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!
"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
"Great installation job"
Zack,
Just wanted to give you some positive feedback. I'm pleased with how the disc brakes have been working. They have a smoother engagement feel compared to the old ones. I haven't Read Moreexperienced any trailer brake error messages, which is really great. I haven't had to make any panic stops yet, so can’t comment on that. I've put about 1200 miles on the trailer since getting the disc brakes.
Thanks again for the great installation job.
Paul H.
WI
"Installed to my expectations"
Dennis Hageman installed the disc brakes and suspension system yesterday.
We tested the brakes out and they are fantastic.
Dennis installed the system quickly and to my expectati Read Moreons. He even got the weather here to be perfect for such a project. :) He was patient to explain how things worked and how things worked with my pickup.
Verl S.
Rexburg, ID