Different Brake Systems for Trailers

Brake Systems for Trailers – Which is Best?

Frequent haulers and those lugging heavy loads require more braking power than the typical tow vehicle provides. In these situations, additional brake systems for trailers can provide the necessary stopping power to ensure safety and reduce wear-and-tear on tow vehicle brakes.

Adding a Trailer Brake System

There are two major types of trailer braking systems: Surge and electric brakes. What’s best for your application? 

• Surge Brakes
  Best Uses: Boat trailers and the occasional tower.
  These self-contained systems take advantage of a trailer’s weight and momentum to actuate the brakes. Unlike electric systems, no added controls or electrical connections are necessary for operation. You press the tow vehicle’s brakes, and trailer pushes against a connection that compresses a hydraulic cylinder, transferring pressure from the trailer to the trailer brakes to provide added stopping power. Properly adjusted, they are easy to use. The downside? No capacity for driver control or adjustment, and maintenance and operational procedures require spot-on adherence to avoid issues that could result in vehicle damage when backing up or transporting over bumps and downhill.
• Electric Brakes
  Best Uses: Heavy hauling, frequent towing, and those looking for added braking control.
  With the help of an in-cabin brake controller and an added electrical connection, electric trailer brakes give drivers more customizable brake operation via programming adjustments. Simple in operation, they employ an electromagnet to actuate drum brakes as programmed. You can even operate brakes on-the-fly, when descending hills, in high winds, or with trailer sway. However there are more than one type of in-cabin control module, affecting performance:
  • • Proportional or Inertia-Based Brake Controllers
      An inertia-based sensor provides power to trailer brakes proportional to vehicle momentum, allowing for smoother stops and more efficient braking than time-based controllers. These systems offer superior braking on hills (up or down), and are a boon for hauling livestock or other sensitive cargo, detecting changes in momentum and powering brakes accordingly.
    • Time-Based Brake Controllers
      These systems activate with brake pedal use, performing as programmed by the driver. Effective and simple to use, but not as precise as inertia-based controllers, they are often sufficient for light duty hauls like pontoon boats and smaller campers.

  Bring Braking Problems to an Abrupt Halt

  Towing a trailer can take a heavy toll on your trailer and tow vehicle. Get the extra stopping power you need to better protect cargo and the brake system on your hauler. Upgrade your trailer brakes affordably and easily with the help of Ainsworth Trailer Repair today.