5 Benefits of Electric Trailer Surge Brakes

For the weekend warrior and those new to hauling, the idea of upgrading your trailer braking system may never have occurred to you. Like the features that came on your car ‘from the factory’ you may have assumed your trailer has what it needs. However there are many advantages to upgrading your trailer brake system, and changing it out is a relatively simple process.

Why Hydraulic Surge Brakes May Not Be Enough
If you have hydraulic surge brakes, you’ll have no electrical/hydraulic connections to your car. A self-contained, passive system, hydraulic surge brakes kick-in based on the natural momentum of your vehicle. When your car slows down and your trailer pushes into your vehicle, the brakes engage – albeit after a split second delay that increases your stopping distance. If your trailer is swaying, separately engaging the braking system is not possible.

There are Many Benefits of Upgrading to an Electric Trailer Brake System

1. Added braking control.
   As is obvious from the above description of hydraulic trailer brakes, electric trailer brake systems improve brake reaction time and decrease the distance necessary to bring your heavy hauler to a complete stop. Brake pressure is applied to the trailer first, controlled by the pedal pressure in your car, providing a braking action that is safer for quick stops and driving downhill.
2. Simple operation.
   Electric systems are also, surprisingly for many, more simple and user-friendly than surge brake systems. Engaged with the help of electromagnets, when properly adjusted, a quick correction to an in-cabin electric brake controller can apply the small amount of force necessary to stop your trailer from swaying. A handy tool for driving in high winds, passing large tractor-trailers, and descending hills, indeed.
3. Less maintenance.
   The maintenance needs of electric brakes are also far simpler than those of hydraulic brakes, whose components and assemblies must be constantly guarded against corrosion and closely inspected for wear.   
4. Reduced parts cost.
   Costs for electric trailer brake assembly replacement parts are, on average, 30% less than those for hydraulic systems.
5. Easy upgrade.
   Trucks, SUVs, RVs and other vehicles constructed since the mid 90’s are already setup to work with an electronic trailer brake controller, with a factory-ready ‘quick-plug’ under the dash for ease of connection. In fact, pickup trucks constructed within the last 5-years typically have a brake controller built into the dash, requiring no installation whatsoever. 

Is your braking system enough to keep your cargo and fellow roadside passengers safe? Ainsworth Trailer Repair professionals have the knowledge and experience to keep your rig safely on the road. Contact us to learn more about the ease and low-cost of upgrading your trailer brake system today.
 

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/5-benefits-upgrading-hydraulic-electric-trailer-surge-brakes/

Busted Leaf Springs on a Trailer are a Real Drag – Are Yours At-Risk?

You know to check your lights and mirrors for safety, and hitches for proper positioning, but out of sight components on your trailer like leaf springs often go overlooked… Until you find yourself bouncing and swaying down the highway, and you’re left scratching your head trying to figure out why.

Burdensome Load, or Blown-Out Suspension?
Leaf spring technology has been around since the era of Da Vinci’s self-propelled car. So how is it in this modern era we know so little of this essential component? When there’s too much cargo – or integral suspension components like leaf springs are worn – your tow vehicle can rock and sway. A properly functioning suspension keeps your vehicle’s wheels in contact with the pavement as much as possible, providing a stable, grounded ride for your hauler and cargo, even on tough terrain. 

The Right Leaf Springs & Proper Installation Ensure Safety
It goes without saying, ‘air time’ and bumping and banging from worn out suspension are not the friends of your cargo, or vehicle longevity. To protect both, you need an adequate suspension, making it essential to regularly check your leaf springs and accessories for wear: Chips, cracks, worn shackle links, loose U-bolts, and flattening springs are key indicators it’s past time for some suspension TLC. 

What Type of Leaf Springs are You Rocking?
Leaf springs look like a metal archery bow, sans the string, and come in different varieties. At Ainsworth, we stock a wide array of leaf springs styles for fast, professional repair, including…

●        Single or Mono-Leaf Springs
Thick in the middle and tapering towards the end, single leaf springs don’t typically offer the suspension strength necessary for tow vehicles.

●        Multi-Leaf Springs
Several leaf springs, stacked atop each other to form a semi-elliptical shape, offer better support for heavier loads.

●        Double-Eye Leaf Springs
Feature two holes, used to bolt the springs to the bottom of the trailer frame.

●        Open-Eye Leaf Springs
Have only one open hole, or ‘eye,’ with the other end being a hook or flat end.

Gravity taking its toll on your ride and your safety? Let the pros at Ainsworth Trailer Repair give you a lift. Contact us for a trustworthy and free repair estimate today.

This post was originally published at http://www.trailerrepairdenver.com/busted-leaf-springs-trailer-real-drag-risk/