Original owner 1976 cox Conestoga popup

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Hi, my popup has been active for a long time. Opened it up a few years back and canvas and inside in perfect condition. My concern is the original surge brakes with actuator on tongue of trailer. In terms of getting back to road worthy, would of course get new tires and go over all the lights. My concern are the brakes. Thinking would the best thing to do is to replace the surge with electric brakes. Wondering if you might help with what would be involved with this conversion. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks walt Middlesex nj

 

[Sjm9911]

Welcome, while I know nothing about surge brakes, etrailor does. They have some threads on it there. Also ,i am sure there are some on this site. From what I read, depending on the size thats on there, just get the backing plates with the brakes allready installed. As long as you have the 4 holes on yours, you just unbolt the old stuff, remove the lines and bolt on the new assemblys. Then run the break wires to the toung, conect it to the 7 pin , and install a battery brake away switch. They also say to lock out the actuator on the front ( i think) others will chime in here. Do the surge breaks work?

 

[Sjm9911]

https://www.etrailer.com/question-9702.html

There is another way to do it but it sounds more complicated.

 

[NLB]

Welcome, while I know nothing about surge brakes, etrailor does. They have some threads on it there. Also ,i am sure there are some on this site. From what I read, depending on the size thats on there, just get the backing plates with the brakes allready installed. As long as you have the 4 holes on yours, you just unbolt the old stuff, remove the lines and bolt on the new assemblys. Then run the break wires to the toung, conect it to the 7 pin , and install a battery brake away switch. They also say to lock out the actuator on the front ( i think) others will chime in here. Do the surge breaks work?

If they work it’s a little rebuild on master cylinder and 2 wheel cylinders, then maybe replace brake lines due to vintage.
And the ability to stop sway at speed doesn’t exist. That may be the biggest concern of the OP.
I would get some prices from etrailer…and decide what makes sense, or cents.

 

[[email protected]]

Welcome, while I know nothing about surge brakes, etrailor does. They have some threads on it there. Also ,i am sure there are some on this site. From what I read, depending on the size thats on there, just get the backing plates with the brakes allready installed. As long as you have the 4 holes on yours, you just unbolt the old stuff, remove the lines and bolt on the new assemblys. Then run the break wires to the toung, conect it to the 7 pin , and install a battery brake away switch. They also say to lock out the actuator on the front ( i think) others will chime in here. Do the surge breaks work?

Thanks for the reply, have not used the popup in I would say 40 years so I doubt the surge brakes work and really have no way of testing them. Have time so thought I might like a project of restoring the camper to be used again either to sell or maybe use myself. Of course new tires and would replace all the light with up-to-date less. Not really a car mechanic so do not feel comfortable trying to restore the surge brakes. I guess the first thing to do is remove the existing brakes assembly and get the right hole configuration and spindle dimension's to order the electric brake assembly. I'm pretty sure etrailer could hook me up with the right parts. I think it would be pretty neat to put her back on the road. My son in California said he was interested in her but getting it there would be the thing that would have to be worked out. Will open her up again and make sure all insides and canvas are still good. It has a fiberglass hard top. Any other thoughts always appreciated. Thanks walt

 

[Sjm9911]

I just re did my brakes on my TT, it wasn't as hard as I made it out to be. Worst part was just loosening the bolts. After that its prety steight forward. If you have the make of the axel, or tire size, get whatever info you can on the camper. Then call e trailor. They may know from there system what fits and what dosen't. But I think its prety standerd for the most part.

 

[[email protected]]

I just re did my brakes on my TT, it wasn't as hard as I made it out to be. Worst part was just loosening the bolts. After that its prety steight forward. If you have the make of the axel, or tire size, get whatever info you can on the camper. Then call e trailor. They may know from there system what fits and what dosen't. But I think its prety standerd for the most part.hey uni

I just re did my brakes on my TT, it wasn't as hard as I made it out to be. Worst part was just loosening the bolts. After that its prety steight forward. If you have the make of the axel, or tire size, get whatever info you can on the camper. Then call e trailor. They may know from there system what fits and what dosen't. But I think its prety standerd for the most part.

Hey sjm, yes I posted a few years ago and someone said most likely it was an axle made by Dexter, have calipers to measure axles. Will probably spray the bolts for a few days to lossen them up. Here in new Jersey, little cool yet and having cataract surgery end of March one eye, second eye early April so nothing would happen before then. Also have a boat I trailer and fish salt water here in the summer so have some prep work on that baby. Funny every once in a while I get the urge to work on the camper and now fully retired with COVID. 77 years young and got early retired at 56, qualified for early retirement. Been working part time, 10 years at ben Moore paint store and 5 years at Sherwin Williams. Have not worked since March 2020. Have comorbitity which I think would have taken me out. Ok thanks for the help, take care ...walt

 

[Sjm9911]

Well Walt, im about 30 mins away from you. So I get the weather. Stay young! And I think I'm being forced retired soon also, but I'll be younger. So, hopefully I'll be as lucky as you to still work and have fun.

 

[Dingit]

How big is this thing? Does it...need brakes?

Depends on size and weight of trailer as well as tow vehicle, but maybe it's not really a concern?

 

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Well Walt, im about 30 mins away from you. So I get the weather. Stay young! And I think I'm being forced retired soon also, but I'll be younger. So, hopefully I'll be as lucky as you to still work and have fun.

Hey sjm, wishing you good luck with your work situation, my case the company was bought and just had service and age of 80 which qualified me for early retirement. Had a 28 month consultancy which helped the transition. Can't believe that was 22 years ago, time is flying by. Again hope thinks go well for funny, always had fun at all my jobs take care ...walt

 

[[email protected]]

How big is this thing? Does it...need brakes?

