Whether you’re getting ready to start a road trip or hauling equipment to a job site, road-safe towing is essential. Statistically, only 12-15% of the trailer weight is supported on the hitch, and the rest of the weight is carried by the trailer itself. When braking, it takes a lot of power to slow the trailer, and this is usually done by the trailer braking system.
Types of trailer braking systems
Trailer braking systems can typically be classified into two types: surge brakes and overrun brakes. These two types of brakes are based on different principles and have their advantages and disadvantages.
This type of braking, also known as surge actuators, works primarily on hydraulic principles. When the tractor decelerates, the forward movement of the trailer causes hydraulic surges, thus achieving braking effects.
Advantages:
- Easy to use: requires no additional power or controllers and is activated by inertial motion between tractor-trailers. The operation is relatively simple.
- economical: It does not require electrical components or controllers, which results in lower installation and maintenance costs.
- Wide applicability: Commonly found on small or medium sized car trailers. Their lengths typically range from 8 to 20 feet, with a load capacity of approximately 1,000 to 7,000 pounds.
Cons:
- Relatively weak braking ability: Surge brakes have relatively weak stopping power compared to electric brakes. They may not be strong enough during emergency braking or on large trailers.
- Inability to adjust braking force: Since surge brakes are triggered by the inertia between the trailer and the towing vehicle, braking force cannot be adjusted or customized on demand like electric braking systems.
Electric trailer brakes are implemented by electrically actuated electromagnets to achieve braking, and the braking force of the trailer can be adjusted by a controller. This allows trailer braking force to be adjusted according to different road conditions, vehicle speeds and load situations.
Pros:
- Powerful braking force: Electric trailer brakes, powered by electricity, provide powerful braking force, suitable for towing medium and heavy duty vehicles. This includes trailers over 16 feet in length, with load capacities that typically range from 3,500 pounds to 10,000 pounds, and some heavy-duty trailers capable of carrying loads in excess of 20,000 pounds.
- adjustability: The braking force can be adjusted according to different road conditions, loads, etc.
Cons:
- Higher cost: Electric trailer brakes involve electrical components and controllers, so they tend to incur higher installation and maintenance costs.
- Greater complexity: Compared to surge brakes, electric trailer brakes are relatively complex to operate and maintain. If one is not familiar with electrical systems, more learning and skills may be required.
Why are trailer brakes important?
Understanding the types of brakes, let’s look at why trailer brakes are crucial. They mainly fulfill the following functions:
- security: Trailer brakes provide additional stopping power in an emergency, helping drivers to decelerate more quickly and thus reducing the likelihood of accidents. This is especially critical during long distance travel or high speed driving.
- stability: Trailer brakes provide additional stopping power, effectively reducing sway and instability during braking. This allows drivers to quickly control the vehicle when faced with sudden stops or sharp turns.
- Braking efficiency: Car trailer brakes offer more consistent and reliable braking performance, whether on flat roads, steep slopes, or heavy or light loads. This reliability helps maintain the stability of the braking system and extends its useful life.
- Emergency braking: Car trailer brakes play a crucial role in emergencies. They provide additional braking force, helping drivers to stop the trailer faster, reducing the risk of accidents and effectively protecting the safety of the driver or others.
How to maintain the braking system?
Maintenance of the braking system is essential, as severe wear and tear can reduce the performance of the braking system. Regular maintenance ensures that they are in optimal condition, guaranteeing our safety while extending their useful life.
- Brake cables and linkages: Inspect the brake cables and linkages for signs of wear, rust or damage, and make sure they are securely fastened and not stretched excessively, as this can affect brake responsiveness.
- Brake sets: Check the uniform wear of the brake shoes or pads; uneven wear may indicate problems with the braking system. Also, inspect the brake drums or rotors for signs of overheating or scoring.
- Mounting hardware: Inspect brake component mounting hardware, tighten loose bolts or nuts, and replace corroded or damaged hardware.
- Brake actuator: Check the brake actuator for leaks or damage, ensuring smooth engagement and disengagement when the towing vehicle’s brakes are applied and released.
- Cables and links: Apply high-quality lubricant to pivot points and moving parts of brake cables and linkages to reduce friction and ensure smooth movement.
- Brake cam and adjuster: Lubricate the brake cam and adjusting mechanisms to prevent them from sticking or sticking, helping to maintain proper alignment of the brake shoes and ensure consistent braking force.
- Brake pivot points: Apply lubricant to the pivot points of the brake shoes or pads to ensure they can move freely within the brake assembly.
Common brake problems and solutions:
Low braking performance:
Subject: Trailer brakes are not effective, resulting in longer stopping distances.
Solution: Check the brake drums or rotors for smoothness and ensure good contact between the brake shoes or pads and the drums or rotors. Also, inspect the brake adjuster to ensure proper adjustment for optimal braking performance.
Subject: Brake drums overheat during use, which can lead to reduced braking effectiveness or damage to the brakes.
Solution: Check the brake drums for signs of overheating, which can result from excessive brake-to-drum contact or prolonged brake use. Make sure there is adequate clearance between the brakes and drums for heat dissipation and take breaks to avoid prolonged and continuous braking.
Subject: Total loss of braking effectiveness, unable to brake trailer.
Solution: First, inspect the brake system hydraulic lines and connections for leaks or damage. If there are leaks or damage, repair or replace them promptly. Second, check whether the brake cables and links are broken or disconnected, and if so, repair or replace them immediately.
Subject: Loud noises emitted by the brakes during use.
Solution: Check whether the surface of the brake drums or rotors is smooth and make sure that the brake shoes or pads are not abnormally worn or obstructed by foreign objects. If any abnormality is found, clean or replace it promptly.
Buy a car trailer with brakes now!
Three Horses Trailer is dedicated to providing users with high quality trailers, along with personalized services. You can choose the type of brakes for the trailer, as well as the material, size, color and more. If you are interested in buying a car trailer, please feel free to contact us at any time!
