Troubleshooting Stuck Brakes On Your Pull-Behind Camper

Pull-behind campers can have their brakes get stuck, and this can happen for a variety of reasons. For example, in cold weather, ice can cause the parking brake to freeze in place. Additionally, over time, the parking brake can become rusty or corroded, causing the cable that engages the brake to get stuck. In some cases, the brakes may be stuck due to a faulty emergency breakaway switch or a dead battery. It is important to address stuck brakes as soon as possible to avoid further issues and ensure safe towing.

Frozen brakes

Firstly, moisture can build up in the air brake lines, and if left in cold conditions overnight, the moisture can freeze and block the air from reaching the brake mechanism, causing the wheels to lock up. Secondly, the brake shoes can freeze to the drum. This usually happens when the brakes are wet and are then set overnight, causing them to freeze together.

There are several methods you can try to fix frozen brakes on your camper:

• Turn on your car and gently rev the engine to warm it up. As the engine warms up, the ice causing the brakes to freeze may melt, allowing you to disengage the parking brake. Try disengaging the brake a few times after the car has warmed up to break up any remaining ice.
• If the brakes are still stuck, identify which wheel the parking brake is connected to (refer to your owner's manual) and use a hairdryer to melt the ice.
• Rock the trailer gently back and forth to try and jar the brakes loose. Do not drag the tires, as this could damage the equipment.
• Cut and resupply the air supply to the trailer. By doing this a few times, you may be able to create enough pressure to break the ice between the drum and the shoe.
• Let the brakes thaw in a warm setting. While this is a sure and safe method, it may not always be practical.

To prevent your camper's brakes from freezing, take the following precautions:

• Drain your air tanks daily to remove moisture and reduce the risk of freezing.
• Check your air dryer by noting the amount of water released when draining your tanks. If a lot of water is released, your air dryer may not be functioning properly, and you may need to replace your air filter or check your air lines and valves for damage.
• Gently rock the trailer back and forth before stopping to remove moisture from the lines and shake off any water or snow from the brakes.

Rusted or corroded brakes

If you notice surface rust on your brakes, it is best to address it as soon as possible. While surface-level rust can be removed by simply driving your car and applying your brakes, if left too long, it can start to degrade the structural integrity of the brake rotors. This will cause noise and performance issues.

If your car has been stationary for a long period, rust can build up and cause pitting in the rotor, where the rust eats away at the rotor surface. This will have an adverse effect on your vehicle's braking performance. If the damage is severe, a new rotor should be installed.

To avoid rusted or corroded brakes, it is recommended to park your car in a garage or other dry environment when possible. If you live in a snowy climate, regularly run your vehicle through a car wash to remove road salt that can corrode brake components.

Brake calipers stuck

Brake calipers are an essential part of your vehicle's braking system. They work to slow down your car by squeezing the brake pads, which then rub against the rotors to create friction and bring your car to a stop. However, sometimes these calipers can become stuck, leading to a range of issues that can compromise your safety and the integrity of your vehicle.

Signs of Stuck Brake Calipers

There are several signs that indicate you might have a stuck brake caliper. One of the most noticeable signs is that your car will pull to one side when you brake or even when you're driving. This is because the stuck caliper is causing the brake pads to be pushed onto the disc from only one side, resulting in reduced braking ability on that wheel. Additionally, you might notice a burning odour as the pads rub against the disc continuously. This can lead to increased fuel consumption as your car fights against the dragging brake.

Causes of Stuck Brake Calipers

There are several reasons why brake calipers can become stuck:

• Inactivity and Corrosion: If a vehicle is left sitting for months, especially outdoors, brake discs can rust, causing the pads to become stuck to them. This can also happen to caliper pistons or slider pins.
• Handbrake Cable or Mechanism Issues: The handbrake cable or mechanism can hang up, causing the brakes to remain engaged. This can be prevented by lubricating these components periodically.
• Moisture and Cold Weather: In cold weather, moisture can cause the parking brake to freeze in place.
• Excessive Force: Applying too much force when engaging the parking brake can cause the brake shoes to get stuck against the wheel drum and stretch the cable.