Depends on size and weight of trailer as well as tow vehicle, but maybe it's not really a concern?

Hey dingit, my camper I think needs brakes, it as I recall you knew it was there when stopping. Do see myself ever being able to afford a heavy duty tow vehicle. Would definitely like some braking system if I decide to put it back on the road. Thanks for your input , regards......walt

 

[Dingit]

Yes definitely get some brakes. I'm pro-brake generally.

I also want to see pictures. I do love the classics.

 

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Yes definitely get some brakes. I'm pro-brake generally.

I also want to see pictures. I do love the classics.

Hey dingit, yes let a lot of classics get away, this is on I kept, had a 60's 8 ft aluminum pram I bought new for $65.00, had 68 Honda 450 cc scrambler. Glad I kept the camper, regards walt in

 

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Hey dingit, yes let a lot of classics get away, this is on I kept, had a 60's 8 ft aluminum pram I bought new for $65.00, had 68 Honda 450 cc scrambler. Glad I kept the camper, regards walt in

Hey dingit, needs a good exterior power wash, when I can open it up to check the interior will shoot you some pic's oh also had a 63 covair bad oil leak, gas fumes from heater, broken fan belt every 10,000 miles and wet road a 360 spin no problem, had a 72 3 door suburban rusted away, my friend named it the " The Crimson Casket ". Wow you got me thinking about the good old days, damn seemed like life was just so simple, anyway enjoyed our conversation, be well....walt

 

[Rob Roy]

I also live in NJ (Sparta) and have a 1991 Jayco 1206. The thing is big, 28'-3" when opened! I got it from my brother, who has lived in the midwest since buying it. When he delivered it, the surge brakes were inoperable, and probably had been so for 20 years (pretty rusty). He towed with a Chevy Expedition and never had a problem. I tow with a minivan (Dodge, and now Chrysler Pacifica). With a little adjustment in driving (more room to stop), it is not a problem. That said, the axle was tearing off of the frame, so I had the whole thing replaced for about $1100 (axle, hubs and new surge brakes). What are you or your son towing with?

 

[[email protected]]

I also live in NJ (Sparta) and have a 1991 Jayco 1206. The thing is big, 28'-3" when opened! I got it from my brother, who has lived in the midwest since buying it. When he delivered it, the surge brakes were inoperable, and probably had been so for 20 years (pretty rusty). He towed with a Chevy Expedition and never had a problem. I tow with a minivan (Dodge, and now Chrysler Pacifica). With a little adjustment in driving (more room to stop), it is not a problem. That said, the axle was tearing off of the frame, so I had the whole thing replaced for about $1100 (axle, hubs and new surge brakes). What are you or your son towing with?

Hey Rob Roy, thanks for the shout out. First time in many years without a truck. Last one 2001dodge conversions can, frame rusted out, went to the crusher. Have a 17' boat now towingand how s with 2004 Taurus sedan. Funny my wife is driving a 2014 loaded town and country no hitch. Who did your brake work on the camper ? Thought I would try to do most of the work on my camper and thought an electric brake conversion might be the easiest and cheapest way to go. I guess till I really start to look at it not sure which way to go. My son in Cali has Ford explorer 4 wheel drive but not sure of how to get the camper out there and how soon I want to let it go. Probably be a project for maybe next year. Thanks for your input and safe travels and have fun ! Regards .....walt

 

[Rob Roy]

Work was done by a place on Rt 23 near Kinnelon (https://www.nynjtrailer.com/). Did nice work given that they had to cut the old hardware off and weld on new mountings. I thought about electric brakes instead, but the cost was higher, and I didn't have an electric brake controller, which would be extra work and cost.

I'm sure that they would also sell the components. Of course, you will have to consider if you want to install a brake controller on your vehicle or same with your son. The Explorer is likely more than capable of stopping a trailer with or without brakes. Surge brakes are transferable to any TV. Not so with electric brakes. Would you install a brake controller on your vehicle then remove it and hand it to your son to install? Or would he have to buy and install his own controller? Good luck with the considerations and ultimately, the installation!

 

[[email protected]]

Work was done by a place on Rt 23 near Kinnelon (https://www.nynjtrailer.com/). Did nice work given that they had to cut the old hardware off and weld on new mountings. I thought about electric brakes instead, but the cost was higher, and I didn't have an electric brake controller, which would be extra work and cost.

I'm sure that they would also sell the components. Of course, you will have to consider if you want to install a brake controller on your vehicle or same with your son. The Explorer is likely more than capable of stopping a trailer with or without brakes. Surge brakes are transferable to any TV. Not so with electric brakes. Would you install a brake controller on your vehicle then remove it and hand it to your son to install? Or would he have to buy and install his own controller? Good luck with the considerations and ultimately, the installation!

Work was done by a place on Rt 23 near Kinnelon (https://www.nynjtrailer.com/). Did nice work given that they had to cut the old hardware off and weld on new mountings. I thought about electric brakes instead, but the cost was higher, and I didn't have an electric brake controller, which would be extra work and cost.

I'm sure that they would also sell the components. Of course, you will have to consider if you want to install a brake controller on your vehicle or same with your son. The Explorer is likely more than capable of stopping a trailer with or without brakes. Surge brakes are transferable to any TV. Not so with electric brakes. Would you install a brake controller on your vehicle then remove it and hand it to your son to install? Or would he have to buy and install his own controller? Good luck with the considerations and ultimately, the installation!

Hey Rob Roy, thanks for your input, makes a lot of sense with it working with any vehicle. Thanks for the repair shop recommendation, have no one around here in central nj I would trust with the repair. Will keep in touch if the project gets started. Thanks....walt