Blogs
Are your hubs running hot?
While hubs running hot can sometimes be dangerous, that is not ALWAYS the case! Normal hub temperatures should range from 120° to 175° Always remember to compare on the same side (driver's side front to driver's side rear). We recommend carrying an infrared thermometer to get accurate hub temperatures at rest stops! Here are some questions to ask yourself if you are noticing elevated hub temperatures but are certain that everything inside the hub is normal! - Is the hotter side the appliance side? -Are you driving with the sun on that side? - Are you driving on a more pitched road (roads that allow water to run off the sides better)? As always, if you have any concerns, please feel free to reach out to us here at PTB, and we will be happy to help you!
Let's talk Roadmaster:
Roadmaster Overview
You have seen the pictures of rigs that have been upgraded to the Roadmaster Inc. Slipper Spring system but have not been told WHY the owners made the switch! Here are the benefits to making the switch: • Smoother ride – Reduces harsh bumps and road vibration • Better control – Keeps your RV or trailer more stable, especially on rough roads • Less chucking & bouncing – Minimizes that back-and-forth jerking feeling while towing • Improved safety – Better handling means more confidence behind the wheel • Protects your RV – Reduces wear and tear on your frame, cabinets, and contents • Handles heavier loads better – Built stronger than most factory suspension components • Long-lasting performance – Designed to hold up mile after mile
Roadmaster Box
The Roadmaster box allows your suspension to move more freely over bumps. It also: • Absorbs road shock – Helps take the hit from rough roads instead of transferring it through your trailer • Reduces stress on components – Less strain on leaf springs, hangers, and frame • Smoother towing experience – Cuts down on harsh jolts you feel in the truck • Helps control bounce – Keeps your tires planted better on the road Why proper box alignment is just as important: • Prevents uneven tire wear – Saves you money by extending tire life • Improves tracking – Keeps your trailer pulling straight behind you • Reduces suspension wear – Misalignment puts extra stress on every component • Increases safety – Better stability, especially at highway speeds • Maximizes your upgrade – Even the best suspension won’t perform right without proper alignment
Roadmaster Slipper Springs
If your trailer feels rough, bouncy, or unstable on the road — your suspension may be telling you it’s time for an upgrade. ⭐️Why Roadmaster Slipper Springs? • Roadmaster’s slipper spring design isolates each axle so each spring can absorb and dissipate energy independently — that dramatically reduces shake, vibration, and “chucking” compared with conventional equalizer/leaf spring suspensions. • By absorbing road forces instead of transferring them through the frame, Roadmaster systems help protect your RV’s structure, appliances, and interior from long-term vibration damage. • The Comfort Ride slipper spring suspension eliminates most moving parts found in older suspension designs, leaving fewer wear points and long-life self-lubricating bushings — which means fewer maintenance worries over time (no more grease)!!!!!
Roadmaster Shocks
Why should you include the shocks in your Roadmaster suspension system? • While your slipper springs improve articulation and reduce binding, they mainly handle how the axles move relative to the frame. The Comfort Ride shock absorbers take it a step further by absorbing the vertical and lateral forces from any bumps, rough pavement, and uneven surfaces, keeping most of that energy out of your RV and truck. 🛠️ The shocks use heavy-duty, nitrogen-charged internal components to compress and rebound in a controlled way — dramatically reducing trailer bounce and vibrations that otherwise travel through the frame. • The shocks will help reduce chucking, bounce, rocking, and side-to-side movements which then reduces the transfer of every bump or imperfection in the road to the truck. They will also help reduce frame flex that often lead to bigger issues such as leaks.
Roadmaster U-Bolts
U-bolts may look small, but they’re fundamental to making a Roadmaster suspension system perform correctly. They: - Secure the leaf springs to the axle - Maintain proper alignment and handling - Distribute loads safely - Support ride quality and stability - Should be updated whenever suspension work is done Without good U-bolts, even the best slippers springs and shock absorbers can’t work at full potential — because the entire system depends on that solid connection between springs and axle.
