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!
"Wow, what a difference!"
Just finished having Disc Brakes installed yesterday by "Bill" the installer for Performance Brakes. Wow, what a difference! After completing yesterday we left on a 175 mile test journey Read More. Drove two lane twists, small towns, and freeway. The braking ability is much more than I expected. During my test ride with installer he had me do a hard brake situation going about 25 mph and we came to a stop in about half the distance of my old brakes. These brakes give you a lot of comfort when driving knowing I can stop quickly if needed. Interestingly, the old brakes which we took off only had about 8k miles on them and the pads were half worn and the electromagnets were badly worn on two of the wheels. Granted we do more two lane twisty road driving than freeway driving. Bill the installer was very meticulous about his work and in addition found some wires that weren't crimp right (not related to brakes) and fixed them without saying anything until he was done. I would recommend him without any hesitation for Brakes and suspension work. I will report back if there's any change after our 175 mile trip home tomorrow.
Dave Lannoy
NROA Forum Member
"“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
"Excellent and efficient installation"
Dennis installed 8k axles and disc brakes on our Montana this March while we were in the desert. He did an excellent and efficient installation. He was completed in about 6 hours and lef Read Moret my site perfectly cleaned up. He does great work.
Todd B
Fulltime RVer