Introduction: What Are Trailer Brakes and Why Do I Need Them?
Trailer brakes are an important safety feature for any trailer. They provide the stopping power necessary to slow down or stop a trailer in an emergency situation. They also help to maintain control of the trailer when driving on slippery roads or in windy conditions. Trailer brakes are designed to be used in conjunction with vehicle brakes, providing additional braking power and stability when necessary. Knowing how your trailer brakes work and when they should be used is essential for safe driving and can help prevent accidents on the road.
What are the benefits of having brakes on my trailer?
Having brakes on your trailer can be a lifesaver! Not only will it provide extra safety when towing, but it can also help you save money in the long run by reducing wear and tear on your vehicle. Brakes are essential for ensuring that your trailer is able to stop quickly and safely, and they can even help you avoid costly accidents. So, if you're looking to get the most out of your trailer, investing in brakes is definitely a good idea!
How to Determine if Your Trailer Needs Brakes
If you own a trailer, it is important to understand the weight and size limits that require brakes. This is because having brakes on your trailer can help to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. You will need to find out the unbraked and braked tow capacity of your two vehicle to help you determine if your trailer needs brakes.
Are there any safety concerns when towing a trailer without brakes?
When it comes to towing a trailer, safety should always be your top priority. Without the right brakes and other safety features, you could be putting yourself and others in danger. So if you're planning to tow a trailer without brakes, you'll need to take extra caution and know the limits of your tow vehicle.
Conclusion
When deciding whether or not your trailer needs brakes, you should consider the tow vehicle capacity for unbraked trailers, the trailer tare weight as well as the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of your trailer. The GVM is the total weight of your trailer including its contents when it is loaded ready for use. If your trailer has a GVM that exceeds your tow vehicle's capacity for unbraked trailers, then brakes are required. It is important to ensure that you have adequate braking power to safely handle any situation while towing a trailer.
Different Types of Trailer Brakes & Their Pros & Cons
There are different types of trailer brakes available in the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. These include, mechanical/cable brakes, electric brakes and hydraulic brakes. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of each type of trailer brake so that you can make an informed decision when choosing a brake for your trailer.
Hydraulic brakes are commonly believed to be a cheap, low maintenance option when it comes to trailer braking systems. However, they come with several distinct disadvantages.
Due to how hydraulic trailer brakes work there is a lag time involved from when the vehicles brakes engage to when the hydraulic braking system is activated which makes for a somewhat jerky towing experience. In addition, when backing the trailer while hooked up to the tow vehicle it is necessary to flip a pin, located behind the coupling, to stop the master cylinder engaging and activating the trailers brakes. After the tow vehicle resumes forward motion the pin must be removed to enable the brakes once more. The biggest drawback of hydraulic brakes however, is that they can be expensive to buy and maintain. The brakes themselves can be costly, and they also need to be regularly checked and adjusted. Leaking brake fluid or air that may have entered the lines could potentially cause the whole system to fail. This makes them a less attractive option for those who are after a low maintenance and cost effective set up.
Electric trailer brakes provide a number of benefits. They are designed to help limit the pressure on the tow vehicle's brakes, which can help improve safety and reduce wear and tear on the vehicles brake system.
The electricity to the brakes is controlled via the brake controller and brake light circuit. A lot of people are put off by the thought of having to get a controller unit hard-wired into the cab of their vehicle but luckily those days are gone. All our electric brake controller units are mounted on the draw bar so you can switch between tow vehicles with ease. When set up correctly, electric trailer brakes provide a smooth and reliable braking experience while towing. They also let you back up your trailer without the need to get out of your vehicle to flip a pin, unlike hydraulic brakes for example.
Mechanical trailer brakes(European mechanical braking system) are a relatively simple principle.
A sliding spring mechanism piece is mounted to the trailer’s drawbar, this spring contracts as soon as the trailers speed attempts to overrun the vehicle. When the mechanism contracts a set of brake cables are pulled and activate the brake drums, the higher the pushing force the increased braking force. When the car stops braking the cables are deactivated and the trailer tows as normal. The European mechanical braking system utilizes an auto-reverse mechanism which is included in the brake drums. This mechanism ensures that the overrun brake will not take effect when reversing. Mechanical trailer brakes offer several advantages for those who use them. Most importantly, they provide an overrun system that is simple and not much can go wrong, whereas your electrical system can sometimes have wiring faults or connector issues which in turn means shortages or replacement of parts. This makes them a reliable option for those who are looking for a low maintenance braking system. Additionally, they come with both a handbrake and breakaway system, providing extra safety when needed. Finally, the braking action is smooth and consistent, allowing you to control your trailer better than ever before.
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