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!
"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
"Dennis Knows His Stuff!"
Dennis knows his stuff! We connected through Performance Trailer Braking when I inquired about upgrading the brakes and suspension on our Momentum Toy Hauler. Dennis and his assistant, A Read Moresher, arrived right on time and got right to work. We had them swap out the factory suspension for the Road Master Comfort Ride slipper spring set up with shocks, Kodiak disc brakes, and Dexter 8k axles.
Super nice guys, very professional and efficient. They did all the above in about 8 hours. Dennis travels the west helping customers upgrade their suspension and braking systems. He also attends RV rallies to do prearranged upgrades.
I highly recommend Dennis of SonChaser RV for any suspension & brake upgrades you may be considering.
Craig R.
Canyonville, OR
"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