TRAILER BRAKES &
BREAKAWAY SYSTEMS
IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA
Your trailer's braking system is one of the most important safety systems on the entire trailer. Properly functioning trailer brakes help reduce stopping distances, improve towing stability, minimize tow vehicle brake wear, and provide greater control during emergency braking situations. Whether your trailer uses electric drum brakes, hydraulic drum brakes, hydraulic disc brakes, or a complete breakaway system, keeping these components properly maintained is essential for safe and dependable towing.
Deer Valley Trailer stocks one of Arizona's largest selections of trailer brake parts, electric brake assemblies, hydraulic brake components, brake drums, brake magnets, backing plates, breakaway kits, breakaway batteries, breakaway switches, battery chargers, cables, hardware, and replacement brake components for utility trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, dump trailers, equipment trailers, car haulers, gooseneck trailers, horse trailers, RV trailers, boat trailers, and commercial trailers.
Whether you're replacing worn brake components, troubleshooting a brake problem, or upgrading your trailer's braking system, our knowledgeable parts specialists are here to help identify the correct parts for your trailer.
WHY TRAILER BRAKES ARE IMPORTANT
Trailer brakes do much more than help stop your trailer. They improve overall towing safety by reducing the stopping distance required by your tow vehicle, helping maintain trailer stability, and distributing braking force more evenly across the entire towing combination. Properly adjusted trailer brakes also reduce wear on your tow vehicle's braking system while improving driver confidence when towing heavy loads or traveling on steep grades.
Routine brake inspections and maintenance help identify worn components before they become a safety concern, allowing trailer owners to repair problems before they result in expensive damage or unsafe towing conditions.
TYPES OF TRAILER BRAKING SYSTEMS
Different trailers use different braking systems depending on their weight, intended use, and axle configuration. Understanding how each system works can help you identify the correct replacement components and maintain safe braking performance.
ELECTRIC DRUM BRAKES
Electric drum brakes are the most common braking system used on utility trailers, enclosed cargo trailers, dump trailers, equipment trailers, car haulers, and many RV trailers. When the brake controller in the tow vehicle sends power to the trailer brakes, an electromagnet inside each brake assembly activates the brake shoes, applying them against the inside of the brake drum to slow the trailer.
Electric brakes are dependable, easy to service, and available in a variety of sizes and capacities to match different trailer applications.
HYDRAULIC DRUM BRAKES
Hydraulic drum brakes operate using hydraulic pressure generated by a surge actuator or hydraulic braking system. As hydraulic pressure is applied, wheel cylinders force the brake shoes outward against the brake drum to create braking force. Hydraulic drum brakes are commonly used on boat trailers and some commercial trailer applications where electric braking systems may not be practical.
HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES
Hydraulic disc brakes use brake calipers and brake rotors rather than brake drums and brake shoes. They provide excellent stopping performance, improved heat dissipation, and outstanding braking consistency, making them popular on many heavy-duty equipment trailers, boat trailers, and premium trailer applications.
UNDERSTANDING ELECTRIC TRAILER BRAKE COMPONENTS
An electric trailer brake system consists of several components working together to safely stop your trailer. Understanding these components can make diagnosing brake problems and selecting replacement parts much easier.
BRAKE ASSEMBLIES
Complete brake assemblies include the backing plate, brake shoes, return springs, adjuster mechanism, and electromagnet. Replacing the complete assembly is often faster and more economical than replacing individual internal components.
BACKING PLATES
The backing plate serves as the mounting foundation for the complete brake assembly. Most replacement electric brake assemblies include the backing plate with all brake components preassembled for easier installation.
BRAKE MAGNETS
The brake magnet is the heart of an electric trailer brake. When power is applied from the brake controller, the magnet contacts the brake drum and helps actuate the brake shoes. Worn or damaged magnets can reduce braking performance and should be inspected during routine brake service.
BRAKE DRUMS
Brake drums provide the friction surface for drum brake shoes while also functioning as the trailer hub. Excessive wear, scoring, cracking, or heat damage can reduce braking performance and may require replacement.
WHAT IS A TRAILER BREAKAWAY SYSTEM?
A trailer breakaway system is an emergency safety device designed to automatically apply the trailer brakes if the trailer becomes completely disconnected from the tow vehicle. If the trailer separates from the hitch, a breakaway cable pulls a switch that immediately sends battery power to the trailer brakes, helping bring the trailer to a controlled stop. Properly functioning breakaway systems are an important safety feature and are required on many trailers by state and federal regulations.
COMPONENTS OF A BREAKAWAY SYSTEM
Every breakaway system relies on several components working together to provide emergency braking should the trailer become detached from the tow vehicle.
BREAKAWAY SWITCH
The breakaway switch is mounted to the trailer tongue and connected to the tow vehicle with a dedicated breakaway cable. If the trailer separates, the cable pulls a pin from the switch, activating the emergency braking system.
BREAKAWAY BATTERY
The breakaway battery provides independent power to the trailer brakes during a trailer separation event. The battery must be properly charged and maintained to ensure the emergency braking system operates when needed.
BREAKAWAY BATTERY CHARGER
The battery charger keeps the breakaway battery charged whenever the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle. A properly functioning charger helps ensure the battery is ready to operate during an emergency.
BREAKAWAY CABLES & HARDWARE
Breakaway cables, mounting brackets, connectors, and related hardware complete the system and should be inspected regularly for wear, corrosion, or damage.
SIGNS YOUR TRAILER BRAKES MAY NEED SERVICE
Routine inspections can help identify brake problems before they affect towing safety or result in more costly repairs.
COMMON WARNING SIGNS
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Reduced braking performance
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Trailer pulling to one side
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Brake noise or grinding
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Uneven brake shoe wear
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Worn brake magnets
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Scored brake drums
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Damaged wiring
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Weak or discharged breakaway battery
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Corroded breakaway switch
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Brake controller warning messages
DEER VALLEY TRAILER EXPERT TIP
One of the most overlooked components on a trailer is the breakaway battery. Many trailer owners assume the battery is functioning properly simply because the trailer lights work. In reality, the trailer lighting system and the breakaway battery operate independently. Regularly testing the breakaway battery, inspecting the switch, and checking the charging system are simple maintenance steps that can help ensure your emergency braking system works when it's needed most.