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!
"I have renewed confidence"
Mike, Just wanted to thank you for the kit and all the help and advice throughout the install. We are loading up for our second trip since completing the disk brakes and they work flawle Read Moressly! ...I have renewed confidence while towing about 15K trailer down the road!
Dirk Geib
Yucaipa, CA
"Quick & Efficient"
You guys rock!! Installed all new suspension and brakes and couldn’t be happier! I pulled it last night and it is night and day.
Thank you for the quick ship and efficient trans Read Moreaction.
Darrin H.
Roanoke, TX
"Thank you all"
Just wanted to give a shout out to the installation team that works through your company, Josh and Heather Shrader. They installed my brake kit today on my 5th wheel trailer. They were Read Moreboth very professional, they both took time to explain what they were doing and invited me to ask any questions that I might have. Their work was done in a timely manner and when they were done their work area was left clean and all old parts were placed in one spot with all cardboard for easy disposal. It was a real pleasure to have met them both. And by the way, the new disc brakes are awesome! Thank you all.
Michael B.
Merced, CA