Trailer Brake Maintenance
The added weight of a trailer can increase your stopping distance by a lot, which is why having well-functioning trailer brakes is so important. As with many things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to trailer brake maintenance. If you’re not sure where to start, this guide from the experts at Glenn’s Trailer Sales has more information.
Types of Trailer Brakes
Most trailers utilize either electric or surge brakes. Electric brakes have an electrical connection between the brakes on the tow vehicle and the brakes on the trailer. When you press down on your brake pedal, a signal travels from your tow vehicle’s brakes to the trailer’s brakes and tells them to engage. If your trailer has electric brakes, don’t forget to check for frayed and broken wiring.
By contrast, surge brakes engage automatically when they detect a forward jolt. This jolt usually occurs when you activate your tow vehicle’s brakes, causing your trailer’s momentum to carry it forward. Surge brakes are good for towing in wet environments. To check that surge brakes are working correctly, give your trailer a quick push to make sure that the brakes engage. If they don’t, take a look at the brake fluid or the master cylinder and wheel cylinders.
Brake Inspection
Whichever type of brakes your trailer has, you should inspect them on a regular basis. Every part of your trailer’s brakes is important, so be sure to check the drums, shoes, shoe return springs, and hardware. Common problems to look out for include corrosion, parts that are starting to grind together, and shoes/drums that are starting to get a bit thin. Compare both sides of the braking system to see if one side appears more worn than the other. Uneven wearing might indicate a problem with the hitch, that you’re not loading your trailer correctly, or some other issue.
Frequency
Inspect your trailer’s brakes at least once a year or every 12,000 miles. Even if you don’t use your trailer that often, you should still perform these inspections. Long periods spent idle can actually be bad for your trailer, so consider taking it out every two or three months.
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