Let's Talk DeeMaxx Components:
Hub/Rotor Assemblies
- Integrated hub-and-rotor design combines the wheel hub and brake rotor into a single precision-machined assembly, eliminating the enclosed brake drum used in traditional systems. - Open rotor design allows continuous airflow around both sides of the rotor, dissipating heat much faster than a drum brake, where heat is trapped inside the drum. - Vented rotor construction increases cooling capacity by pulling air through the rotor as it spins, helping maintain consistent braking during repeated stops and long downhill grades. - Exposed braking surface lets water, mud, and road debris shed quickly, while enclosed drum brakes can trap contaminants that reduce braking performance. - Flat rotor braking surface provides full, even contact with the brake pads, creating more uniform braking force than curved drum brake shoes contacting the inside of a drum. - Reduced brake fade because the rotor cools rapidly between brake applications, unlike drum brakes whose enclosed design retains heat. - No brake drum expansion under high temperatures. As drum brakes heat up, the drum can expand, increasing the distance between the shoes and drum and reducing braking effectiveness. A rotor maintains much more consistent braking characteristics. - Precision-machined rotor surfaces promote smooth pad contact, reducing vibration and helping ensure even pad wear. - Thicker, heavy-duty rotor construction is designed to absorb and dissipate large amounts of heat generated by heavy RVs and trailers. - Hub and rotor remain accessible for inspection, allowing technicians to visually inspect the braking surfaces without removing a brake drum. - Simplified serviceability since brake pads can typically be replaced without removing the hub or disturbing the wheel bearings, unlike many drum brake service procedures.
Calipers & Mounting Brackets
- Heavy-duty caliper mounting bracket provides a rigid, secure foundation for the brake caliper, maintaining precise alignment with the rotor under heavy braking loads. - Fixed caliper position keeps the caliper centered over the rotor, ensuring even brake pad contact and consistent braking performance. - Hydraulic caliper design applies equal clamping force to both sides of the rotor, delivering stronger and more balanced braking than drum brakes, which push brake shoes outward against the inside of a drum. - Self-adjusting operation automatically compensates for brake pad wear, eliminating the need for the manual or automatic shoe adjustments required with drum brakes. - Fewer moving parts than a drum brake assembly, reducing the number of components subject to wear, corrosion, or mechanical failure. - No brake magnets are required. Unlike electric drum brakes that rely on electromagnets, hydraulic calipers use fluid pressure for immediate, consistent brake application. - No return springs or adjuster mechanisms that can weaken, seize, or require replacement over time, simplifying maintenance and improving long-term reliability. - Even brake pad pressure across the entire rotor surface promotes uniform pad wear and more consistent braking throughout the service life of the pads. - Open caliper design improves airflow around the brake pads and rotor, helping reduce operating temperatures and minimizing brake fade. - Better contamination resistance because the open design allows water, dirt, and debris to clear more easily than the enclosed components inside a drum brake. - Simplified brake service with brake pads that can typically be inspected and replaced without disassembling the hub or removing numerous springs and hardware. - More predictable braking response because hydraulic pressure is applied directly to the caliper pistons, producing smooth, proportional braking with less variation than electric drum brake systems. - Reduced maintenance requirements by eliminating many of the wear items found in drum brakes, including brake shoes, hold-down springs, adjusters, return springs, and actuating levers. - Improved corrosion resistance with stainless steel calipers available on many DeeMaxx systems, helping prevent rust and seizure in harsh environments.
Small Upgrades with Big Results:
Steel Braided Flex Lines
Compared to hard brake lines: - Allows suspension and axle movement without stressing the hydraulic connection. - Less likely to crack from vibration or repeated flexing. - Easier to route around moving components and tight installation areas. Compared to standard rubber brake hoses: - Expands significantly less under pressure for improved braking response. - Provides greater protection against abrasion and road hazards. - Offers improved durability in demanding towing conditions. - Better withstands high hydraulic pressures and repeated heavy braking.
Solid Steel Lug Nuts
Why should you consider switching to solid steel lugs over the regular steel capped ones? Solid steel resists wear, rounding, and deformation. Steel capped nuts can separate or weaken over time—especially under heavy loads or frequent torqueing. For RVs, which often carry heavy weight and see lots of highway miles, strength matters! Many solid steel lug nuts are heat-treated and plated (e.g., zinc or chrome) to resist rust. Steel capped nuts can trap moisture between layers, leading to rust under the shell, which can seize the nut to the stud. This means easier maintenance and lower risk of stuck lug nuts when you actually need to remove them!
