How to Maintain Your Racing Trailer’s Brakes

The extra weight that comes with hauling around a racing trailer can increase your stopping distance by a significant margin, which is why these trailers have their own braking systems. As with any braking system, it’s crucial that you properly maintain it. Luckily, these tips from Victory Custom Trailers can help you do just that!

Types of Trailer Brakes

Most racing trailers are equipped with either electric or surge brakes. Electric brakes utilize an electrical connection between the tow vehicle’s brakes and the racing trailer’s brakes to make sure that both engage at the same time. Surge brakes, meanwhile, are triggered by the forward jolt of your tow vehicle slowing down. Both brake types have their own unique maintenance needs, so make sure you know which type your trailer uses. If you have electric brakes, check the wiring/connections for frays and broken wires. To test surge brakes, try pushing the trailer to make sure that the brakes engage. If they don’t, there might be an issue with the brake fluid or the master cylinder and wheel cylinders. 

Brake Inspection

Inspect your racing trailer’s brakes at least once a year, or every 12,000 miles. The importance of regular brake inspections cannot be overstated. Inspections help you catch potential problems before they can become more difficult (and expensive) to repair. Every part of the braking system should be inspected, including the drums, shoes, and shoe return springs. Corrosion and signs that things are grinding together are important things to watch out for, as well as shoes/drums that appear thinner than they should be. Compare both sides of your braking system to make sure that the wearing is even. If the wearing appears uneven, that might mean that there’s a problem with the hitch or that you’re not loading your racing trailer correctly.

Shop racing trailers at Victory Custom Trailers. Our dealership in Almont, Michigan offers convenient access to communities like Detroit and Flint, Michigan, as well as the United States in general. We also offer financing and trailer customization.