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How Often Do You Need New RV Brakes?
RV brakes are an important part of the makeup of your vehicle and could mean the difference between a fun, carefree trip and an accident waiting to happen. Because your truck is towing thousands of pounds or your 30,000-pound motorhome is carrying you and all your belongings down the road at 60 mph, you need to make sure you have RV brakes that will stop you when needed.
Let’s take a look at some critical aspects of keeping your RV brakes in top shape.
Stay on top of RV brake maintenance
It’s difficult to determine exactly how long RV brakes will last because many factors affect wear and tear. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to check your RV brakes every time you head out on the road. If you full-time RV, make sure you check your brakes at least once every 3,000 miles or every three months. Some say you should replace your brakes every two years and others recommend every year or 12,000 miles.
Use an online tool like RV LIFE Maintenance to keep track of your RV brake maintenance and to receive timely reminders when maintenance is due.
What factors affect RV brakes wear?
Factors such as how many miles you’ve driven, what type of roads you have been on, how often you brake, and whether you brake quickly or hard, as well as if you have been on steep mountains or flat highway driving or even uneven back roads, can all affect brake wear.
It’s always best to have a good plan for checking brakes regularly. Load and weight can even affect brakes that get little use and cause uneven wear on your braking system.
Type of road
The type of road will affect how you use your brakes. Steep and mountainous terrain will require more breaking than straight, level highway driving.
Your trailer’s weight
CAT scales are great for knowing the exact weight of the trailer and gear you are towing. Always know and stay within your Gross Vehicle Weight Range (GVWR) so you aren’t putting unnecessary wear and tear on your brakes.
How often you drive
There are many types of RV drivers. You might be full-time but possibly work camp and are parked all summer; you may be a weekend warrior; or you may go from place to place across the country on a regular basis. Obviously, the more you drive, the more wear you have on your brakes. Have them serviced accordingly.
Types of brakes
Different types of brakes have different types of durability and maintenance requirements. Make sure you know what you have and how to maintain them.
Also, brakes are not something you want to save money on, so you don’t necessarily need to get the cheapest you can find. “You get what you pay for” also applies to RV brakes. The higher the quality, the longer they last.
Driving habits
Driving habits affect the brakes of all different kinds of RVs. Traveling above the speed limit means you press harder on the brakes when you slow down. If you tailgate, you will use your brakes more often and wear them down quicker.
Steep mountain inclines can have a profound effect on how long your RV brakes last.How do I know if my brakes need replacing?
There are some signs you can look for that might indicate you need to replace your brakes. Issues such as noise, pulling, pulsing, and pedal depression during braking might be indications that, at minimum, you need to have your brakes checked.
If your brakes begin to make a loud noise, make sure and have them checked. A well-functioning brake system should be quiet. Overheated or worn disc brakes will make loud noises when activated and operate with significantly decreased stopping power.
Vibrating or veering as you are driving are also indications that your brakes are in need of a checkup. Often, you will have a dashboard brake light that will indicate a faulty brake system.
Brake failure could result in your wheels locking up, causing severe tire damage.
If your brakes are making noise, it’s time to have them checked. Well-functioning brakes should be quiet.How do I check my brakes?
Different types of RVs and different types of braking systems require different types of brake checks. The safety of you and your family should be of great importance, so brake checks and maintenance should be a regular part of your overall RV maintenance routine. Check your brakes often, have them checked by a certified mechanic at least yearly, and take it to a mechanic if you see any signs that they are malfunctioning.
Ahead is an overview of each type of RV, but also check some YouTube videos to get more information. Also, check out this article on “Tech Tips for Maintaining Your Brakes.“
Motorhomes
For motorhomes with air brakes, check the cartridge used to absorb excess moisture in the system. Droplets in the air brakes reduce the air pressure, which can lead to brake failure. Check the cartridge at least once a year and replace them every two to three years. A diesel pusher will generally have air brakes.
For hydraulic brakes, inspect the rotors, brake pads, drums, and linings. Check the master cylinder as well as fluid levels. Flush the brake fluid at least every two years. Make sure the rotors are free of any deep grooves or cracks.
Measure the brake pads to confirm they are wearing evenly, and check for any rust in the system. Corrosion will cause reduced braking capacity and uneven wear.
Towable RVs
Towable RVs can have two types of brakes: electric or hydraulic. Electric brakes are activated using an electrical connection through the trailer’s plug to the towing vehicle.