Hub Savers
- Helps prevent wheel-off accidents by retaining the hub and wheel assembly on the spindle if the outer wheel bearing fails, giving the driver an opportunity to safely pull off the road. - Protects the axle spindle by helping keep the hub aligned during a bearing failure, which can reduce damage that might otherwise require axle replacement. - Reduces damage to expensive brake components, including disc brake rotors, calipers, caliper brackets, and hydraulic brake lines, by preventing the hub from completely separating from the axle. - Helps protect wheels and tires from catastrophic damage that often occurs when a hub separates and the trailer corner drops onto the pavement. - Improves roadside safety by allowing the driver to maintain greater control and stop in a safer location instead of experiencing an immediate wheel separation. - Protects surrounding traffic by reducing the risk of a detached wheel becoming a dangerous projectile. - Minimizes downtime by helping prevent extensive damage that can turn a simple bearing failure into a major roadside repair. - Low-cost insurance against a potentially expensive failure involving the hub, spindle, brake assembly, wheel, tire, and trailer body. - Simple installation on most trailer spindles with no modifications to the axle or brake system required. - Compatible with both drum and disc brake systems, adding a layer of safety regardless of the type of brakes installed. - Provides additional peace of mind for RV owners and commercial haulers who travel long distances, where bearing failures are more likely to occur far from repair facilities. Important: A Hub Saver is not a replacement for proper bearing maintenance. It is a fail-safe device designed to help retain the hub if an outer bearing fails. Regular bearing inspection, lubrication, and proper spindle nut installation remain essential.
Keep it Rollin Kit
We will now be offering a “Keep it Rolling” kit. We designed this kit to essentially be a trailer “first aid kit” in case of an emergency when you are traveling! This kit will include one inner/outer bearing, one inner/outer race, and one seal! Prices vary depending on your bearing sizes and shipping will be included in the price. Safety is our number one priority here at PTB, and this kit is just another way we can go the extra mile for each and every customer!
Let's Talk MORryde Products:
CRE 3000
Why should you consider the CRE 3000? Smoother Towing Experience: The CRE3000 is designed to provide up to 3″ of suspension travel, which helps absorb bumps and imperfections in the road much more effectively than standard leaf spring equalizers. That means less jostling and a more comfortable tow for both driver and passengers. Better Protection from Road Shock: It uses rubber cushioning and a unique travel slot to isolate road shock instead of letting metal-to-metal components transfer every bump into your RV’s frame and contents. This protects your RV structure and reduces the risk of damage to cabinets, appliances, and fragile gear! Increased Durability: Compared to stock equalizers, the CRE3000 is more robust and durable, often lasting longer and handling regular road stresses better — especially important for frequent travelers or those who tow on rougher roads.
AllTrek 4000
Why should you consider the AllTrek 4000? 1. Smoother Ride Across All Terrain The AllTrek 4000 gives you up to 4 inches of suspension travel — way more than the approximate 2 inches you get with a traditional steel equalizer. That extra travel helps soak up any road bumps, potholes, and washboard surfaces so your tow rig and trailer don’t jostle around as much. 2. Better Protection for Your Trailer Frame The rubber shear springs cushion impacts so that shock loads aren’t transferred straight into your frame. This protects welds, seams, cabinetry, and everything else inside your RV from repetitive jolts. 3. Less Stress on Suspension Components With this suspension, you will experience less wear and tear on leaf springs, shackles, hangers, and hardware. You’ll likely see fewer failures and a longer lifespan for those running-gear parts!
Heavy Duty Shackle Kit
Why should you consider this kit? Most factory-installed shackles are thin, lightly constructed, and designed to meet minimum requirements. The MORryde Heavy Duty Shackle Kit replaces those thinner shackles with thick, hardened steel shackles and wet bolts, giving your suspension the strength it should’ve had from day one. The MORryde kit includes greaseable (wet) bolts, which allow proper lubrication at critical pivot points. That means less friction, smoother suspension movement, and reduced stress on the frame, springs, and axles. If you travel frequently, carry heavy loads, or full-time in your RV, factory shackles simply aren’t up to the task. MORryde designs their suspension components specifically for heavy, real-world RV use—not just the occasional weekend trips.
