the time it takes for the pads to contact the rotors is definitely longer with the hydraulics than my previous electrics
introduction of an actuator in between there is a response factor which must be taken into account.
I have done the same with respect to 1/4 inch line when I installed. Our control is at 5.5
Understandable with the setup, but I'd like the response time from pedal to actual rotor contact to be as quick as possible. Maybe I just have to get used to it.
JJ,
There may be a slight difference in perceived time, but the overall higher quality braking should more then make up for it.
But, upgrading to electric over hydraulic from conventional magnetic RV brakes is more then just the introduction of the actuator.
With RV drum brakes you apply current from the controller, the electromagnet energizes and starts the action of magnet to the face of the drum, to the front shoe into the braking surface, to the rear shoe into the braking surface.
Start at 1:55 in this video
So you apply your truck brakes and your trailer brakes start applying. But you still have a slight delay. Boosting the controller gain can shorten that delay as well as increase the brake pressure.
Keep in mind, the drum brake shoes are kept away from the drums by springs, so if they are not adjusted properly they take longer to apply.
With EoH disc brakes you have two inherent delays. One is the actuator the other is the disc brake caliper pistons. Disc brake pads also need to be kept off the rotor surface when not being applied. This is accomplished by the o-ring in the caliper. The o-ring is square, as fluid presses the piston out the o-ring is deflected, as pressure is released the o-ring returns to it's normal shape, pulling the piston back in slightly.
With drum brakes, apply voltage all 4 brakes move at the same time.
With disc brakes all four move at the same time but you are also moving a quantity of fluid to achieve that.
The actuator - is not spinning until you apply voltage, so step on the brakes, start spinning the pump to build up pressure then start moving the pistons.
The Hydrastar is a 3 piston pump. The Titan IIRC is a 5 piston pump, which offers two advantages. Faster pressure build (faster brake access) and increased fluid flow allowing cooler temps. Hydrastar recommends putting the truck in park at railroad crossings. Titan says that is not necessary.
And if you have a 2011+ Ford there are more delays. Below 11 mph the Ford controller has a 20% reduction in output to minimize the 'tugging' in stop and go traffic.
Fords also use a pressure transducer in the brake line to gauge output level, a superior method to a 'pendulum'. A bonus with the Ford system is the tie in with ABS. Although the trailer brakes are not ABS, if the ABS is activated in the truck, the trailer brakes will be appropriately controlled, along with trailer sway control.
I gave a lot of thought with the 1/4" line as well. Several discussions with Jon H too.
In the end I didn't see where it would benefit me. I don't think there is any advantage of 1/4" over 3/16", and possibly a disadvantage.