What to Do If Your Brake Calipers Are Stuck

If your brake calipers are stuck, there are a few things you can try:

• Lubrication: Lubricating the parking brake system and the slide pins can help free stuck calipers.
• Manual Disturbance: Repeatedly applying and releasing the brake can help dislodge rust or break up remaining ice if the brake has frozen.
• Heat Application: Gently revving the engine can help melt any ice that is causing the parking brake to freeze.
• Special Tools: In some cases, a special tool or a simple C-clamp can be used to apply force and retract the pad.
• Hydraulic Pressure: By removing the caliper from the disc and pumping the brake pedal, you can utilise the hydraulic pressure of the brake system to move the piston past the corroded portion.
• Replacement: If none of the above methods work, you may need to replace the caliper. This can be done by purchasing a new caliper or rebuilding the existing one by disassembling, cleaning, and replacing any damaged parts.

Remember, driving with stuck brake calipers can be dangerous and can lead to further damage to your vehicle. If you are unsure about how to address this issue, it is best to consult a trusted mechanic or seek professional assistance.

State laws regarding trailer brakes

Alabama

Alabama's trailer laws include requirements such as a 15-foot length limit for the connection or drawbar between the towing vehicle and the towed object. It also mandates the use of a red flag or cloth no smaller than 12 by 12 inches. For lighting, Alabama requires any towed vehicle to have a red tail lamp at the rear that is visible from 500 feet away and mounted between 20 and 60 inches from the ground. If the towed vehicle weighs 3,000 lbs or less, it must have two reflectors on the rear, one on each side. Additionally, if the towed vehicle or load obstructs the view of the stop light, an additional one must be placed.

Alaska

Alaska requires all trailers to be titled and registered. The towing and towed vehicles must be attached in two ways: once with a regular tow hitch or coupling, and again with safety chains, cables, or equivalent means. For lighting, Alaska mandates license plate lights, two clearance lights, and two mirrors on the towing vehicle (one on the left side and another that can be an interior mirror). The speed limit when towing a mobile home is set at 45 mph.

Arizona

Arizona permits pulling two different units if the middle one has a fifth wheel and a weight equal to or greater than the rear unit. It also stipulates that if the rear unit weighs 3,000 lbs or more, it must have brakes. The length of the trailer hitch cannot exceed 15 feet when connecting one vehicle to another.

Arkansas

Arkansas requires any trailer or semitrailer weighing 3,000 lbs or more to have brakes that can control the movement, stop, and hold the vehicle. New trailers or semitrailers weighing over 1,500 lbs must have brakes on all four wheels. A safety chain is mandated for all trailers, and a 12-inch marker cloth or flag is required for connections made only with chains, cables, or ropes.

California

California has detailed requirements for trailer brakes, hitches, lighting, signals, and mirrors. For vehicles manufactured before 1940 with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 6,000 lbs, brakes are mandated if they move faster than 20 mph. Vehicles made after 1966 with a GVW of 3,000 lbs must have brakes on at least two wheels. All vehicles produced after 1982 are required to have brakes on all wheels. Additionally, every trailer coach or camp trailer with a GVW of 1,500 lbs or more must have brakes on a minimum of two wheels.

Colorado

Colorado mandates that trailers or semitrailers weighing more than 3,000 lbs must have two separate means of applying brakes to control, stop, and hold the vehicle. These brakes must be operable by the driver of the towing vehicle from the cab and have a breakaway mechanism. Towed vehicles weighing less than 3,000 lbs, horse trailers for two horses or fewer, or trailers not classified as commercial vehicles and owned by farmers transporting agricultural products are exempt from this requirement.

Connecticut

Connecticut mandates that all wheels of vehicles with a GVW exceeding 3,000 lbs must have brakes. These brakes must be capable of holding the trailer stationary and, for trailers with a GVW above 8,000 lbs, there must be a brake system that can be activated by hand or foot in the towing vehicle. Connecticut also requires two connections between the towing and towed vehicles: one via a hitch and another via safety chains, cables, or similar means.

Delaware

Delaware's laws mention the use of a safety chain, rope, or cable in addition to the hitch or connection between the towing and towed vehicles. This connection must be marked with a red flag or cloth measuring 12 inches square. Delaware also requires trailers to have brakes capable of controlling, stopping, and holding their weight, with two separate means of applying the brakes. Lighting requirements include a tail lamp mounted at the rear, visible from 500 feet away. Riding in a towed trailer is prohibited.

Florida

Florida mandates that towed vehicles have brakes capable of controlling, stopping, and holding the vehicle under all loading conditions. Pole trailers manufactured before 1972 are exempt from this requirement. There must be two ways to apply the brakes to the towed vehicle, and safety chains, cables, or similar devices must be used in addition to the hitch. Florida also has specific requirements for lighting colors and placement. The mirrors on the towing vehicle must provide a view of at least 200 feet of the road behind. Speed limits for vehicles towing another are set at 30 mph in residential and business districts, 55 mph at other times and settings, 65 mph on turnpikes and designated highways, and they cannot exceed the posted speed limit. Riding in a moving house trailer is prohibited.