X-Factor Crossmembers:
- Reduces frame stress by up to 94% at the suspension hanger locations by tying both frame rails together, helping distribute suspension loads more evenly. - Reinforces spring hangers, one of the most common areas for fatigue cracks and frame damage on leaf spring trailers. - Minimizes side-to-side frame flex during cornering, backing maneuvers, and uneven terrain by preventing the hangers from twisting independently. - Adds lateral rigidity to the trailer frame, helping maintain proper suspension geometry under heavy loads. - Reduces stress on welds at the spring hanger attachment points, helping extend the service life of the trailer frame. - Helps prevent hanger cracking and deformation caused by repeated suspension movement over rough roads. - Improves towing stability by keeping the suspension more rigidly aligned, reducing unwanted side-to-side movement of the axles. - Maintains better axle alignment by limiting movement of the suspension mounting points, which can contribute to more consistent tire tracking. - May reduce uneven tire wear by helping the suspension remain properly aligned during operation. - Supports heavy RVs and trailers by distributing suspension forces across both frame rails instead of concentrating them at individual hangers. - Constructed from high-strength, low-alloy steel for increased strength and durability without excessive weight. - Adjustable design fits a range of trailer frame widths, making it compatible with many travel trailers and fifth wheels. - Bolt-on installation requires no welding or drilling on most applications, simplifying installation and preserving the trailer frame. - Compatible with multiple suspension systems, including stock equalizers, MORryde CRE3000, SRE4000, and Correct Track systems using the appropriate adapters. - Protects other suspension components by reducing excessive movement that can accelerate wear on shackles, wet bolts, equalizers, and bushings. - Provides additional confidence on rough roads by reinforcing one of the highest-load areas of the trailer suspension, especially during sharp turns, potholes, railroad crossings, and uneven campsites.
Why Disc Brakes?
“I don’t need disc brakes on my trailer… my truck stops me just fine.” — Every trailer owner… right before they try disc brakes. Let’s talk about why upgrading from drum brakes to disc brakes isn’t just a luxury—it's one of the BEST safety upgrades you can make for your RV or trailer: 1. Your truck shouldn’t be doing all the work. Yes, your truck can stop everything… until it can’t. Trailer brakes are supposed to share the load, not take a free ride. 2. Disc brakes stop up to 50% faster. Faster, straighter, and with way more control—especially in emergency stops or downhill grades. 3. Way better in rain, heat, and mountains. Drum brakes fade when they get hot. Disc brakes? They stay cool and keep performing. 4. Self-cleaning, low maintenance. No more brake dust buildup, no adjusting, no wondering if they’re even working. 5. Smooth, confident braking. Ever felt the trailer “push” you at a stop? Disc brakes practically eliminate that. It feels like your rig shrinks by 20 feet. 6. Saves money long-term Less strain on your truck’s brakes = fewer replacements and safer towing overall. If your trailer can push your truck… it can also put you in trouble.
Why MORryde Crossmembers?
If you own a fifth wheel or travel trailer, your frame works HARD—especially on rough roads. The MORryde X-Factor Crossmembers are one of the smartest upgrades you can make to protect your investment and improve your towing experience. Here’s why: Stronger, Stiffer Frame: X-Factor crossmembers tie the frame rails together, dramatically reducing flex and twist while towing. Better Handling & Stability: Less frame movement means more predictable tracking, tighter control, and a smoother overall ride. Protects Your Suspension: By reducing frame flex, you reduce stress on your suspension components, leaf springs, hangers, and bolts. Prevents Long-Term Damage: Frame flex is one of the leading causes of cracks, misalignment, and premature suspension wear. X-Factor helps eliminate these weak points before they become expensive repairs. Easy Upgrade with Big Results: They bolt into existing factory holes, offer a heavy-duty build, and immediately stiffen the frame—no welding required. If you’re already upgrading suspension or hitting rough roads often, this upgrade is almost a must-have. Stronger frame. Smoother ride. Longer life for your RV. That’s the MORryde X-Factor advantage.
