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!
"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
"PERFORMANCE TRAILER is your trusted source"
If you own an RV with drum brakes and factory suspension system, and you’ve read the reviews and are contemplating a change to upgraded suspension and disc brakes - your decision proce Read Moress should end here. #1 Call PERFORMANCE TRAILER and discuss options. #2 Find the money for this no-brainer upgrade. #3 LetI’mp.m. PERFORMANCE TRAILER guide you through the installation location and process. This is all coming from a couple who have traveled the country, including Canada and Alaska, with a 38’ Fifth Wheel dual axle trailer. As of this writing, I would NEVER purchase another trailer without at minimum an upgrade to Disc Brakes and Roadmaster Suspension. The extra stopping power and smoother ride simple saves your physical trailer, and could (God Forbid) potentially save your life. It’s that important. And PERFORMANCE TRAILER is your trusted source in accomplishing this end. Thanks for reading.
Jim B
Villa Park, IL
"A Lifesaver"
I just wanted to let you know our installer Dennis Hageman just left. He installed our system some five years ago. Over time the actuator developed a leak...small but concerning nonethel Read Moreess. Dennis arranged to come deal with it 150 miles from his home. Dennis is a pleasure to work with and highly recommend his expertise. He originally installed our system in 2019 and 3 or 4 cross country trips it's been a lifesaver.
Alex O.
Phoenix, AZ