CoachmenKen
Wake Forest, NC
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So my EB, which does not have many hours on it and is about 4 years old started kicking on every minute or so. Killed my portable battery pack that I use to power it instead of the vehicle cig. lighter. Yaay.
her
So I figure there is an air leak, test all the air connections with a soapy solution...nothing. Called Roadmaster support and he tells me it's probably this one part. says they have problems with seals going bad. I cant buy the part but if I send in my unit they will fix it, no matter what is wrong - charge $299, plus shipping Im sure.
Sounds like a ripoff to me. First the Brake Pro fiasco where they knew that first gen model had issues, but did nothing. Burned up the brakes and rotors on my vehicle. Now they acknowledge a problem with this model and still want more money.
What are you using for supplemental braking? I may want to get away from this company all together.
Ken, Dawn, & Rebecca
Our DVGRR Golden rescues, Augie and Daisy
Our Goldens, Penny & Tucker, awaiting us at Rainbow Bridge
2001 Coachmen Santara, 3602 KS, F53
2009 Ford Escape XLT
--Camping since 2004--
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Loren Ross
Reno, NV
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I had the exact same problem with my Even Brake 2 years ago, when mine was about 5 years old. I took the offer to pay $299 for repairs, and sent it in. When it came back 10 days later, I opened the box and found a brand new unit! Apparently mine couldn't be repaired so they replaced it at no extra charge, just the promised $299. I suggest you send it in!
Besides, your unit is 4 years old, you can't expect everything you own to last forever... Seals can dry out with varying weather and climate conditions (humidity-heat-cold-etc) as you travel around in your coach. We've been back and forth across the country several times now, and something is always going bad, or not working right, or breaking, or whatever.
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Popsie
Livingston, TX, USA
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Joined: 04/04/2003
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I put the US Gear Unified Tow Brake on my Saturn in 2003. In 2011 I sold the Saturn with the brake system still on it. Never had any problem of any kind. I think a supplemental brake system should be highly reliable, not******out after four years.
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CoachmenKen
Wake Forest, NC
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Loren
299 may sound like a good deal, but like I said, the EB does not have many hours on it. Its basically a small air compressor. I WOULD expect that type of system at that price to last much longer. Also my first Roadmaster product had issues. Seems like the company knows about both of these shortcomings with these 2 models. AND they wont sell parts, thats annoying. Yes they gave you a new unit, but like the tech said, it could have been run over by a truck and they will replace. On the other side, you could send one in with a broken wire, thats also a 299 fix.
Popsie
Exactly! Over $1000 new, c'mon Roadmaster
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willald
NC
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Joined: 07/15/2002
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..This kinda shows one of the main reasons I chose the ReadyBrake system - Simple, no electronics or air compressors to break and cause headaches. Just a straightfoward cable operated surge system. It just simply works.
I can definitely understand you not wanting to give Roadmaster more $$ to fix your EB, but $299 for what may well be a new unit, is not a bad deal. If you like the unit and how it works (when it did work), spending $299 to get it back in working order is not too terribly bad, IMO. Especially since it means you may end up with a complete new unit.
OTOH, if you want to tell Roadmaster to 'stick it' and get another braking system, I'd recommend you look at the ReadyBrake system. Very simple, straightfoward system, and there really is nothing that can break on it that you can't fix yourself for $10 or less in parts, most of which can be had at any hardware store.
Will & Angela
2 children that love camping, Stephen & Allison
2012 FR Georgetown 351DS on F53 (V10) Chassis
Our Rig
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CoachmenKen
Wake Forest, NC
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Thanks Will. Excellent reply, and I believe I will give the RB a look.
Edit:
Just looked at RB website and believe I will move to this system. May have my EB serviced then sell it. Really like the mechanical operation, no other parts to worry about.
I didn't see how the RB handles a breakaway condition (though this is a worse case scenario)May have to give them a call.
* This post was
edited 08/09/12 02:37pm by CoachmenKen *
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willald
NC
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CoachmenKen wrote:Just looked at RB website and believe I will move to this system. May have my EB serviced then sell it. Really like the mechanical operation, no other parts to worry about.
I didn't see how the RB handles a breakaway condition (though this is a worse case scenario)May have to give them a call.
Look at their ReadyStop unit/product. This is their breakaway system. It is cable operated as well, and basically incorporates a 'one-way' linkage the cable passes through, so that if complete breakaway occurs, this cable will pull on and hold the brake pedal. It can be easily reset, too.
Will
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CoachmenKen
Wake Forest, NC
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Ah yes perfect! Thanks Will. BTW, what part of NC are you in?
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willald
NC
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CoachmenKen wrote:Ah yes perfect! Thanks Will. BTW, what part of NC are you in?
..We're on other side of NC from you, just outside Charlotte.
Anyway, good luck whatever you decide on. Always great to help fellow campers from the Carolinas. 
Will
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CoachmenKen
Wake Forest, NC
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Great Will, read up on the braking system, and plan on switching. Maybe we'll see ya out there one day
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