Otis Singleton
Travel trailers are equipped with brakes to ensure the safety of the people inside and outside the vehicle. While not all travel trailers have brakes, most do. The presence of brakes in a travel trailer depends on the trailer's weight and the state's rules. Electric brakes are the most popular type of brakes for travel trailers. They are controlled by either a surge device on the trailer or a remote brake controller in the towing vehicle. Electric brakes are preferred because they give more control over how and when to stop the trailer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of brakes | Electric brakes, hydraulic brakes, and surge brakes |
| Electric brakes | Controlled by a surge device on the trailer or a remote brake controller in the towing vehicle |
| Surge brakes | Do not require an electrical connection to the towing vehicle |
| Federal laws in the US | Travel trailers must have a breakaway system |
| Weight limit | Typically in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 lbs or higher |
| Maintenance | Electric trailer braking systems can last about 3 years |
| Safety | Electric brakes give more control than surge brakes |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric brakes give you control over how and when to stop the trailer
- Surge brakes work automatically and use hydraulics
- Electric brakes use an electromagnet rather than hydraulic brake fluid
- The gross weight of the trailer determines whether it requires brakes
- Some states require trailers with electric brakes to have a breakaway system
Electric brakes give you control over how and when to stop the trailer
Electric brakes are a popular option for travel trailers. They are controlled by either a surge device mounted on the trailer or a remote brake controller in the towing vehicle. This gives you control over how and when to stop the trailer. The towing vehicle's brake controller senses when the brakes are applied and activates the trailer's brakes. The controller can be placed under the dashboard, keeping it in view for easy monitoring of potential problems.
Electric brakes use an electromagnet instead of hydraulic brake fluid. When activated, the brake controller sends a voltage to the electromagnet in the brake, which then sticks to the armature area of the brake drum. The spinning of the drums pulls the brake shoes and pads against the inside of the drum, slowing down the trailer. This process is similar to how drum brakes work on cars and trucks, with two brake shoes for each wheel forming a half-moon shape.
The benefit of electric brakes is the level of control they provide. You can adjust the trailer speed as needed and have the option of manual activation through a hand-operated control. Additionally, electric brakes can be more responsive for smaller vehicles like campers. However, they may not be as powerful for handling massive loads, and an emergency backup battery is required if the trailer becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle.
When considering electric brakes for your travel trailer, it's important to check your state's regulations. While most states require brakes for trailers weighing over 2,000 to 3,000 lbs, specific laws can vary. Additionally, maintaining your trailer brakes is crucial for safety and extending their lifespan. It is recommended to inspect your brakes before each trip and replace the brake pads every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
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Surge brakes work automatically and use hydraulics
Surge brakes, also known as hydraulic surge brakes, are commonly found in boat trailers, rental or leisure trailers, and travel trailers. They are the most popular form of trailer brakes and are extremely safe and versatile. Unlike electric brakes, they do not require an electrical connection to the towing vehicle or a specialised controller. Instead, they work automatically and use hydraulics to apply the brakes.
Here's how they work: when brakes are applied in the towing vehicle, the forward momentum of the travel trailer creates pressure on the surge coupler, which then puts pressure on the master cylinder, thereby activating the brakes. The faster the tow vehicle slows down, the more pressure is applied by the surge coupler, increasing the braking pressure on the pads. This automatic activation of the brakes is a unique feature of surge brakes, ensuring that the trailer slows down whenever the towing vehicle does.
Surge brakes are also advantageous because they do not require any setup or knowledge of the braking system to operate. They are also a popular choice for trailers that are rented out or used by multiple people, as they do not require any specialised experience or training to function effectively. Additionally, they are ideal for use in water, such as for boat trailers, as they are not affected by water or extremely cold conditions, unlike electric brakes.
However, it is important to note that surge brakes require periodic maintenance, including regular checks on the brake pads, brake lines, and brake fluid levels. Without proper maintenance, issues such as inconsistent performance, pressure build-up due to a non-functioning coupler, and premature corrosion may occur. Furthermore, surge brakes do not have a breakaway feature, which is present in electric brakes, and they may not function correctly if the trailer starts to sway. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure proper loading and weight distribution on the trailer's tongue to avoid swaying.
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Electric brakes use an electromagnet rather than hydraulic brake fluid
Most travel trailers use electric brakes. These brakes are activated via an electrical connection from the towing vehicle to the trailer. Electric brakes use an electromagnet rather than hydraulic brake fluid.
