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!
"“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
"Unbelievable..."
Now that we’re back on the road, we’re able to experience the results of our upgrade. The only word I can think of to describe the difference is “unbelievable”. The stopping po Read Morewer in the new disc brakes is so much better that it takes the stress out of pulling the RV. When I apply the brakes now it’s almost as if I didn’t have the trailer behind me. I also feel much more confident with the upgraded suspension components.
I also can’t say enough about Barbara and John Alinger, our installers. They we’re so friendly and hard working. They had the upgrade done at the rally in about 4 hours then took a test ride with us when we were leaving to be sure everything was working well. They are great ambassadors for your company and products.
Bernie N.
Manchester, CT
"Nothing But Glowing Posts About This Company"
Upgraded our Solitude at Performance Trailor Braking. Dennis in Cochise, AZ did an amazing job! Shared a lot of knowledge, very responsive and just a very nice guy. 8k axles, 4k Slipp Read Moreer springs, disc brakes, comfort ride shocks, and crossbeams. I no longer worry that our weight is “right on the edge”. I now see why I’ve heard nothing but glowing posts about this company and this upgrade! They are also at many rallies. Thank you Dennis!
Jim Skelnik
Box Elder, SD