How to Maintain Your Trailer Brakes
Trailer brakes are a crucial component of safely transporting your cargo. They also help take the pressure of your tow vehicle's brakes. But for trailer brakes to do their job, they need to be well-maintained. Below we cover some beginner's tips for keeping your trailer brakes running well. If you want more information or you want to check out trailers for sale, head over to Victory Custom Trailers. We can work with you to create a custom trailer to suit your needs. Our dealership is located in Metamora, Michigan. We also proudly serve those in Detroit and Flint, Michigan.
Understanding the Types of Trailer Brakes
Knowing how your trailer brakes work can help you be better positioned to maintain them. Most trailers run off of electric or surge brakes. The electrical options use an electrical connection between the trailer brakes and the tow vehicle's brakes, which tells the trailer when it is time to stop. When you press your tow vehicle's brakes, it sends a signal to your trailer brakes and activates them both simultaneously.
Surge brakes work thanks to the forward jolt of the trailer that occurs when you sow down. The system senses that the trailer is shifting forward and it automatically activates the brakes. This prevents the trailer from hitting the back of your tow vehicle.
Regular Trailer Brake Inspection
A great place to start is regularly checking your trailer brakes. Here you are looking over every part of the braking system to see if you spot any signs of damage or disrepair. Inspect the drums, shoes, and shoe return springs and hardware. Check for signs of corrosion, shoes or drums that are too thin and needing replacement, and parts that look to be grinding together. You'll also want to compare the sides of the trailer braking system against each other. If you notice uneven brake wear, this could indicate that there is an issue with your trailer (such as a problem with the trailer hitch) or that you are loading your trailer incorrectly.
Inspection for Your Trailer Brake Types
You'll also need to take some specific steps based on the types of brake your trailer uses. For electrical trailer brakes, inspect their wiring and connections for frays and broken wires. For surge brakes, push the trailer to ensure the braking system activates. If it does not activate, there may be a problem with the master cylinder and wheel cylinders or brake fluid.
The Timing of Trailer Brake Inspection
We recommend inspecting your trailer brakes at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever happens first. If your trailer spends most of its time sitting in storage, then you should consider taking it for a drive every three months or so. This helps ensure the trailer parts get the exercise they need. It is an important step to help prevent malfunctions that can happen due to disuse.
Trailer Brake Repairs
Eventually, your trailer brake inspection may uncover a problem. While it's tempting to try to wrangle the issue on your own, be cautious doing this. Unless you truly have the skills, expertise, and tools you need, you'll be better off bringing your trailer into a professional. That way, you won't need to worry about accidentally causing more damage in attempts to fix the trailer brake issue.
We hope you found this guide helpful. If you are looking to buy a trailer, visit Victory Custom Trailers. We offer custom trailers that can be tailored to your exact needs. You'll find us in Metamora, Michigan, and we also serve those in Flint and Detroit.