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!
"Very impressed with the new disk brakes"
Wow! Josh and Heather finished little after noon today. Heather and I test drove my TV with the trailer in tow and I am definitely very impressed with the new disk brakes. I love them Read Moreand am anxious to get a full test in on the highway. I am sure I will love them. And I cannot say enough about Josh and Heather - they were total professionals and were attentive to every detail. I would have NO question about recommending their services to anyone!. Thanks for using them!
Joel Heiney
Casper, WY
"Rare Quality Human"
In June, at the Northwood Mfg. rally in La Grande, Oregon we had your disc brake package installed on our Artic Fox fifth wheel. I'm the type of guy that likes to do things like this by Read Moremyself, but as I've gotten a lot older (and hopefully wiser) I decided to have someone else do the job. Ready to commit the extra funds for a safety improvement on our trailer, it was the perfect time. The perfectionist in me is a terrible thing to have because if I can't do it right then I usually don't do it at all. Brooke put me at ease as I watched his diligence to detail and how he made sure everything was aligned properly and worked to perfection. All the time with people coming by asking questions or making comments about problems they've had in the past. Brooke patiently answered all as he kept working, satisfying each rally member with explanations for the information they needed, but most of all, ME. I checked his work out to try and find problems or things he might have missed but it was perfect. You have a rare quality human working for you and should be very proud of the work he puts out and the ethics he has. Needless to say, I'm very happy with installation and performance of the brakes you supplied.
Scott H.
Canby, OR
"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