Georgia

Georgia requires brakes on all wheels of a combination of vehicles with a GVW of 3,000 lbs. A safety chain is always necessary. Each trailer and pole trailer must have two tail lights mounted between 20 and 60 inches from the ground, emitting a plain red light visible from 500 feet away. If the view from the rear-facing mirror is obstructed, additional mirrors must be added to provide a view of 200 feet of the road behind.

For trailers weighing over 3,000 lbs, special permits and additional brakes are mandated, along with a speed limit of 55 mph in urban and residential districts.

Idaho

Idaho requires trailers with an unloaded weight of over 1,500 lbs to have braking systems and a breakaway system. A safety chain is mandated, and side mirrors are required if the rear-facing mirror is blocked. There are no speed restrictions for trailers, and up to two units can be towed behind a towing vehicle. Lighting requirements include a red rear tail lamp visible from 500 feet away. Vehicles weighing over 3,000 lbs must have two reflectors at the rear and two more at the front, one on each side. If the stop light is obscured, an additional one must be installed.

Illinois

Illinois mandates that vehicles weighing over 3,000 lbs must have a breakaway system, and if the weight is up to 5,000 lbs, brakes must be attached to at least one wheel on each side. For towed vehicles exceeding 5,000 lbs, brakes are required on all wheels, along with an automatic brake system.

The hitch cannot extend more than 4 inches from the bumper and must be accompanied by safety chains and a coupling bar. Lighting requirements include two red tail lamps visible from 500 feet away, a white license plate light, and electric turn signals. If the trailer weighs 3,000 lbs or less, two amber reflectors must be mounted on each side, no higher than 5 feet.

Indiana

Indiana mandates that the brakes on a towing vehicle exceeding 3,000 lbs must be capable of controlling, stopping, and holding the weight. The driver should be able to fully stop the vehicle by applying the brakes. Double safety chains are required.

For lighting, Indiana requires one red tail light and two or more white tail lights mounted between 20 and 72 inches from the ground. A rear plate light must also be installed and visible from 50 feet away. Mirrors must provide a view of at least 200 feet of the road behind, and riding in trailers on public highways is prohibited.

Iowa

Iowa requires towed vehicles weighing over 3,000 lbs to have brakes capable of controlling, holding, and stopping their movement. There must be two separate means of applying the brakes, and the braking mechanism must be present on at least two wheels. The mechanism must be designed so that brake failure does not occur simultaneously on all wheels in the event of a malfunction.

For connecting the vehicles, a drawbar no longer than 21 feet is mandated, and if the view to the rear is obstructed, side mirrors must be added. Lighting requirements for vehicles over 3,000 lbs include two front clearance lamps if the towed vehicle is wider than the towing vehicle, one side marker near or at the rear, two reflectors, and one stop light. Side mirrors are mandatory if the rear view is obstructed and must be removed when the vehicle is not towing.

Kansas

Kansas mandates a service braking system capable of stopping a combination of vehicles within 40 feet when moving at 20 mph, along with a parking brake system to hold the vehicles stationary. A safety chain is required in addition to the hitch connection. Lighting requirements include a white light for the license plate and two rear red reflectors. For trailers wider than 80 inches, specific lighting mandates include two clearance lamps at the front and rear, two side marker lamps, and two reflectors, all with one on each side.

The speed limit for trailers is set at 55 mph, and riding in a trailer on a public roadway is prohibited.

Kentucky

Kentucky's laws do not specifically mandate brakes on passenger car trailers, regardless of weight. However, vehicles or combinations of vehicles must be able to stop within the distance specified by statute. A safety chain or equivalent device is always required in addition to the primary coupling system.

For signaling, each trailer must have two red tail lights, two red rear reflectors, and a white light over the rear license plate. Turn signals and brake lights are also required if hand or arm signals cannot be seen. Mirrors must be installed if the view of the road behind is obstructed.

Louisiana

Louisiana mandates that each trailer exceeding 3,000 lbs must have adequate brakes to control, stop, and hold the load. The driver must be able to apply these brakes from the driver's seat. All trailers manufactured after 1962 must have functioning brakes on all wheels. Trailers weighing between 3,000 and 5,000 lbs must have brakes on at least one axle.

