Trailer Brake Maintenance Guide
No matter what kind of trailer you’re towing, it’s of vital importance that your trailer brakes be in good working condition at all times. Trailer brakes are a vital component of towing safety. If you keep them maintained, then you should be able to have a positive towing experience on the highway. However, if you allow them to fall into disrepair, you may suffer the consequences, which could mean a derailed trip and expensive shop repair fees.
As your Hoosier State trailer headquarters, The Outpost RV in Middlebury is here to help you with towing however we can. Keep your trailer brakes working well with our maintenance guide.
Know Your Brakes
Understanding the type of trailer brakes you have will help you to maintain them correctly. There are two primary types of trailer brakes: electric and surge. An electrical connection joins up electric trailer brakes to the towing vehicle’s brake system, which tells the trailer brakes when to stop. When you press the brake pedal on your towing vehicle, an electric signal goes back to the trailer brakes to activate them.
As your trailer slows down when you hit the brakes on your towing vehicle, surge brakes activate due to the forward jolting motion of the trailer as it slows down. If the system senses the trailer’s shift, then it hits the brakes to prevent your trailer from colliding with your towing vehicle. Know which type you have so that you know what issues to look for.
Perform an Inspection
Regular brake inspections are the best way to ensure safe towing. Examine your braking system at least once a year or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first) for signs of disrepair or damage, including shoes, drums, shoe return springs and hardware. Check for any signs of corrosion and see whether any parts are grinding together or too worn-down to function correctly. You’ll want to catch these issues now rather than waiting until you’re hundreds of miles away from home and having to pull over on the side of the highway to wait for a tow truck.
If your trailer sits idle for months at a time, you’ll want to hitch it up and take it for a drive every few months to get the parts working and prevent corrosion and stiffness. If you travel often, you may find yourself inspecting your brakes more often for signs of wear.
Common Issues
With electrical trailer brakes, you’ll need to worry about their wiring, which can fray over time. Examine the connections between the brakes to make sure that they’re snug and that there are no worn wires. For surge brakes, you’ll want to push the trailer from behind to see if they activate. If the brakes don’t activate, this could mean that you need to replenish brake fluid or examine the master cylinder. If you notice that your brakes are not wearing evenly, this may indicate a hitch problem or an issue with weight distribution inside the trailer.
There are some issues you can address yourself, but only if you have the right tools and the right knowledge. Remember: if your trailer brakes or any other part of your trailer require professional attention, you can always contact the service department here at The Outpost RV. Our team of mechanics will be happy to help you get your trailer tuned up and ready for travel. Browse our website to see the great selection of new and used travel trailers we have for sale at our Middlebury, IN, location. The Outpost RV also serves our neighbors coming south from Kalamazoo, MI.