How Your Trailer Brakes Are Impacting Your Tow Vehicle Brakes
May 2nd, 2017
Welcome to Performance Trailer Braking! Today, we would like to discuss the importance of a trailer brake system that can meet your needs. Your brakes are the only thing stopping your trailer from pushing your vehicle somewhere it really shouldn't go, whether that be over the railing of a mountain ledge or just into an intersection at a red light. Now, when it comes to choosing the right trailer brake system, you need to know your vehicle towing capacity, as well as the GVWR of your trailer.
When Brakes Are Needed
Different states have laws regarding what brakes are required, but everywhere has a law that will dictate what weight requires what level of brake power. Check with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to figure out what the requirements are for trailer brakes in your state. Federal law dictates that trailers over 2,999 lbs. GVWR require brakes on at least one axle.
The closer your trailer's GVWR is to the tow vehicle's towing capacity, the bigger the impact upgrading your braking system will have on your stopping distance. Any trailer that you can feel push the tow vehicle is putting excessive stress to your tow vehicle's braking system. The stopping distance can become excessive for you to slow down safely, the brakes may overheat from working too hard, and you may begin to swerve from side to side to control the trailer, creating a risk for those around you on the road, as well as yourself and your passengers.
Choosing Your Trailer Brake System
Regardless of your braking choice, properly operating brakes on your trailer will save the brakes on your tow vehicle, as well as make travel much safer. You will no longer worry about braking in time, nor will you be concerned about your brakes overheating. Shop our kits today to find the right choice to meet your needs. Your safety depends on it!
"Professional all the Way"
Zack did a great job on the install. Professional all the way.”
Zack May
Oro Valley, AZ
"Thank you all"
Just wanted to give a shout out to the installation team that works through your company, Josh and Heather Shrader. They installed my brake kit today on my 5th wheel trailer. They were Read Moreboth very professional, they both took time to explain what they were doing and invited me to ask any questions that I might have. Their work was done in a timely manner and when they were done their work area was left clean and all old parts were placed in one spot with all cardboard for easy disposal. It was a real pleasure to have met them both. And by the way, the new disc brakes are awesome! Thank you all.
Michael B.
Merced, CA
"Saved Our Christmas!"
e were traveling through Deming New Mexico on our trip from Rockport, TX to Las Vegas, Nevada for Christmas 2023 with the kids and grandkids. We pulled into a truck stop. Turns out we l Read Moreost a bearing on the front axle of our Reflection 337RLS. Worse yet, it had ruined the axle, brake pads, brake caliper and of course the bearings.
I called Performance as my last hope of ever getting to Vegas. Michael put me in contact with Dennis Hageman in Kingman Arizona. He had all the parts I needed in stock and said he would load up and be in Deming by 1:00 AM. After a little sleep, he started on the repair at 8:00 AM and had us on the road by noon. Not only did he do a great job replacing the axle, disc brake caliper and bearings, he serviced the other three axles to make sure we would make it to the kids house. He also inspected the suspension and told me that I may have to have some service done on it soon. He saved our Christmas.
Fast forward to March 2024. I ordered the Roadmaster suspension from PTBon Dennis's recommendation. He told me there were other, cheaper, options, but that this was the best. Since he is quite an expert (in my opinion) I am at least smart enough to listen to those in the know. We met him in Kingman on our way back to Las Vegas and had him install the suspension. I watched the entire install and was impressed with the detail and care he took in his job.
Great product, great service, really great people, and true miracle workers.
Tim Homerding
Yuma, AZ