Brain tester Rapide Roller Disc Brakes

oracle · 30 January 2012, 22:07

A real brain teaser for those of massive knowledge about trailers.

I have a Rapide roller trailer that I no longer need that I am getting rid of. It started life as an R2B49 but has been extended to carry a 7m and had a 2nd axle fitted. (but still plated at original spec

)

It tows ok and will go back to original size easily if needed BUT it has mechanical disc brakes on both axles.

Rapide are now owned by Dixon Bate so you can guess where this thread is going. Spares and info are impossible to get.

The brake parts are ok for now but if I am going to move it on to someone I'd like to be able to tell them they can get spares. I doubt the pads and discs were bespoke so does anyone know what parts Rapide might have used for their disc brakes.

Chris · 30 January 2012, 22:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by oracle

Rapide are now owned by Dixon Bate

Rapide are owned by Mersea Trailers. they were formerly owned by Dixon Bate.

Mersea trailers are a complete waste of time IMO so good luck !

Chris · 30 January 2012, 22:23

I should add that we do have a resident trailer expert on here.

I am sure he may be along soon with some pearls of wisdom !

Nos4r2 · 31 January 2012, 01:59

I've got an R2b49-it's Knott brakes.

Chris · 31 January 2012, 07:14

yes but i bet their not disk brakes !

biffer · 31 January 2012, 08:16

Shouldn't be so surprised at mechanical disc brakes on trailers. They had them on cars over 50 years ago

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Chris · 31 January 2012, 08:22

I knew that when Dixon Bate owned Rapide they offered them as an add on.

...Oracle if it were me I would start by calling Dixon Bate and see what they can suggest.

oracle · 31 January 2012, 08:48

Chris,

Done that got the tee shirt, same response as everyone else has had. Lots of promises, "we'll get back to you", then deafening silence, ring back again, they don't even have drawings or part numbers of the original bits let alone any idea where the parts were sourced from.

Hoping somebody on here with their encyclopedic knowledge might know whose pads they actually used.

I know it is a VERY long shot but with TGs knowledge of wheel stud patterns and bearing numbers you never know.

AJ. · 31 January 2012, 21:54

Try Banbury Trailers based in Bidford on Avon. They have sorted me out with bits for my Rapide and are really helpful. They did the calling round on my behalf.

The guy at Mersea trailers needs to go on a customer service course.

Leapy · 01 February 2012, 07:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ.

The guy at Mersea trailers needs to go on a customer service course.

Yes, but as a starter they could simply buy a dictionary and look up the words "customer" and "service"

biffer · 01 February 2012, 07:48

If you're trying to match the pads take them to an auto factors. They can try to match them by shape in a big book they have. I can't believe a small trailer company would have them custom made

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oracle · 01 February 2012, 09:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

If you're trying to match the pads take them to an auto factors. They can try to match them by shape in a big book they have. I can't believe a small trailer company would have them custom made

sent from a remote device

That was my thinking too, sadly there aren't so many of those around nowadays. I used to have a really good Factor down the road but the "Economic Climate" got him.

I'll whip a set of pads out and see if anyone can identify them for me.

Cheers

oracle · 01 February 2012, 09:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJ.

Try Banbury Trailers based in Bidford on Avon. They have sorted me out with bits for my Rapide and are really helpful. They did the calling round on my behalf.

The guy at Mersea trailers needs to go on a customer service course.

Thanks that's great, if they know Rapide kit they may know the answer. I have used them before.

Ain't that the truth about Mersea!!

Trailer Guy · 01 February 2012, 10:44

i couldn't say for sure, but I'd suspect they'd be Alko. I'll have an ask around for you.

Trailer Guy · 01 February 2012, 10:57

on reflection, i'm sure the manufacturer's name is stamped on the back? It was a german company, I'm sure. But not one of the big ones (i.e. BPW, Alko, Knott etc) - maybe something like WAP? Or similar? I'm sure the guy there spoke pretty good english too. have a look there.

oracle · 01 February 2012, 11:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailer Guy

on reflection, i'm sure the manufacturer's name is stamped on the back? It was a german company, I'm sure. But not one of the big ones (i.e. BPW, Alko, Knott etc) - maybe something like WAP? Or similar? I'm sure the guy there spoke pretty good english too. have a look there.

WAP sounds familiar now you mention it, I think I've seen that on it somewhere. I'll check it out thanks.

Chris · 01 February 2012, 12:26

RIBnet directory

Not that this really helps...

Trailer Guy · 01 February 2012, 12:41

unfortunately you're right chris - dixon bate now only do the running gear (well, dixon bate have been bought out too) and the trailer side of the business went to rapide / mersea / snipe tc.

john lee · 15 February 2012, 21:34

I have just strpped down my rapide wap disc brakes & the pads that fitted with a bit of persuasion where motaquip lvxl246 audi gt,gte and other cars from vw stable hope this helps.

Trailer Guy · 15 February 2012, 22:46

WAP! I knew it was something like that

Well done that man for the info!