2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Supplemental Brake System for Manual Transmission

[dresslered]

Has anyone come up with a nice, reliable, supplemental brake system for our trucks? Having a manual tranmission requires that I always park in gear just in case the parking brake does not hold.



Having a steep and rather long driveway, I frequently have to park momentarily while I unload the bed and would like to be able to switch on another brake system to supplement the parking brake. Having a manual transmission leaves me with basically two choices: 1) I either have to wait for the engine to cool down enough in order to shut it off and then put it in 1st gear, or 2) I have to aim the truck at a stationary object (usually a large tree) in case the parking brake releases.



Perhaps there is a device like this available:

http://www.carlislebrake.com/spec_3100.html



or



http://tsmmfg.com/Brakelock_System.htm



or perhaps some kind of a driveshaft lock? This would also come in handy for those who wish to add a remote starter.

 

[LarryB]

And here's your answer! http://gmcmotorhomeinfo.com/BRKLOCK.html



Or howbout something like this?



#ad

 

[Boondocker]

Line Lock

David,



I've heard of Jeepers using a product called Line Lock. I think it just applies the brakes.



Here is one link http://www.zr1specialist.com/HAT Web/products/line lock.htm

 

[Phil Stuart]

Brake Lock

Kinda like the Line Lock that drag racers use when staging at the lights. But you want to lock all four wheels instead of just two,correct?



Phil

 

[dresslered]

Startin' to look promising! Larry, the picture that you show I know is very popular on the VW dunebuggies. I would prefer not to run brake lines into the cab, however. Additionally, I would want to utilize both front/back brake circuits. The second link that you posted said that I was "forbidden".



Correct on the four wheels (or rather 6)!

 

[Philip]

You might want to read this thread. It covers the same issue.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=57029



I don't know if you can get a micro lock that will work with both set of brakes on a truck. The ones I have worked with only worked on one end or the other.

 

[NVR FNSH]

Why not just carry a set of wheel chocks?



Brian

 

[illflem]

Originally posted by NVR FNSH

Why not just carry a set of wheel chocks?

That's what I do. Have a pair nice aluminum ones with teeth for feet on one end, rubber on the other, won't slip on any surface. Most of time only need to use one.

 

[geusterman]

Pardon my humor here but remember the snowbrush between the seat and the throttle for winter warm-ups? If that makes you nervous expand the idea to what my Kubota has--a lock for the brake pedal after you hold it down (a lever is lifted) then brakes are released, being held in place by some little schnivvey. George

 

[NVR FNSH]

illflem,

Where did you get the wheel chocks? I'm looking for some to carry on my trailer. I'd like to make a chain mount/hook right by the wheels like the utility trucks have.



Brian

 

[tgbol]

We use a system made by Mico Brake to hold our small aerial lift trucks when parked. The towing industry also uses tham to lock all brakes when doing recovery work. www.mico.com

 

[dresslered]

Thanks for all the links. The wheel chocks would be the easiest and would also work for most applications. However, my driveway is extremely steep. When I tried a single 4x4 under one wheel to see if it would hold, the truck just rolled right over it. Maybe I should just carry a big stick to put in my spokes?



Another potential problem with some of the above ideas is that if the unit was accidentally engaged while driving, you would have NO brakes!



George, you might be on to something, although I would probably want to use something a little more than a snowbrush. tgbol's link also looks very promising. Have you personally used these devices?



This could also possibly act as a theft deterent. How do you move an 8,000 lb. truck with locked brakes?

 

[tgbol]

The way that most of these systems work is by block the brake fluids returm to the m/c. You can apply the brake but it won't release.

 

[dresslered]

Correct, but I think that I would want to block the return of both the front and the rear simultaneously (dual circuit).

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

This could also possibly act as a theft deterent. How do you move an 8,000 lb. truck with locked brakes?

It'll move - believe me! I let out the clutch one day when at a drive thru when I thought the truck was in neutral and it was in gear. The truck bucked and jumped and was movin forward. Took me a second to push the clutch back in and in the mean time I was standing on the brake as hard as I could - didn't do squat! Scared the ... ... out of me.

 

[dresslered]

I can believe that! This is the same reason that the factory doesn't give you a 2-LO setting as they don't want you to send all that torque through a single differential.

 

[illflem]

Check this out instead of a snow brush http://www.lislecorp.com/images/specialty/newtools/21520inb.gif

 

[geusterman]

Fleming--WHERE do you come up with this stuff? Right on Dude. However, I KNOW you were on line past midnight and during the day and now tonight. Your butt must hurt. George PS Why not a cable like a PTO cable (for warm up and cheap cruise) that sets a pin when you hold the brake down. You know.....

 

[illflem]

The truck brake pedal depressor came from here, scroll down to the third item. Check these guys tools out they have some one of a kinds. They will even make/market tools you invent.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tools/newtools/index.htm

 

[geusterman]

Great site. Must be for mechanics who have to hold down brakes when changing out brake fluid or to hold an idle up for testing of some kind. Pretty cool. Now we need a special storage box... . GE