FAQs About Trailer Brakes
May 15th, 2017
Anyone who has driven a truck with a trailer attached, regardless of what it was hauling, knows that the brakes take a little bit more planning and care in order to move from point A to point B safely. Since we are accustomed to being able to slam on the brakes in our normal vehicles, this can take some practice for those who are not used to driving around with a trailer attached to the back. Your trailer brakes operate much differently than your vehicle's, and these brakes are usually more susceptible to damage and general wear and tear since they are exposed to the world around them. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions we hear at Performance Trailer Braking. Read on to learn more!
How Do My Trailer Brakes Work?
Trailer brakes are always using one of the three systems: Hydraulic Surge, electric, and electric over hydraulic. We at Performance Trailer Braking specialize in electric over hydraulic systems, or EOH.
Hydraulic Surge trailer brakes use a surge actuator that releases fluid into the brake as you press down on the brake. This fluid activates the brake. This is most common on rental and boat trailers. Surge brakes are self-contained and do not require any special hookups or brake controllers to activate the trailer's braking system. However, there is a very short delay between the trailer brakes activating and the vehicle's brakes, which means that it will take longer for the vehicle to safely come to a complete stop. Keep this in mind as you brake!
Electric brakes are used primarily on non-boat trailer applications, as the combination of the electric portion and any water from a boat could lead to issues with the braking system. These systems require in in cab ITBC or aftermarket brake controller.
However, electric over hydraulic brakes is the happy combination between the two. These systems have an electrical brake component and a hydraulic component that merge together to bring trailers to a safe, efficient stop. These systems require in in cab ITBC or aftermarket brake controller.
The EOH actuator is typically located in the front part of the trailer and receives a signal to activate through your ITBC or aftermarket brake controller. The Brakerite EHB actuator has the fastest response time in the industry sending pressure to the calipers in .3 seconds.
Many believe that you need a huge trailer to justify disc brakes, this is just not the case. Any trailer that when stopping, you can feel the trailer pushing the tow vehicle, is a candidate for an electric over hydraulic brake system.
How Can I Tell If My Trailer Brake System Is Working?
Applying the manual override on your in-cab brake controller circumvents the brake controller settings and factory inputs and sends full voltage to the braking system. On a hard surface, with the manual override fully engaged, attempt to pull the trailer. If you can move the trailer even slightly, you brake system needs attention. If you pass this test, at a low speed, 20 mph attempt to lock up the brakes with aggressive pedal pressure. If you cannot lock up the brakes, your system needs some adjustment, repair or replacement.
Where can I get replacement brake pads for my new disc brake system?
Kodiak disc brake systems use an off the shelf GM brake pad available at any auto parts store. Dexter disc brake systems use a proprietary pad and can only be replaced with Dexter pads.
How Can I Take Care Of My Brakes?
Your trailer brakes are going to be exposed to water. Regardless of whether it's freshwater or saltwater, the brakes may eventually rust or corrode. If exposed to salt water rinse the brake assembly with fresh water to minimize rust & corrosion.
When choosing a disc brake system make sure you are buying a dacromet coated systems. These will allow 300-400 hours of salt water spray before rusting at a minimal increase in cost.
Can I Brake In Reverse?
Yes, always with electric over hydraulic and electric brakes. Surge brake systems are dependent on the type of surge actuator and brake backing plates.
Will my existing integrated brake controller work with the new electric over hydraulic systems?
Each actuator mfg. is a little different so consult with the mfg. We have installed over 400 of the Brakerite EHB actuators and have not found a truck that would not work. Some controllers that do not have an electric over hydraulic menu option may require a resistor to be added to the system. These trucks send a test signal every 5-7 seconds down the blue wire, looking for the resistance in the electric brakes. When the controller senses this resistance at message appears "Trailer Connected". When we remove the electric brakes, we remove this resistance and a resistor must be added so the correct "Trailer Connected" message is displayed. This resistor has no effect on the braking system.
What Is An Emergency Breakaway System?
In case your trailer should separate from your vehicle, the trailer brakes are automatically engaged.
If you are interested in your own trailer brake system for your trailer, be sure to shop with us today! Performance Trailer Braking is here for you.
"The whole experience was exceptional"
Today John and Barbara came to our home in Virginia and installed the disk brake system. It was an exceptional installation. The equipment is very high quality. John and Barbara are a te Read Morerrific team. They showed up on time, went right to work, and displayed why their experience and expertise has made them the best. John and I took our truck and camper for a test/adjustment drive to ensure all was well and adjusted. The whole experience was exceptional.
Feel free to use me as a reference for Performance Braking and their ace installers.
William DeCoste
"“WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS YEARS AGO?!?!?!?!!!”"
Just a quick note to share some final feedback. I completed the installation with no incidents and I only had to place one phone call to address an actuator wiring question. That quest Read Moreion was handled effortlessly, professionally, and left me with a crystal clear understanding of how to proceed. I took the camper out for a 60 mile test drive 2 days ago and it went flawlessly. The only negative I came away with was the burning question “WHY DIDN’T I DO THIS YEARS AGO?!?!?!?!!!”. This setup is a game changer and if I knew then what I know now I would have done the conversion on a brand new camper before even taking it out on its maiden voyage.
You folks put together a very nice and concise kit package and the directions are quite straightforward. The technical call is a wonderful safety net, just in case. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase decision and I will recommend you folks to anyone with even a mild interest. I look forward to years of highly effective braking from my rig, thanks to your superb kit.
Mike H
Mineral Bluff, GA
"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