying a similar rig at a dealer. Salesmen BS is one thing but seeing for yourself is worth it. Brakes certainly are nothing to take lightly! Good luck.

Maxjr758 · 07-26-2018, 09:35 PM

I thought the brakes on our 17 CHALLENGER 37 TB was a bit lacking, until 4 lanes of traffic in front of me slammed on brakes when someone hit the center barrier and it threw debris acoss our side.
I was sure I was going to no stop in time, as the road was wet. As you said I stood on the brakes, and was just about to pump them as I felt the rear start to break loose. Then I felt the Anti-Lock take over and start braking different wheels. I was braced for impact, and much to my surprise, and relief I stopped well short !
So hopefully your brakes will be better than you think, but best to be sure !

Bob Denman · 07-26-2018, 10:22 PM

And let's all hope that none of us ever have to find out just how good our brakes are: in "Street Combat" conditions!

sanjaun2 · 07-26-2018, 10:25 PM

Max, Im glad you were able to stop! These heavy rigs do need more space for braking and maneuvering! I've been busy installing stuff like an inverter, fantastic fan, more a/c outlets, solar panels, etc. I just noticed that one of my roller window shades broke. it came fully unrolled and will not go back up. All by itself. So, I guess I'll head to the dealer to have it fixed and maybe try brakes on another MH.

CMilford · 08-04-2018, 06:39 PM

I have driven Sprinters 100,000s miles. The brakes work well. Have your checked.

Pholden44 · 08-04-2018, 07:57 PM

I have a new 2017 Four Winds Sprinter and find I need to pump the brakes at least once to get braking.

riskmgr · 08-04-2018, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanjaun2

Hello all,
My 2018 Chateau 24FS (sprinter) brakes are not as good as I thought they would be. You really have to stand on the pedal to get braking. It feels like there is no power vacuum assist. Is this normal or should I have it looked at? I bought it brand new with about 2k miles. Has 3k now. Sometimes it does not down shift correctly and power going up mountain passes is not as good as described here by others. (speed drops to 50mph on some passes) How are your brakes on your sprinter?

My old class A was like what you experienced. My new class C brakes fine and when going up and down hills, I turn on tow/haul for assistance with slowing down MH without that much braking.

sanjaun2 · 08-04-2018, 08:58 PM

One of my window shades broke, so I guess Ill take it down there when the shade shows up. La Mesa Rv probably doesn't work on stuff like brakes. so maybe just test drive another diesel sprinter down there.And ask where they recommend to take it to. Thanks!

Bob Denman · 08-04-2018, 11:19 PM

Good luck with the shade... and the brakes!

Phil Saran · 08-05-2018, 02:32 AM

We sold our 2015 Thor Hurricane 34E
in April and I always drove it with the
Tow Mode turned on.
It provides better braking and xcelleration
even when not hauling the toad.

Lusitan · 08-05-2018, 04:18 AM

My brakes work like a truck's brakes should. Realize that most Sprinter based RVs weigh over 11,000 lbs. Don't expect your Sprinter to brake and stop like a 4,000 lbs daily driver. Pumping the brakes a few times (like truck drivers do) during the braking action makes a huge difference.

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