From: GOTaM35 (GOTaM35@joetrapp.com)
Date: Fri Feb 13 2004 - 20:31:12 PST
Safety, Safety, Safety.
Safety is foremost on my mind when moving heavy stuff although I usually
throw it to the wind and drive slow. I have a question or two and a few
thoughts to go with them.
First off, the only way I am going to move a disabled deuce is with my 9 ton
air brake trailer. Emergencies MAY be exceptions, but probably not. Of
course I realize not all of us have access to heavy equipment. But you
can't beat a trailer with air brakes. Having said that, I have tried to tow
one deuce with another and it didn't work well. Not because of brakes but
because of steering. I just don't think you can pull a deuce safely behind
another at top speed. Top speed is what you need to travel to drive on the
interstate. At 55 your still very slow when the traffic around you is going
80.
So that brings me to brakes. Brakes is what lets you feel comfortable at
speed, because you can change your speed quickly. So here is the though
that must be wrong because it seems so obvious to me some one has had to
think of it and it didn't work. In case that assumption is wrong, here we
go.
Why can't you install a air over hydraulic booster on the deuce like you
have on a m105 and have a shut off valve between it and the main brake
system. Have a similar valve, rated at working brake pressure located at
the outlet of the brake booster. When driving this valve is open and the
one on the trailer like booster is closed. When being towed the main valve
is closed and the trailer like booster is opened. The trailer part will
pressurize the system when air is applied by the tow vehicle. Of course a
m105 booster is too small to pressurize all 6 wheel cylinders, but you could
brake just one or have a bigger booster. I bid (and lost) on a trailer last
week that had two axles and air over hydraulic, so bigger valves must be out
there. The valve at the back of the main truck booster would keep the brake
fluid from pushing into the master cylinder.
Again I suggest every body use a trailer with good brakes. I was thinking
of making a tow dolly from a large shelter dolly I have. I abandoned the
idea when I realized it couldn't be as safe as the trailer. A nice cheap
truck won't do any body any good if you or your vehicle don't make it home.
Have a safe Presidents day,
Joe Trapp
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