Your trailer is a large piece of aluminum cruising at high speeds behind your vehicle. When working properly, this is barely noticeable, but an accident or emergency situation can lead to a major risk. Find out why the braking systems on your trailer are so important, how to choose between electric and surge brakes and where to turn for quality custom cargo trailers.

Safety Considerations

Trailer brakes keep you safe. Your truck or SUV can handle some serious towing capacity, which means a fully loaded trailer can clock in at a high load weight. Brake systems relieve some of the stopping pressure from your vehicle. Otherwise, attempting to stop your trailer with your truck or SUV brakes only could cause unnecessary pressure on your brakes and hitch.

Some braking systems may be safer than others. Carefully explore your options before settling on a trailer that fits your needs. Be sure the trailer you choose is fully compatible with your tow vehicle for hassle-free hauling.

Driving Performance

Ever have to slam on the brakes while hauling a trailer? Without its own braking system, your trailer may increase the distance required to come to a complete stop. It also risks fishtailing and otherwise becoming uncontrollable as you attempt to come to a quick stop. Trailer brakes put a stop to all that. An additional set of brakes may be all your truck and trailer needs to enjoy safe travels. Your driving performance is also affected by the size of your trailer and the towing capacity of your vehicle, so be sure to carefully review these features.

Electric vs. Surge Brakes

Now that you understand the importance of trailer brakes, you need to review the two most common types. At Millroad Manufacturing, we offer custom cargo trailers with either electric or surge brakes. Here are the basic differences between these two brakes that you should understand before you make your decision.

Electric brakes are typically connected to your vehicle with an electrical connector. They can be operated in one of two ways: by connecting to your brake pedal, or by using an inertia switch. Connecting to your brake pedal means that your trailer brakes will activate whenever you activate your truck or SUV brakes. This convenient system puts you fully in control of your setup. An inertia switch monitors the inertia of your trailer and hits the brakes when it notices your towing vehicle or the trailer itself is slowing down. This dependable system doesn’t rely on hydraulic lines but uses electrically operated magnets to hit the brakes.

The other type of brakes commonly used on trailers is surge, or hydraulic brakes. Similar to an electric system with an inertia switch, surge brakes monitor the motion of your vehicle. Once you slow down, the inertia activates a hydraulic master cylinder. This cylinder is connected to brake systems in a similar hydraulic system to your vehicle’s brakes. While this system is a convenient setup that doesn’t require an electrical connector, its legality when used with heavy trailers varies depending on your location.

With larger trailers, it may be safer to choose an electric brake system. Smaller trailers can use either system. It’s important to carefully discuss both options with your manufacturing team before you settle on a safe braking system for your equipment.

Shop for Custom Cargo Trailers Today

At Millroad Manufacturing, we offer both types of braking systems for your custom cargo trailers. You decide not only the dimensions and accessories included in your trailer, but also how you’ll safely stop it. We use high-quality aluminum and expert manufacturing techniques to ensure that you receive a trailer you’ll love for years to come. 

Shop for custom trailers today to see why it’s time to switch to a Millroad trailer for your commercial and personal projects.