Why Should You Get Your Bearings Repacked?
“I never grease or inspect the bearings on my truck… so why do I need to do it on my trailer?” I hear this one all the time, so let’s clear it up Your trailer and your truck may both roll on wheels, but their bearings live VERY different lives: 1. Trailer bearings carry more load per wheel: Most trailers put HUGE weight on just two or four small hubs. Your truck has more wheels, better cooling, and precision-engineered hubs designed for daily use. 2. Trailer bearings run hotter: Trailers don’t have the same airflow, braking systems, or temperature control that trucks do. Heat is the #1 killer of wheel bearings. 3. Trailers sit… and sitting is the enemy: Moisture, rust, dried-out grease—when a trailer sits for months, the bearings suffer. Your truck gets used often, keeping grease distributed. 4. Trailers don’t have warning systems: Your truck has ABS sensors, dash lights, and smart electronics. Your trailer has… you noticing smoke in the mirror. 5. A truck bearing failure is bad… but a trailer bearing failure is a disaster: Lose a trailer bearing and you can lose a wheel, damage the axle, wreck the fender, or end up on the side of the road waiting hours for a tow. Trailer bearings need regular inspection and maintenance because they work harder, stay hotter, and get less attention than your truck’s. A little grease now saves a BIG headache later.
Roadside Preparedness:
No one plans a vacation around a trailer breakdown. Unfortunately, breakdowns do not schedule themselves. A bearing failure, damaged hub, broken spring, or other mechanical issue can happen hundreds of miles from home—and finding the correct replacement part may not always be easy. That is why roadside preparedness should be part of every trailer owner's travel plan. Start With the Basics Every trailer owner should understand the basic components used on their trailer. Important information to keep available includes: Axle capacity Brake type Bearing numbers Seal numbers Tire size Wheel bolt pattern Hub information Suspension part numbers Keeping this information in your truck or trailer can save valuable time when you need help. Consider Carrying Critical Spare Parts - The right spare parts will depend on your specific trailer, but some owners choose to carry items such as: Inner and outer bearings Bearing races Grease seals Dust caps Spare lug nuts Suspension hardware A complete hub or hub-and-rotor assembly A replacement spring The important thing is ensuring the parts actually fit your trailer A spare bearing that is the wrong size will not help when you are sitting on the side of the road. Build a Kit Around Your Trailer - A personalized roadside kit can help ensure you have important replacement components available when you need them. At Performance Trailer Braking, our Keep It Rolling Kits are designed around the customer's trailer and can include common replacement parts and additional components based on the customer's needs. Preparation Can Save Your Trip - Having spare parts does not guarantee that you will never experience a breakdown. But it can reduce the amount of time spent searching for the correct components and help a qualified technician complete a repair more quickly. Before your next trip, take a few minutes to look underneath your trailer. Ask yourself: If something failed today, would I know what part I need? If the answer is no, now is the time to prepare. Because the best time to think about a breakdown is before one happens.
Electric Drums vs. Disc Brakes
Electric Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: What Trailer Owners Should Know One of the most common questions we hear from trailer owners is: “Should I upgrade to disc brakes?” The answer depends on several factors, including the weight of your trailer, how often you travel, where you travel, and how confident you currently feel when stopping. Before deciding whether an upgrade is right for you, it helps to understand the differences between electric drum brakes and disc brakes. How Electric Drum Brakes Work Electric drum brakes have been a common braking system on trailers for many years. When the brake controller sends power to the trailer brakes, an electromagnet is activated. That magnet helps engage the brake shoes against the inside of the brake drum, creating friction and slowing the trailer. When properly maintained and adjusted, electric drum brakes can provide effective braking performance. However, they have several moving components and require regular inspection and maintenance. Brake shoes wear, magnets wear, drums can become damaged, and the system may require periodic adjustment. How Disc Brakes Work: A disc brake system uses brake pads that clamp against a rotor to create friction. Electric-over-hydraulic systems use the signal from your brake controller to activate a hydraulic actuator. Hydraulic pressure is then sent through the brake lines to the calipers. The calipers apply pressure to the brake pads, which clamp against the rotor and help slow the trailer. Why Many Heavy Trailer Owners Choose Disc Brakes: One of the biggest advantages of disc brakes is their ability to provide consistent braking performance. Disc brake systems are generally better at managing heat than traditional drum brakes. This can be especially beneficial for heavy trailers and RVs traveling through mountainous terrain or areas with long downhill grades. Other potential benefits include: More responsive braking Improved consistency Better heat dissipation Easier visual inspection of brake pads Fewer brake components inside a drum assembly Is a Disc Brake Upgrade Right for You? A disc brake conversion is not automatically necessary for every trailer. However, it may be worth considering if: You tow a heavy fifth wheel or trailer. You frequently travel through mountains. You feel your trailer pushing your tow vehicle. You are replacing worn braking components. You want increased confidence when stopping. The most important thing is ensuring your braking system is properly matched to your trailer. Your trailer's brakes are one of the most important safety systems you own. Understanding how they work—and keeping them properly maintained—can make a major difference every time you travel.
