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!
"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
"What a Difference the Disc Brakes Make"
I finished my installation yesterday and what a difference the disc brakes make. The kit included everything I needed and between the written instructions, the video and one phone call t Read Morehe installation went very smooth. I will never own another camper without disc brakes. Thank you for all your help and have a Merry Christmas.
David Irvine
Ashland, KY
"We are happy campers"
Thank you for the professional installation of my new disk brakes. Preston installed them on 12/30/2019 and the next day traveling thru Dallas/Fort Worth we had three occasions to stop Read Morequickly with confidence on 35W. We pull 15,000 miles a year thru mountains and flats. I now relax behind the wheel pulling our 40 ft 16,000 lb 5th wheel. We are happy campers, Dump those drum brakes for disk brakes. Thank you to your entire team in Norman, OK. My old drum brakes always felt like the trailer was pushing the truck when I stopped. Now I feel like the trailer and truck stop together with no feeling of being pushed. You have to remind yourself the trailer is still back there.
Gil and Sandy Palmer