Handbrake extender

[Carolina]

I am yet to drive our motorhome as I can't operate the handbrake. I'm only 5ft 1 and with short arms too. My husband is a confident driver who enjoys driving but feel I should take my turn on long journeys.
We have thought about getting a handbrake extender for my use. Is it removable or would it make it more difficult for my husband to drive? He is 6ft 3 and has long arms (and lovely long legs.)

 

[PeterCarole29]

Are they expensive

 

[deleted79651]

Are they expensive

No idea, but judging by Carolina's final words, I doubt her husband's legs are for sale ...

Steve

 

[PeterCarole29]

I would have thought try it if you dont like it take it off

 

[Carolina]

Think they are about £65-£70. Not sure if they are easy to take on and off.

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[Wack]

I've got one , they do make it easier but the pin that makes it into an on the fly lever is downright dangerous

Due to the positioning of the Ducato handbrake it's very easy to lift the handle slightly as you're exciting the van , this pushes the button and releases the handbrake , if you're on a slope it will roll away if you don't catch it

With the pin removed the handle drops to the floor and only pushes the button when you lift it to its highest point

Now I've got used to it I like it but if I'd not removed the pin it'd have been off that day

 

[deleted79651]

I've got one , they do make it easier but the pin that makes it into an on the fly lever is downright dangerous

Due to the positioning of the Ducato handbrake it's very easy to lift the handle slightly as you're exciting the van , this pushes the button and releases the handbrake , if you're on a slope it will roll away if you don't catch it

With the pin removed the handle drops to the floor and only pushes the button when you lift it to its highest point

Now I've got used to it I like it but if I'd not removed the pin it'd have been off that day

What with husband's lovely legs and exciting the van ... this is turning into MoHo Porn, so it is ... Perhaps just release the lever rather than sliding your hand along its length to control the release ... [to avoid problems with the pin, obviously ... And the tongue is poking out from between the lips because of the concentration required to complete the manoeuvre, and the panting because of the physical effort ...

Be back in 5 minutes after I've checked the handbrake operation in Brunhilde ... [well 25 seconds then; it's an age thing ]

Steve

 

[Carolina]

What with husband's lovely legs and exciting the van ... this is turning into MoHo Porn, so it is ... Perhaps just release the lever rather than sliding your hand along its length to control the release ... [to avoid problems with the pin, obviously ... And the tongue is poking out from between the lips because of the concentration required to complete the manoeuvre, and the panting because of the physical effort ...

Be back in 5 minutes after I've checked the handbrake operation in Brunhilde ... [well 25 seconds then; it's an age thing ]

Steve

 

[NicandJay]

Perverts .....all of ya!
Anyway back on subject.. I bought the Rare Spares version that is being referred to above. I discovered the fly handbrake quirk despite having read and understood what it meant and immediately took it off and sold it. I personally considered it something I wasnt going to get used to or indeed wanted to having had normal handbrakes for more than 35 years.

 

[Mountain man]

Think they are about £65-£70. Not sure if they are easy to take on and off.

You could try the Kobran extender 3 small screws to put on and same if you want to remove.We ourselves use that one .

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[Vanderek]

We have a Rare Spares extender, bought it in 2008, and have transferred it to other motorhomes since. Makes driving off so much easier, needs to be thought about when getting out, don't get your clothes caught or knock it off, overall pleased with over the last 13 years.

 

[TheTwoOfUs]

When Merilyn had to take over the driving she struggled with the handbrake so I bought a Rare Spares extender. It took no time at all for her to get used to it, she has the seat quite far forward so accidently knocking the brake off isn't a problem. However if I get in to move the van on the drive and move the seat back I have to be very careful getting in and out as I do catch it. However it shouldn't be a worry if you leave the van in gear.

 

[ctc]

Why use the handbrake, better known to the rest of the world as the emergency brake? Just leave it in gear and put a chock behind a wheel if on a steep slope.

 

[Carolina]

Why use the handbrake, better known to the rest of the world as the emergency brake? Just leave it in gear and put a chock behind a wheel if on a steep slope.

Bit difficult if driving in traffic and need a Hill start.

 

[ctc]

Bit difficult if driving in traffic and need a Hill start.

Heel and Toe or is that not taught anymore?

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[Deep Owl]

We have a Rare Spares Extender, which is great for when stopped at traffic lights or hills starts, because otherwise the Ducato brake is a stretch down.

My only problem is when trying to turn the driving seat round. You can catch and release it accidentally, which may allow a roll if not on the flat - though I always have it in Park as well.

 

[Jim]

We have a Rare Spares Extender, which is great for when stopped at traffic lights or hills starts, because otherwise the Ducato brake is a stretch down.

My only problem is when trying to turn the driving seat round. You can catch and release it accidentally, which may allow a roll if not on the flat - though I always have it in Park as well.

When camping, get in the habit of pulling the pin, then you can't knock it off accidentally

 

[Gellyneck]

When camping, get in the habit of pulling the pin, then you can't knock it off accidentally

and don't just pull the pin out and put it somewhere safe! Put it back in the hole when the handle has dropped!