Just wanted to alert my RZR brethren to a possible it-could-happen-to-you situation with aftermarket parking brakes.

I have the common lever type parking brake that pushes on the pedal and locks the brakes. I could name the manufacturer, but it probably has more to do with the RZR brakes and the laws of physics than the aftermarket brake. I have relied on this brake in all kinds of situations to avoid getting the transmission stuck in park.

On a trip last week, I had the RZR loaded on the trailer for moving camp the next day, and while the tow vehicle was on level ground, the trailer was slightly down hill at the rear. I had the parking brake actuated, but left the transmission in N. In the middle of the night we hear all this crashing and feel the camper pitching and bucking. We thought we were goners, and I pulled my pistol. No neighbors and not a soul around for miles to hear all the yelling that ensued.

The RZR had rolled off the trailer! The brake lever was still in the locked (down) position as it should be.

I had changed fluid recently and bled the brakes, so I know there was not air in the system. I actually got air out from the factory and the brakes worked better than ever. There was no fluid loss and the reservoir was still full to the line. The brakes work perfectly when riding and stop on a dime when called upon to do so.

The only thing I can think of is that the temperature difference from sunset with hot brakes (85 deg) to 3AM (45 degrees) could have allowed the fluid to contract and allow the release. I have also not been a big fan of how the brake lever causes the dash to flex and maybe that gave up a little flex during the night. Maybe a combination.

Then again, maybe the master cylinder is leaking internally and there is a limit to how long it will hold pressure.

I won’t make this mistake again. I’ll either put it in park and risk it getting stuck, block a tire, or get it tied down for transport.

BTW, does anyone know of an aftermarket cable actuated emergency brake? I’m just waiting for a brake failure going down a steep hill with nothing but a hydraulic backup.:scared2:

Just wanted to alert my RZR brethren to a possible it-could-happen-to-you situation with aftermarket parking brakes.

I have the common lever type parking brake that pushes on the pedal and locks the brakes. I could name the manufacturer, but it probably has more to do with the RZR brakes and the laws of physics than the aftermarket brake. I have relied on this brake in all kinds of situations to avoid getting the transmission stuck in park.

On a trip last week, I had the RZR loaded on the trailer for moving camp the next day, and while the tow vehicle was on level ground, the trailer was slightly down hill at the rear. I had the parking brake actuated, but left the transmission in N. In the middle of the night we hear all this crashing and feel the camper pitching and bucking. We thought we were goners, and I pulled my pistol. No neighbors and not a soul around for miles to hear all the yelling that ensued.

The RZR had rolled off the trailer! The brake lever was still in the locked (down) position as it should be.

I had changed fluid recently and bled the brakes, so I know there was not air in the system. I actually got air out from the factory and the brakes worked better than ever. There was no fluid loss and the reservoir was still full to the line. The brakes work perfectly when riding and stop on a dime when called upon to do so.

The only thing I can think of is that the temperature difference from sunset with hot brakes (85 deg) to 3AM (45 degrees) could have allowed the fluid to contract and allow the release. I have also not been a big fan of how the brake lever causes the dash to flex and maybe that gave up a little flex during the night. Maybe a combination.

Then again, maybe the master cylinder is leaking internally and there is a limit to how long it will hold pressure.

I won’t make this mistake again. I’ll either put it in park and risk it getting stuck, block a tire, or get it tied down for transport.

BTW, does anyone know of an aftermarket cable actuated emergency brake? I’m just waiting for a brake failure going down a steep hill with nothing but a hydraulic backup.:scared2: