You will realize the importance of a good braking system if you have ever towed a trailer behind your vehicle. Electric trailer brakes are becoming increasingly popular for this purpose because they offer a more responsive and effective braking experience than traditional surge brakes. We will explain how electric trailer brake systems work and why they are a good option for towing in this article.
How Electric Brake System works
Electric trailer brakes operate by applying the brakes on the trailer in proportion to the braking action of the tow vehicle. This is accomplished using an electronic brake controller that is installed in the vehicle’s cab. The brake controller sends a signal to the electric brakes on the trailer when the driver applies the brakes. This application of the brakes on the trailer is proportional to the braking force applied to the tow vehicle.
Types of Electric Brake Systems
There are two main types of electric trailer brake systems: proportional and time-delayed. Proportional brake controllers use sensors to detect how hard the tow vehicle is braking and apply the trailer brakes in proportion to that force. This provides a more natural and responsive braking experience and helps to prevent trailer sway. Time-delayed brake controllers, on the other hand, apply the trailer brakes with a predetermined delay after the tow vehicle brakes are applied. While this type of brake controller is less sophisticated than proportional controllers, it is still a good option for most towing situations.
Electric trailer brakes work by converting the electrical current from the brake controller into mechanical force to apply the trailer brakes. When the brake controller sends a signal to the trailer brakes, an electromagnet in each brake assembly is energized. This will then pull a lever that applies the brake shoes to the drum. The more current that is sent to the brakes, the stronger the braking force.
Benefits of Electric Trailer Brake System
One of the benefits of electric trailer brakes is that they are easier to maintain and adjust than surge brakes. Surge brakes work by using the weight of the trailer to activate a hydraulic system that applies the brakes. However, this can make adjusting the brakes to the proper setting for the trailer’s weight problematic. Electric brakes can be modified using the brake controller. This allows for fine-tuning the braking force to meet the trailer’s weight.
Another benefit of electric trailer brakes is that they are more reliable than surge brakes. Surge brakes can fail if the hydraulic system develops a leak or if there is air in the system. Electric brakes are also not affected by these issues and are generally more reliable in the long run.
In conclusion, electric trailer brake systems are a good option for anyone who tows a trailer on a regular basis. They offer a more responsive and effective braking experience than surge brakes and are easier to maintain and adjust. Consider an electric brake system if you wish to make your towing experience safer and more enjoyable. This is recommended if you are in the market searching for a new trailer brake system.