Hydraulic surge brakes initiate automatically. The braking motion of the tow vehicle creates pressure on the hydraulic system and activates the brakes on the trailer.
Towable RVs can have two types of braking systems: electric or hydraulic.For a towable RV with an electric braking system, be sure to check for worn shoe linings. Check for worn or missing parts, and adjust them regularly to keep the appropriate spacing between the drum and shoes. Replace any shoes with cracking, separation, oil saturation, or a lining that’s less than 1/16-inch thick.
How much can you tow without trailer brakes?
Driving without trailer brakes depends on the weight of the trailer you are pulling and individual state regulations.
Small trailers under 1,000 pounds may not require brakes, but most towable RVs will need to have brakes and will come equipped with them.
Consider your 10,000-pound trailer loaded with your belongings. You will want to have the most stopping power available.
Trailer brakes generally last about 12,000 miles. You are also required, under federal law, to have an emergency breakaway system for your travel trailer.
Track your RV maintenance
RV brakes are a vital part of the systems on any type of RV that you own. Everything from the roads you drive on to the way you drive can affect the wear of your RV brakes. Taking time to do proper maintenance, checking your brakes frequently, and fixing problems right away, will all go toward saving you money in the long run and keeping you and your family safe on the road.
Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as RV LIFE Maintenance. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.
Trailer brakes play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your towing experience. Over time, the brake components can wear out and lose their effectiveness, necessitating replacement. In this blog post, we will discuss how and when to replace trailer brakes to maintain optimal performance and safety on the road.
Before diving into the replacement process, it’s important to understand the different components of trailer brakes. Electric trailer brakes are the most common type and consist of a brake controller, a battery, brake magnets, and a brake drum assembly. These components work together to provide the necessary stopping power for your trailer.
Regular inspections of your trailer brakes are crucial to identify any signs of wear and tear. Some clear indicators that it may be time for a replacement include uneven braking performance, excessive noise from the brakes, longer stopping distances, or brake pulsation. If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to take immediate action and look into replacing your trailer brakes.
While there is no set lifespan for trailer brakes, it’s generally recommended to replace them every three to five years or after every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the condition of the brakes can deteriorate more quickly if you frequently tow heavy loads or regularly travel in mountainous regions. Regular inspections and maintenance will help you determine the precise timing for replacement based on the wear and tear of your specific trailer brakes.
Replacing your trailer brakes can be done in a few simple steps:
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools and materials, including a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, pliers, wire cutter/stripper, and a replacement brake kit.
Step 2: Park your trailer on a level surface and engage the parking brake to ensure stability during the replacement process.
Step 3: Use your jack to lift the trailer off the ground and secure it with jack stands for added safety.
Step 4: Start by disconnecting the power supply to the electric brakes, which will allow for an easier removal process.
Step 5: Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels and then remove the wheels using the lug wrench.
Step 6: Locate the brake drum assembly and remove the retaining clips or bolts holding it in place.
Step 7: Disconnect the brake wires, typically connected with a wire connector, and remove the brake drum assembly.
Step 8: Inspect the brake components for any signs of wear, such as worn brake pads or damaged brake magnets. If necessary, replace the worn components with the new ones from your brake kit.
Step 9: Install the new brake drum assembly and reconnect the brake wires utilizing the wire connector.
Step 10: Secure the brake drum assembly in place using the retaining clips or bolts, ensuring a snug fit.
Step 11: Put the wheels back into their original positions and tighten the lug nuts.
Step 12: Lower your trailer off the jack stands and onto the ground, making sure it is stable before removing the jack.
Step 13: Test the new trailer brakes by towing your trailer at a low speed and gradually applying the brakes to ensure their proper functioning.
Finally, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections on your trailer brakes to ensure they continue to perform optimally. This includes checking brake fluid levels, inspecting brake pads and rotors for wear, and cleaning any brake dust or debris that may accumulate. By regularly monitoring and maintaining your trailer brakes, you can maximize their lifespan and keep your towing experience safe and efficient.
Replacing trailer brakes is a necessary maintenance task to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your towing setup. By understanding the components of your trailer brakes, recognizing signs for replacement, and following the proper replacement steps, you can maintain optimal performance and safety on the road. Regular inspections and maintenance will also help extend the lifespan of your trailer brakes, ensuring you can tow with confidence in every journey.
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