New to towing and confused by your trailer’s brakes? Knowing the basics will make your trips safe and assist you in keeping up with repairing your trailer.
Every trailer weighing more than 750kg in the UK needs to have brakes of its own. Given the weights of all those components, it’s unsafe to expect your car’s brakes alone will stop that kind of combined weight under hard stops on flat roads let alone going down hills and emergency situations.
Types of Trailer Brakes
Overrun Brakes
A common system with smaller trailers. The trailer pushes against the tow hitch when you apply brakes, activating a device that automatically applies the trailer’s own brakes. No electrical connection needed — purely mechanical. For Trailer Parts, visit https://autoandtrailer.com
Electric Brakes
These are designed to be used on bigger trailers and need a brake controller in your tow vehicle. When the brake pedal is pressed, an electrical signal triggers electromagnets inside the trailer’s brake assemblies. They provide variable capture which is used to adjust the edging force.
Air Brakes
These systems are found on heavy commercial trailers, and work using compressed air. These tend to be outside the bounds of routine DIY repair and should be taken care of by a local mechanic.
How to Know What You Have
Refer to your trailer documentation or check the coupling.
Maintenance Matters
All trailers, no matter the type of trailer brakes you have, require regular inspection. Also, check the brake pads for signs of wear and that cables move smoothly before any long trips as this will make sure your brakes are working very well.
Legal Requirements
Your trailer brakes need to be serviced and working effectively. Bad brakes can lead to fines, failing your MOT and dangerous situations.