There are no specific requirements for how the hitch or mount is connected to the towing vehicle, but loads under 6,000 lbs must have a safety chain in addition to the connection. The driver must have a clear view of at least 200 feet of the road behind through the left-side mirror.

Speed limits for trailers vary based on type and time of day. Boat trailers may travel at the same speeds as passenger vehicles, while house trailers have restrictions based on day and night. During the day, they are limited to 55 mph, and at night, brake-equipped trailers between 15 and 32 feet long may travel at 50 mph. All other trailers are restricted to 45 mph.

Lighting requirements are specified for trailers wider than 80 inches and longer than 30 feet. These trailers must have two clearance lamps, two rear clearance lamps, two side marker lamps, and two reflectors, all with one on each side.

For all trailers, there must be a red light mounted at the rear visible from 1,000 feet away. The connection between the towing and towed vehicles must be less than 15 feet, and if it is made with a chain, rope, or cable, a red flag measuring 12 inches square must be attached. Riding in a towed vehicle is prohibited, and only one boat may be towed by a passenger or pleasure vehicle.

Maine

Maine mandates that towed vehicles weighing under 3,000 lbs are not required to have brakes, but those exceeding this weight must have brakes on all wheels of all axles. A safety chain, steel cable, or similar device is required, and it must be at least 1/4 inch thick.

For trailers wider than seven feet, lighting requirements include rear lights, reflectors, and signal lights within 12 inches of the edge. Trailers wider than the towing vehicle must have reflective material or a lamp on each front corner visible to other drivers.

Mirrors must provide a view of at least 200 feet of the road behind from the driver's seat. Riding in moving trailers is prohibited, and only one trailer may be towed at a time. The total length of a combination of vehicles is limited to 65 feet.

Maryland

Maryland mandates a parking brake capable of holding the weight of a combination of vehicles on any slope or grade. Trailers exceeding 3,000 lbs must have brakes on all wheels, while those under this weight do not require brakes on all wheels if the trailer weight does not exceed 40% of the gross weight of the towing vehicle. Trailers between 3,000 and 10,000 lbs are exempt from having brakes on all wheels if they have more than two axles; in this case, brakes are only required on one axle.

A tow bar is required, along with a means of attaching it to the towing vehicle and towing units. Safety chains, cables, or similar devices, as well as a locking mechanism to prevent accidental detachment, are also mandated. Lighting requirements vary depending on the type of trailer. Two mirrors must be installed on the outside.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires safety chains in addition to the hitch or tow bar for all trailers, except semitrailers. All trailers must also have two red tail lights, two red stop lights, and a white light illuminating the rear license plate. Mirrors must provide the driver with a view of the left side of the vehicle and at least 200 feet of the road behind.

Michigan

Michigan mandates an independent brake system for trailers exceeding 3,000 lbs. The connection between the towing and towed vehicles cannot be longer than 15 feet, and the hitch cannot protrude more than 3 inches from the towing vehicle. If the connection is made with chains, ropes, or cables, a 12-inch square red flag must be attached.

Lighting requirements include a rear red lamp visible from 500 feet away, a rear white license plate light visible from 50 feet away, two front clearance lamps, two side marker lamps, two reflectors, two rear clearance lamps, and one stop light. Mirrors must provide the driver with a view of the road behind.

Minnesota

Minnesota mandates that trailers weighing over 3,000 lbs or having a gross weight exceeding the weight of an empty towing vehicle must have brakes capable of slowing, stopping, and holding the weight of the combination of vehicles. If a trailer weighs 6,000 lbs or more, the brakes must be capable of holding the weight even in the event of detachment.

The connection between the vehicles cannot exceed 15 feet in length, and if it is made with a cable, chain, or rope, a white, red, yellow, or orange flag measuring 12 inches square must be attached. Lighting requirements include two properly mounted rear headlamps visible from 500 feet away and two reflectors mounted between 20 and 60 inches from the ground, visible from 50 to 300 feet away. If the mirrors' view is obstructed, additional mirrors must be installed to provide a view of 200 feet of the road behind.

There are no speed restrictions for trailers, and the total length of a combination of vehicles is limited to three.

Mississippi

Mississippi mandates that vehicles exceeding one ton must have adequate brakes to slow, stop, and hold their weight, and these brakes must be operable from the cab. A breakaway system is also required to stop the vehicles within the specified distance in the event of a disconnect.

If a trailer will be traveling faster than 20 mph, a safety chain, chain, cable, or similar device must be used in addition to the regular trailer hitch or coupling. The connection must not have more slack than necessary for turning and must prevent the drawbar from falling.

