No matter whether your trailer is being loaded for camping trips or transporting
boats, reliable brakes are important to having a smooth journey. West Advisor
suggests using an in-cab brake controller and electric trailer axle with the
appropriate braking system to achieve this result.
Conventional trailer drum brakes rely on electromagnetic forces to slow your trailer,
while electric over hydraulic disc brakes use electrical pulses from your in-cab
controller for greater braking pressure.
Brakes
Brakes are an essential safety feature to prevent your trailer and load from being
detached from its towing vehicle in an emergency situation. Electric brakes on trailer
axles rely on hydraulic force to stop both the trailer and wheels when activated by
an in-cab brake controller.
To select the proper hub-and-drum assemblies for your trailer spindles, it is
important to refer to their numbers stamped into both inner (C in diagram) and outer
(D in diagram) bearing and seal surfaces, along with wheel bolt patterns, when
selecting hub-and-drum assemblies that match existing spindles as well as being
compatible for welding on brake mounting flanges.
Electric over hydraulic drum and disc brakes are two options available for brake
systems. Electric over hydraulic drum brakes are less costly and maintenance
intensive while not offering full reversing braking power; on the other hand, disc
brakes offer full reverse braking power as well as being easier to service as they
have fewer components that must be maintained.
Controls
Trailer axles equipped with electric brakes require a controller to activate and
regulate their braking system, unlike surge brakes which use their weight and momentum to activate.
Brake controllers can be divided into three distinct categories: non-proportional,
time-based or proportional-based. Time-based brake controllers activate trailer
brakes after you hit the vehicle brake pedal for a predetermined amount of time;
this method may not be as precise. A proportional or inertia-based controller would
provide greater precision.
The REDARC Tow-Pro Elite is an Australian designed, developed, and engineered
trailer brake control designed to deliver unparalleled towing safety. This system
includes an intuitive single interface placed conveniently within the driver cabin as
well as individual settings that can be tailored specifically for each driver, such as its
angle of interface viewing angle brightness screen setting position of brake controller itself.
Sway Control
Anybody who has hauled a trailer knows about its inherent risk for dangerous trailer
sway. While commercial tractor-trailer mishaps tend to get more attention, non-commercial drivers also frequently experience trailer sway issues.
Trailer sway control systems can help reduce this problem. Commonly built into
weight distribution hitches, these devices work with your towing vehicle system to
detect trailer sway and when detected will apply brakes automatically to reduce velocity.
Other anti-sway options for bumper pull trailers include sway control bars that
mount to their tongue to stiffen their connection with their towing vehicle and limit
side-to-side movement, producing friction to limit side-to-side movement; these
systems must be manually disengaged before backing up. However, for added
peace of mind when towing behind vehicles using weight distribution hitches is best
as four point sway control systems use spring bars with curved ends that rest over
cams and stabilizers to stop shifting of trailers during towing vehicle movement.
Installation
Installing electric brakes to your trailer involves several additional steps. First, run
wire from your trailer connector to each trailer brake that will carry electric power –
this wire should be blue insulated and feature two conductors (one grounding and one power).
Your cab must also feature a brake controller to manage and power its brakes,
though these controllers vary in their functionality and how many brakes they can
power at once. There are two primary types: time-delayed and proportional controllers.
Next, it is necessary to install your trailer axle with electric brakes. For this task, use
a floor jack to lift the new axle beam at its center point until it clears jack stands,
before sliding it under your trailer until its assembly can be supported by jack stands
and completed the installation of its electric brakes.