Keeping Your Dump Trailer Brakes in Shape
No matter what kind of trailer you’re towing, it’s important that the brakes on your rig are in good working condition at all times. Well-maintained brakes play an important role in keeping you safe on the road, as they relieve the pressure off your tow vehicle by helping your dump trailer come to a complete stop. If they are not in proper working order, it can become tough for you to drive and control your rig
Types of Brakes
To know how to take proper care of your brakes, you need to first understand how they work. Most trailers are equipped with either electric or surge brakes. Electric ones use an electric connection that sends a signal from the tow vehicle to your dump trailer brakes to tell them when to stop. When you press your pedal brake, the signal reaches the brakes and they get activated.
When you slow down, surge brakes get triggered by the forward jolt of the trailer. If it senses that your dump trailer is shifting forward, the brakes get activated automatically to prevent your rig from slamming into the back of your tow vehicle.
Brake Inspection
Start with examining all parts of the braking system, including the drums, shoes, springs, and other components. While you do this, keep an eye out for a few key things. Look for signs of corrosion, parts grinding together, or shoes and drums that are too thin and need to be replaced. Compare both sides of the brakes against each other. If you find that one side is wearing unevenly, it could either be a sign that your hitch is problematic, or you may not be loading your dump trailer correctly. If this isn’t the case, then you might have a more complicated, mechanical problem to deal with.
Specific Problems
There are different ways to check different brake systems. If your dump trailer has electric brakes, you'll want to inspect the wiring and connections for frays and broken wires. Push the trailer and see if the braking system gets engaged. If it isn’t activated, there could be an issue with the brake fluid or the master cylinder and wheel cylinders.
Regular Maintenance
If you aren’t maintaining your brakes regularly, problems can snowball when left unnoticed for weeks or months on end. Remember to check your brakes as recommended in the owner’s manual. These check-ups are essential even if you don’t use your dump trailer very often.
By following these tips, you should be able to keep your dump trailer brakes working smoothly. If you need professional help with your trailer, contact us at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment in Penrose and Florence, CO. We proudly serve all those in Pueblo and Colorado Springs.