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!
"I can’t say enough good things"
I can’t say enough good things about the people at Performance Trailer Braking out of Norman, OK. (405-626-7009) They shipped all the parts to us ahead of time, stuck to their price qu Read Moreotes, and got it all installed in one day. Alyssa Bateman did all the coordinating. Preston Wilmoth, the installation. His assistant was a no-show, so instead of a 5 1/2 hour day, he worked 10 hours straight. Before leaving at almost 10pm, Preston tested the brake pump and electrical connections, went over how everything works with us, and explained all the warranties. Usually he would go with the customer on a test drive, but we weren’t keen on doing that at that late hour! The next morning we looked under our rig and it was like he was never there — no grease spills, metal shavings, nothing. He took all the boxes and old parts away as well.
Joe H
Galveston, TX
"Second to None...."
Josh and Heather arrived on time and after we introduced ourselves to each other they got right to work
They are a great team working together seamlessly and in sync with each others Read Moreneeds
Their professionalism was second to none and gave me some tips to help with the CRE 3000
We also talked about the cross member for me and I will be doing that hopefully this fall or early next spring
Again, Josh and Heather are FIRST CLASS!!!
Brett
Brett T
Vancouver, WA
"Wow, what a difference!"
Just finished having Disc Brakes installed yesterday by "Bill" the installer for Performance Brakes. Wow, what a difference! After completing yesterday we left on a 175 mile test journey Read More. Drove two lane twists, small towns, and freeway. The braking ability is much more than I expected. During my test ride with installer he had me do a hard brake situation going about 25 mph and we came to a stop in about half the distance of my old brakes. These brakes give you a lot of comfort when driving knowing I can stop quickly if needed. Interestingly, the old brakes which we took off only had about 8k miles on them and the pads were half worn and the electromagnets were badly worn on two of the wheels. Granted we do more two lane twisty road driving than freeway driving. Bill the installer was very meticulous about his work and in addition found some wires that weren't crimp right (not related to brakes) and fixed them without saying anything until he was done. I would recommend him without any hesitation for Brakes and suspension work. I will report back if there's any change after our 175 mile trip home tomorrow.
Dave Lannoy
NROA Forum Member