Monaco Executive 2001, Owner'S Manual

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The motorhome is equipped with air brakes using much the same system as
over the road trucks. This type of braking system is very efficient. Proper main-
tenance and lubrication is the key to keeping your brake system in proper work-
ing order. The brake system on the motorhome is designed to accommodate the
weight of the vehicle and towing loads. This system differs from conventional
automotive hydraulic braking system and should be treated differently. When
operating a vehicle equipped with air brakes, considerations need to be given to
stopping distances and air system pressures. These need to be heeded. The heav-
ier the vehicle, the greater the kinetic energy. The motorhome requires longer
stopping distances. Each brake application uses air from the air system. Give
attention to the air gauge as well as the surroundings. Engine speed is directly
proportional to how fast the air system is replenished. Prepare for downhill
grades. Grades are generally posted in percentages. It may be necessary to select
a lower gear. Make use of the engine or exhaust brake. When making brake
applications, use individual applications down long hills rather than “riding” the
brakes. This will extend the life of your brake linings. Avoid overheating the
brakes, as hot brakes have less stopping power. When maneuvering the
motorhome around in small areas or backing into spaces, several individual
brake applications might be made. Watch the air gauge. Plan ahead when parking
to make it easier on yourself. When preparing to back into a space, swing the
motorhome so it is aligned with the parking slot before backing up. The air brak-
ing system on the motorhome is equipped with safety features unlike that of
automotive hydraulic braking systems. For example, should a low air condition
arise while the vehicle is under operation, warning buzzer will sound and a
warning light will illuminate alerting the operator of an impending situation. This
warning occurs at approximately 65 psi(pounds per square inch). A simple expla-
nation of what occurs when a brake application is made is as follows: The air
system supplies air to the foot brake, this is called a treadle valve. Pushing down
on the treadle valve supplies an air charge signal to a brake chamber. This sealed
chamber consists of a spring and air bladder. The air charge signal pushes on the
bladder which extends a threaded rod connected to the automatic slack adjuster.
The slack adjuster rotates the S-cam expanding the shoes against the drum. Air
disc brakes follow much the same principal, with the exception of the S-cams.
The motorhome is equipped with automatic slack adjusters. As brake linings
wear the slack adjusters will automatically ratchet on the return stroke as needed.
This ratchet action will keep the brake linings at proper adjustment. Brake
adjustment should not be necessary. Possible indications of a vehicle needing a
brake adjustment may be noticed by the park brake not holding on a hill or grad-
ual loss of braking power. Automatic slack adjusters and the S-camshaft they are
connected to require periodic lubrication.
NOTE: Replacement parts should be made of the same original equipment
size and type. Mixing brake components may result in unequal braking
action. Brake adjustments are part of normal maintenance of the
motorhome. This is not covered under the Monaco Warranty.
Chassis Information
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E X E C U T I V E 7 • 2 0 9
BRAKE
SYSTEMS
Air Brakes
Brake Adjustment
/Slack Adjuster