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!
"PERFORMANCE TRAILER is your trusted source"
If you own an RV with drum brakes and factory suspension system, and you’ve read the reviews and are contemplating a change to upgraded suspension and disc brakes - your decision proce Read Moress should end here. #1 Call PERFORMANCE TRAILER and discuss options. #2 Find the money for this no-brainer upgrade. #3 LetI’mp.m. PERFORMANCE TRAILER guide you through the installation location and process. This is all coming from a couple who have traveled the country, including Canada and Alaska, with a 38’ Fifth Wheel dual axle trailer. As of this writing, I would NEVER purchase another trailer without at minimum an upgrade to Disc Brakes and Roadmaster Suspension. The extra stopping power and smoother ride simple saves your physical trailer, and could (God Forbid) potentially save your life. It’s that important. And PERFORMANCE TRAILER is your trusted source in accomplishing this end. Thanks for reading.
Jim B
Villa Park, IL
"Wonderful Experience"
THANK YOU to you and everyone at Performance Braking, once again you all have gone above and beyond!
Dennis just completed the moving of the brake lines, as a testament to his skills Read Moreand ability everyone here at the rally has spoken with the highest regard for your product and his service.
I will share my wonderful experience with anyone interested in these upgrades.
Patrick Gould
Livingston, 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