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!
"A Lifesaver"
I just wanted to let you know our installer Dennis Hageman just left. He installed our system some five years ago. Over time the actuator developed a leak...small but concerning nonethel Read Moreess. Dennis arranged to come deal with it 150 miles from his home. Dennis is a pleasure to work with and highly recommend his expertise. He originally installed our system in 2019 and 3 or 4 cross country trips it's been a lifesaver.
Alex O.
Phoenix, AZ
"I have renewed confidence"
Mike, Just wanted to thank you for the kit and all the help and advice throughout the install. We are loading up for our second trip since completing the disk brakes and they work flawle Read Moressly! ...I have renewed confidence while towing about 15K trailer down the road!
Dirk Geib
Yucaipa, CA
"Truly one of a kind amazing people!!!!"
Hi Kelly,
I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for all your help getting this done but most importantly I wanted to really thank you for setting us up with John & Barbara for th Read Moree install.
Professional, polite, fun, knowledgeable and just simply decent people doesn’t even to begin to describe them. Your company is truly blessed to have them!! What an amazing team they are.
They both explained every step of the way what was going on, explained every part being used and it’s purpose. We left for a couple hours during the install and our campground neighbor was totally impressed that even while we were not there they kept working and never missed a beat!!!
After the install was complete John & Barbara hung around for a while going over everything and making sure I had no questions. I’ll be honest.. I’m not the most mechanical person and John made sure I understood everything and the proper way to maintain it as well as making sure I had all their contact information if I ever needed anything or had a problem or questions!!
Truly one of a kind amazing people!
Don & Gayle Huggans
Weymouth, MA