RV doesn't want to move after cold/rain

[matt.ahern]

Well this is becoming a more expensive hobby than i would have imaged. When I start the Europremier let the air build up to 110psi from being parked awhile. Pull the brake and put the coach in Drive, it doesn't want to move the brakes are locked. If i put in Neutral and back into Drive it still doesn't want to go; but if i give it some gas it makes lots of noise but releases the brakes and goes or stops with out an issue. Is this a brake issue or something else I'm not seeing. It seems to be the next day after being cold and raining.

[Josh]

Indeed there are many things that have to come together to make one of these coaches work and they can be complicated and expensive. Stick with it Matt, these things are truly amazing machines for the relatively small amount we have invested in them. Getting past the previous owners neglect and then staying on top of all the regular maintenance is key. Hopefully it is worth it for you in the long run!

I'm not a certified expert but here are some basics. These air brake systems use heavy springs to hold the rear brakes ON, air pressure in the brake actuators fights against the spring pressure to release the pads from the drums. When you set the parking brake it is rear wheels only, the air pressure is removed and the springs hold the pads tight to the drums.

This sounds like sticking rear brakes or lack of power in the rear brake boosters to overcome the spring tension on the rear brakes and release them. A retired big rig mechanic once told me that one of the best preventive maintenance things you can do when you get an old vehicle with air brakes is to replace the brake actuators because if one goes bad you will screech to a halt as the springs apply your rear brakes.

Have you greased all the chassis parts with Zerk fittings on them? I can't remember off the top of my head but there are close to 30 spots on our Spartan Chassis that need grease at least once a year, some are brake components.

I must add as I'm sure you are well aware, brakes are not something to skimp on or take chances with! If you cannot find an obvious problem I would get it to a qualified shop.

[Josh]

matt.ahern How did you ever resolve this? I was looking back thru past postings and saw this one. Would be very helpful to know what the problem and solution was. Hope it went well!

[matt.ahern]

Airbrakes - the air pressure wasn't built up to 90 psi on the front, the rear brakes air up first then the front, in the cold weather it takes longer. what is your procedure for the air system (releasing the moisture from the tanks and where is the air dyer located)

[Josh]

Here's ours filling on a warm day.

[Josh]

Our airdryer is behind the right rear wheels and fairly easy to reach from underneath. Here's my recent post on replacing it.

http://www.classicrv.net/forum/maint...er-replacement