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 Job....very patient..."
We had our install (disc brakes and Roadmaster suspension and crossmembers).
Josh and Heather were wonderful! Professional job and they were very patient when we asked “lotsa” q Read Moreuestions.
I would highly recommend them to anyone needing service.
Diane Sorantino
Pennsville, NJ
"“WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS YEARS AGO?!?!?!?!!!”"
Just a quick note to share some final feedback. I completed the installation with no incidents and I only had to place one phone call to address an actuator wiring question. That quest Read Moreion was handled effortlessly, professionally, and left me with a crystal clear understanding of how to proceed. I took the camper out for a 60 mile test drive 2 days ago and it went flawlessly. The only negative I came away with was the burning question “WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS YEARS AGO?!?!?!?!!!”. This setup is a game changer and if I knew then what I know now I would have done the conversion on a brand new camper before even taking it out on its maiden voyage.
You folks put together a very nice and concise kit package and the directions are quite straightforward. The technical call is a wonderful safety net, just in case. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase decision and I will recommend you folks to anyone with even a mild interest. I look forward to years of highly effective braking from my rig, thanks to your superb kit.
Mike H
Mineral Bluff, GA
"The whole experience was exceptional"
Today John and Barbara came to our home in Virginia and installed the disk brake system. It was an exceptional installation. The equipment is very high quality. John and Barbara are a te Read Morerrific team. They showed up on time, went right to work, and displayed why their experience and expertise has made them the best. John and I took our truck and camper for a test/adjustment drive to ensure all was well and adjusted. The whole experience was exceptional.
Feel free to use me as a reference for Performance Braking and their ace installers.
William DeCoste