Understanding your Trailer Suspension:
When most people think about trailer suspension, they think about leaf springs. But your trailer suspension system is made up of several components working together—and the failure of one worn component can affect the entire system. Understanding what is underneath your trailer can help you recognize problems before they become expensive repairs. The Major Components of a Trailer Suspension System: Depending on your trailer, your suspension may include: Leaf springs Equalizers Shackles Bushings Suspension bolts Hangers U-bolts Shock absorbers Each component plays a role in supporting your trailer and allowing the axles to move as you travel over uneven roads. Why Bushings and Shackles Wear Out: Many factory suspension systems use components that can wear over time. As your trailer travels, the suspension constantly moves. Every bump, turn, pothole, and uneven road surface places stress on these components. Over time, bushings can wear and suspension bolts can become loose or damaged. This can lead to excessive movement and additional wear throughout the suspension system. What Happens When Springs Sag? Leaf springs support the weight of your trailer. As they wear, they can begin to flatten or lose their ability to maintain proper ride height. A sagging spring can affect axle alignment, tire wear, and the overall way your trailer handles. It can also increase stress on other suspension components. Don't Inspect Just One Part: A common mistake is replacing only the part that has visibly failed. But when one suspension component is worn, it is important to inspect the entire system. For example, a broken shackle may be the visible problem, but worn bushings, bolts, or springs could also be contributing to the failure. A complete inspection helps identify the root of the problem instead of simply addressing the symptom. Your suspension is responsible for carrying your trailer safely down the road. Make sure every component underneath is working together the way it should.
Why Wheel Bearings Matter More Than Most Trailer Owners Realize:
Wheel bearings are small components with a very big responsibility. They allow your trailer wheels to rotate smoothly while supporting the tremendous weight carried by your trailer. Unfortunately, wheel bearing problems often develop gradually—and by the time a failure becomes obvious, significant damage may already have occurred. What Do Wheel Bearings Do? Inside each trailer hub are bearings designed to support the rotating hub assembly. The bearings work together with races and lubricant to reduce friction as the wheel turns. When properly maintained, this system allows your trailer to travel thousands of miles smoothly. But when lubrication breaks down, water enters the hub, a seal fails, or a bearing begins to wear, heat and friction can quickly become a problem. What Happens When a Bearing Fails? A failed bearing can cause much more than an inconvenient roadside stop. Depending on the failure, damage can occur to the: Hub Spindle Rotor Brake components Wheel assembly In severe situations, a bearing failure can leave a trailer stranded and require significantly more extensive repairs. Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore Some potential signs of bearing problems include: Excessive heat around the hub Grease leaking from the seal area. Grinding or unusual noises Visible damage Excessive wheel movement Discolored or burnt grease However, not every bearing problem provides an obvious warning before failure. That is why routine inspection and maintenance are so important. Maintenance Is Cheaper Than Repairs!!!!!!! Regular bearing maintenance allows worn components to be identified before they create larger problems. A proper service may include inspecting the bearings and races, cleaning and repacking reusable bearings when appropriate, replacing damaged components, and installing new seals. The goal is not simply to add more grease. It is to inspect the entire hub assembly and make sure everything is in proper condition. A little maintenance in the driveway can help prevent a major problem on the side of the highway.