Trailer Brake Maintenance Guide

Never underestimate the importance of your trailer brakes. They help take the pressure off your tow vehicle brakes and keep you safe on the road, especially when it comes to driving in inclement weather. Return the favor by keeping your trailer brakes in good condition. This guide from Mountain West Trailers walks you through every step of maintaining your trailer brakes.

Of course, even the most well-maintained trailer may have the occasional repair need. If your trailer brakes need professional attention, you can count on the expert technicians at Mountain West Trailers to take good care of them. We’re located in Heber City, UT, east of Salt Lake City.

Types of Trailer Brakes

First, let’s figure out what kind of brakes we’re working with. Trailer brakes come in two main types: electric brakes and surge brakes. Electric trailer brakes communicate with your tow vehicle brakes through an electrical connection, so they are activated when you press on your tow vehicle’s brake pedal.

Meanwhile, surge brakes are activated by the forward jolt of your trailer when it slows down. When the brake system senses forward movement, your surge brakes engage to keep the trailer from pushing into the back of your tow vehicle. Without relying on electrical connections, surge brakes have the advantage of being unaffected by moisture.

Inspecting Your Brakes

No matter what kind of brakes your trailer uses, you should be inspecting them regularly. Take a close look at every component of the braking system, watching out for signs of damage or disrepair. Carefully examine the drums, shoes, and shoe return springs and hardware. Look for evidence of corrosion and parts that seem to be grinding together. Shoes and drums that have worn thin will need to be replaced.

Take the time to compare both sides of the braking system to ensure even wear. Uneven wear may indicate that you have not been loading your trailer properly, or that there’s a problem with your hitch. In either case, it’s a good idea to consult a technician if this issue comes up.

If you have electric brakes, check your wiring and connections for frays and broken wires. If you have surge brakes, you can simply push your trailer to test the braking system. If your surge brakes don’t activate, there may be an issue with the brake fluid or the cylinders.

Frequency of Inspection

We recommend performing these inspections once every 12,000 miles, or at least once a year. Don’t think you can get away with skipping inspections if you aren’t using your trailer very often! In fact, the more time your trailer spends sitting still, the more important it is to keep up with maintenance. Just like any vehicle, a trailer can deteriorate over long periods of disuse. You may want to make a habit of taking your trailer for a drive every two of three months just to give it some exercise.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you’re looking for trailers for sale in Utah, look no further than Mountain West Trailers. We have a wide variety of new and used models in stock at our dealership in Heber City, UT. Our qualified staff can help you find a trailer with all the features you need at a great price.