When do utility trailers need brakes

If your trailer has brakes, it will also be equipped with a breakaway brake system, which applies the brakes on the trailer if it comes loose from the hitch. Be sure to familiarize yourself with this safety feature and how to properly rig it so that it works if the need arises.

Be sure to test this feature before towing and to have it repaired or serviced if it is not working properly. Never tow if the breakaway brake system is not working. Never slam on your brakes. Never ride your brakes, especially when driving on a downhill grade that is steep or long, as this can cause your brakes to overheat and be rendered ineffective. When planning to tow a trailer, be sure to factor in the increased time for acceleration and stopping.

It may take a little longer to get where you are going, but towing safety is of the utmost importance not only for yourself but also for others you may share the road with. Our monthly newsletter contains general information and marketing updates from Carry-On Trailer. Our Owner Resources updates are sent every other month after subscription over the course of a year.

These updates provide information on how to safely operate and maintain your Carry-On Trailer. Anyone who elects to receive Owner Resources updates will also receive our monthly newsletters. Be sure the trailer hitch is secure. A small reduction in tire air pressure or a slight increase in the tongue weight may help. A sway control device should be included when the hitch is installed.

There are two basic types of sway control systems available:. Trailers in California are required to have reflectors, tail, brake, and license plate lights. Trailers over 80 inches wide must have clearance lights.

Most manufacturers comply with these requirements; however, it is up to you to be sure that all lights operate correctly. In California, brakes are required on any trailer coach or camp trailer having a gross weight of lbs.

Usually the braking capacity on tow vehicles is good; however, it may not be good enough to safely stop the several hundred to several thousand additional pounds that your trailer weighs.

Most conventional and fifth-wheel trailers have electric brakes, activated by a controller in the tow vehicle. The controller automatically coordinates the tow vehicle and trailer braking so the two systems work together when the brake pedal is applied. The controller can also be helpful in stabilizing a trailer that sways because of bad road conditions.

Manually applying the trailer brakes by using the hand lever on the controller will stabilize a trailer that is likely to sway. As the tow vehicle slows, the forward motion of the trailer compresses the mechanism which in turn applies the trailer brakes. Motorcycle trailers do not need brakes unless the weight exceeds pounds gross. If you install brakes on your motorcycle trailer, be sure the brakes do not brake harder than the motorcycle or the motorcycle may flip backwards over the trailer when the brakes are applied.

The brakes must always be properly adjusted. Backing a trailer can be frustrating for inexperienced owners. The most important thing to remember is that the trailer will go in the opposite direction of the tow vehicle.

It is helpful to have another person help you back the trailer. Sharp steering wheel corrections will cause the trailer to jackknife and may cause damage to the rear of the tow vehicle or the front of the trailer. This booklet gives you some important information about RV and trailer safety. A good understanding of RV and trailer safety and lots of driving practice will help you operate your vehicle with greater confidence and enjoyment.

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Google Translate is not support in your browser. To translate this page, please install the Google Toolbar opens in new window. Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook. Section 14 of 16 Towing Your Trailer Safely. Purpose of this Booklet. License Classes and Requirements. Noncommercial Class A Requirements. Noncommercial Class B 45' Housecar Requirements. Driving Test Sites. Recreational Trailer Endorsement.

Types of RVs. Equipment and Operating Controls for All Drivers. Defensive Driving Techniques for All Drivers. Handling Emergencies- Information for All Drivers. Driving Your RV Safely.

Towing Your Trailer Safely. Perform a safety inspection before each trip. Make sure that: The pin securing the ball mount to the receiver is intact. The hitch coupler is secured. Spring bar hinges are tight with the safety clips in place load equalizer or weight distributing hitches. Safety chains are properly attached. The electrical plug is properly installed. There are three basic types of trailers which mostly differ in the way they are hitched: Conventional travel trailers, including folding camping trailers.

Fifth-wheel trailers. Motorcycle, tent, and cargo trailers. Breakaway systems are the third type of brake found on a trailer and caravan. These are not as commonly seen as they are only legally required in trailers or caravans that exceed kg. This type of system is used as a failsafe. If a trailer or caravan were to become uncoupled during tow, a breakaway system will automatically apply the brakes on whatever is being towed and therefore bring it to a controlled stop.

This is a legal requirement on heavier trailers and caravans as they have a larger potential to cause damage if a situation like this were to occur. By far, the most common type of physical brake seen on a trailer is a drum brake. This type of braking uses a brake shoe or a brake pad to press against a rotating cylinder within the brake.

The friction generated by the shoe causes the rotation to slow, and therefor generating a braking effect. Drum brakes are one of the cheapest braking options you can find for a trailer while still providing plenty of braking action.

The braking effect is applied in a smooth and progressive way when using drum brakes making it ideal for trailer usage. To maintain peak braking performance in drum brakes, the brakes should be serviced and adjusted accordingly roughly every 30,km.

Due to a low amount of air getting to a drum brake, it is easy for them to overheat during prolonged use. This is usually not an issue on trailer brakes, however, should you find yourself towing down steep or winding roads it is something to bear in mind. The effects of brakes overheating can cause a reduction in braking effect and therefore lead to an increased stopping distance.

Brake drums are excellent in trailers and caravans of most sizes, however more modern, heavier trailers may see the use of disc brakes. Disc brakes are found on most modern cars as they provide an excellent braking force.

They are usually operated using hydraulics, which force the pads against the disc, causing rotation to slow due to friction. They are the preferred option when it comes to boat trailers as water cannot get trapped inside the system. They are also more widely seen on large trailers and caravans as they generally provide a greater braking force when compared to drum brakes. Disc brakes are easy to maintain and have less moving parts than drum brakes, making them perfect for trailers and caravans.

A disadvantage to disc brakes is they can become expensive due to the cost of electric actuators for the hydraulics required to make them function. Other than this they are similar in running costs to drum brakes. It is always a good idea to check your brakes over and make sure they are functioning correctly with plenty of wear left on them. If you require assistance on changing your trailer braking system, your trailer brake pads, or anything else trailer related, contact us at TrailerTek on 77 49 Monthly Archive.

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