Electric brakes use electrical signals and magnetism instead of hydraulic pressure to offer a reliable braking experience with enhanced performance, efficiency, and environmental benefits. When the brake controller is activated, it sends a voltage back to the electromagnet in the brake. The spinning of the drums pulls the brake shoes and pads against the inside of the drum, slowing down the trailer. This system avoids the risk of leaks from hydraulic fluid and is more reliable.
The electric brake controller measures the changing momentum or inertia of the moving car via an accelerometer. It is not directly connected to the car's brakes and works independently of them. Continuously monitoring the vehicle's dynamics, these controllers send the precise amount of voltage to the trailer brakes to ensure that the speed of the trailer matches that of the tow vehicle. This generally makes for a smoother braking experience and more efficient braking, ensuring your trailer brakes last longer.
In addition to the electric brakes, travel trailers are also required to have a "breakaway system". This is a safety circuit designed to apply the brakes if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle. This system consists of a battery mounted on the trailer and a normally closed switch. The contacts of the switch are separated by a piece of non-conductive plastic to which a lanyard is attached, with the other end attached to the tow vehicle.
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The gross weight of the trailer determines whether it requires brakes
The requirement for brakes on a trailer depends on its gross weight. In the United States, federal laws require travel trailers to have a breakaway system that applies the brakes if the trailer becomes unhitched from the towing vehicle. Additionally, some states have specific laws regarding trailer brakes. While the weight limit varies by state, typically, trailers weighing between 2,000 and 3,000 lbs or more are required to have brakes.
Trailer brakes can be electric or hydraulic (also known as surge brakes). Electric brakes are controlled either by a surge device mounted on the trailer or a remote brake controller in the towing vehicle. They are activated by an electrical connection from the towing vehicle to the trailer. The controller senses when the towing vehicle's brakes are applied and activates the trailer's brakes. Electric brakes offer more control than surge brakes, allowing you to control the trailer's speed and decide how and when to stop.
On the other hand, surge brakes work on hydraulic principles and do not require an electrical connection to the towing vehicle. Instead, they operate automatically based on the calculation of the trailer's weight and overall momentum. When brakes are applied in the towing vehicle, the forward motion creates pressure on the surge coupler, which, in turn, applies pressure to the master cylinder, thereby activating the trailer's brakes.
The type of brake system chosen depends on various factors, including the total weight of the trailer, whether it is heavy-duty or light-duty, and the frequency of towing. Electric brakes are generally suitable for smaller vehicles, such as standard campers, while hydraulic brakes are more common for large commercial trucks or very large or heavy trailers.
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Some states require trailers with electric brakes to have a breakaway system
Most travel trailers come with electric brakes. The electric brakes are controlled by either a surge device mounted on the trailer or a remote brake controller in the trailer tow truck or other vehicle. The better braking systems have electric brakes on both axles, while the less expensive ones have brakes on just one axle.
If your travel trailer is equipped with electric brakes, some states require you to have a breakaway system. This is a safety feature that will activate the brakes if the trailer disconnects from the tow vehicle. The breakaway system consists of a battery mounted on the trailer and a normally closed switch. The contacts of the switch are separated by a piece of non-conductive plastic to which a lanyard is attached. The other end of the lanyard is attached to the tow vehicle. The breakaway system is simple to install and offers an extra level of protection.
The breakaway system runs on its own power supply, independent of the trailer's connection to the vehicle's battery. The standard size is a regular 12-volt battery, which needs to be replaced regularly (about every two years) to ensure optimal performance. The battery also needs to be charged regularly, as it can deplete in about 10 to 25 minutes when not connected.
To satisfy legal requirements, the breakaway system must be able to keep the brakes engaged for a minimum of 15 minutes. A breakaway cable is attached to a pin inserted into the breakaway unit and secured at the other end to the tow vehicle. The cable should be 44 to 48 inches long and attached directly to a secure point on the tow vehicle, not the tow bar. This ensures that the system will still work if the tow bar becomes detached from the vehicle.
In addition to the breakaway system, some states have specific laws regarding brakes on trailers, so it is important to stay informed about the regulations in your state.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, most travel trailers come with electric brakes. However, not all travel trailers have brakes, and this depends on the trailer weight and state rules.
Electric brakes are controlled by either a surge device on the trailer or a remote brake controller in the towing vehicle. They use an electromagnet instead of hydraulic brake fluid.
You can check for electric brakes by observing the trailer tires. Electric brakes will have wires hanging or connected behind the tires.
Electric brakes give you more control over how and when to stop the trailer. They are also easier to install and maintain than hydraulic brakes.
Electric brakes are not as powerful as hydraulic brakes when handling massive loads. They also require an emergency backup battery in case the trailer gets disconnected from the towing vehicle.
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