Lighting requirements include a rear lamp emitting a red light visible from 500 feet away. Mirrors must provide the driver with a view of at least 200 feet of the road behind, and the speed limit for trailers is set at 55 mph unless otherwise posted. Only one vehicle can be towed via a tow bar.

Missouri

Missouri does not require an independent braking system unless a fifth wheel or kingpin is involved. Safety chains or equivalent devices are always required in addition to the primary coupling system, except for fifth wheels.

For signaling, each trailer must have two red tail lights, two red rear reflectors, a white light over the rear license plate, turn signals, and brake lights if hand or arm signals are not visible. Mirrors must be installed if the view of the road behind is obstructed.

Montana

Montana mandates that trailers exceeding 3,000 lbs must have brakes on all wheels if the total weight of the trailer(s) does not exceed 40% of the GVW of the towing vehicle. Vehicles weighing over 3,000 lbs must have brakes on each wheel, which can be immediately activated and must hold for a minimum of 15 minutes in the event of a breakaway.

A steel safety chain or cable at least 1/4 inch in diameter is permitted to connect a trailer or pole trailer weighing 3,000 lbs or less to the towing vehicle.

Lighting requirements for trailers over 3,000 lbs include two clearance lamps at the front and rear, two side markers, two side reflectors, and two clearance lamps and two reflectors on each side. For pole trailers, Montana mandates one side marker and one clearance lamp on each side and one side marker and one red combination marker on each side at the rear to indicate width.

If a trailer or pole trailer weighs less than 3,000 lbs, two rear reflectors and two stop lights, one on each side, are required.

Nebraska

Nebraska mandates that trailers exceeding 10,000 lbs must have brakes on each wheel, operable by the driver. For trailers between 3,000 and 6,500 lbs, brakes are required on two wheels, while those above 6,500 lbs must have brakes on each wheel, operable from the driver's seat, and capable of holding in the event of a breakaway.

Safety chains are required in addition to the tow bar or hitch connection

Electric vs hydraulic brakes

Brakes can get stuck on a pull-behind camper, and there are several reasons why this might happen. One of the most common causes of sticking brakes is the caliper getting stuck. This can cause your car to pull to one side and slow down without pressing the brakes. Another cause could be freezing temperatures, which can cause the parking brake to freeze in place.

Now, let's focus on the electric vs hydraulic brakes for your pull-behind camper:

When it comes to choosing between electric and hydraulic brakes for your pull-behind camper, there are several factors to consider. Here are some detailed comparisons between the two:

• Cost of Parts and Maintenance: Electric brakes generally have a lower parts replacement cost compared to hydraulic brakes. For example, the replacement cost of a 6K 12" x2" electric brake backer is $61.95, while the same size hydraulic brake backer is $96.95. Additionally, electric brakes typically require less maintenance. With hydraulic brakes, you need to maintain brake lines, the hydraulic actuator, and brake assemblies to prevent corrosion.
• Installation: Electric brakes are often easier to install. Most trucks, vans, SUVs, and RVs manufactured since the mid-1990s are already set up to use an electronic trailer brake controller. These vehicles usually have a factory-installed "quick plug" under the dashboard that connects to a standard brake controller. Some newer pickup trucks even have a brake controller built into the dashboard, requiring no additional installation.
• Functionality and Control: Electric brakes provide additional ease of use and braking control. They use electromagnets to actuate the drum brakes, and you can control the electricity to the brakes with the brake controller and the brake light circuit in your vehicle. This allows you to manually apply a small amount of braking force if needed, such as when descending hills or in high winds.
• Surge Brake Functionality: In contrast, hydraulic surge brakes use the trailer's natural momentum to actuate the brakes. When you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle, the trailer pushes against the hitch and presses a hydraulic cylinder. The harder you brake, the more pressure is applied to the trailer brakes. However, with surge brakes, you cannot separately actuate the trailer brakes if the trailer is swaying.
• Compatibility and Usage: Electric brakes are more commonly used on RV and utility trailers, while hydraulic brakes are more common on boat trailers due to concerns about submerging electric components in water. Additionally, if you plan to pull the same trailer with multiple vehicles, electric brakes may require a separate brake controller in each vehicle, which can be less convenient.

In summary, electric brakes often offer advantages such as lower parts and maintenance costs, easier installation, and enhanced control. However, hydraulic brakes have their own benefits, such as not requiring a separate brake controller and being a better option for certain types of trailers, like boat trailers. Ultimately, the decision between electric and hydraulic brakes depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions