Electric Brakes: Camper Safety Essential?

Electric brakes are an important safety feature for camper trailers. While not all campers have brakes, most do, and they are a legal requirement in some places. Camper trailers typically use electric brakes, which are controlled by an electrically powered actuator. Electric brakes work in a similar way to drum brakes on cars and trucks, with two brake shoes for each wheel. The brake controller regulates the electrical signals that activate the brakes. There are two main types of brake controllers: proportional controllers and time-delayed controllers. Proportional controllers apply the same amount of pressure to the trailer and vehicle brakes simultaneously, while time-delayed controllers send a signal to apply the trailer brakes when the vehicle brakes are applied. Electric brakes can also be used autonomously from the vehicle's brakes, which can be useful for controlling trailer sway. While electric brakes are the most common type, some larger motorhomes may use air brakes or hydraulic brakes.

Camper trailers almost always use electric brakes

Electric brakes are the most popular type of brakes on both campers and trailers. They have two separate components: brake controllers and electric trailer brakes. The brake controller is within the vehicle and controls the camper brakes. It can do this automatically when the vehicle's brakes are depressed or manually through a hand-operated control.

The second component is the electric trailer brake itself. This brake system is built into the drum of the wheel. It uses two brake shoes, a magnet, and a lever. The brake controller controls the magnet, which moves the lever and activates the brake shoe.

There are two types of brake controllers: proportional controllers and time-delayed controllers. Proportional controllers have a sensor that measures the trailer's inertia and then applies the correct amount of force to the trailer brakes. This allows the trailer to brake at the same rate as the tow vehicle. Time-delayed controllers detect when the brakes are applied in the tow vehicle and then send a signal to apply the trailer brakes.

In December 1998, national towing regulations were implemented in Australia. These regulations state that any camper trailer with a Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) exceeding 750 kg must be fitted with an electric brake control system. Most camper trailers you will come across will fall into this category.

Electric brakes are controlled by an electrically powered actuator

Electric brakes are standard on camper trailers, though some smaller campers may not have them. Electric brakes are necessary for heavier trailers, as they require more braking power to come to a stop.

The electric brakes on a trailer are controlled by a brake controller in the towing vehicle. This is an electronic device that activates and controls the trailer's electric brakes. There are two main types of brake controller: proportional controllers and time-delayed controllers.

Proportional controllers apply the same amount of pressure to the trailer brakes as the driver is applying to the vehicle brakes. They are the easiest type to use and are recommended for most installations.

Time-delayed controllers, on the other hand, are set to apply a specific amount of pressure each time the vehicle's brakes are applied. The driver can adjust the settings based on factors like trailer weight, road conditions, and personal preference. These controllers are usually less expensive but may put more wear on the braking system.

In addition to a brake controller, electric trailer brakes also require a breakaway system. This is a safety feature that applies the brakes if the trailer disconnects from the towing vehicle.

Brakes are required on trailers exceeding a certain weight

Camper trailers typically use electric brakes, which are controlled by an electrically powered actuator. However, the requirement for brakes on trailers varies depending on their weight and the relevant state or local laws.

In most states, trailers weighing less than 3,000 pounds are not legally required to have brakes. However, some states mandate brakes for trailers exceeding 1,000 pounds. It is important to research the specific regulations in your state. Additionally, some states use the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) as the determining factor rather than the actual weight.

Federal law (49 CFR § 393.43) requires trailers with brakes to have a breakaway system that will stop the trailer if it disconnects from the tow vehicle. This system can be battery-operated or utilise a pull switch.

Trailer brakes can be electric, hydraulic, or air brakes. Electric brakes are the most common type and are controlled by the driver through a brake controller, which can be proportional or time-delayed. Proportional brake controllers apply the same amount of pressure to the trailer and vehicle brakes simultaneously, while time-delayed controllers send a predetermined amount of power to the trailer brakes when the tow vehicle stops.

Hydraulic brakes on trailers use inertia to activate, with the trailer pushing into a hydraulic cylinder when the vehicle slows down. Air brakes, found on larger motorhomes, use air pressure instead of hydraulic fluid to power the brake system.

Breakaway systems are legally required in some places

In Australia, the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule 38/05 – Trailer Brake Systems) 2018 mandates breakaway systems for trailers with a 'Gross Trailer Mass' over 2 tonnes. This rule applies to all trailers, regardless of the type of brakes used.

In both countries, breakaway systems are designed to activate the trailer's brakes in the event of accidental decoupling from the towing vehicle. These systems typically consist of a battery, a switch, and a cable connected to a pin. When the trailer becomes uncoupled, the cable pulls out the pin, triggering the switch to activate the electric brakes using the breakaway battery power.

To satisfy legal requirements, breakaway systems must be capable of keeping the brakes engaged for a minimum of 15 minutes after activation. This ensures that the trailer comes to a safe stop, even if it becomes detached from the tow vehicle.

While the specific components and requirements may vary by location, the overall purpose of breakaway systems remains the same: to enhance safety by ensuring that trailers can be brought to a stop, even when disconnected from the main vehicle.

Proportional brake controllers apply the same amount of braking power to the trailer as the towing vehicle

Proportional brake controllers are one of the two main types of brake controllers, the other being time-delayed controllers. Proportional controllers apply the brakes in your trailer with the same force as you apply the brakes in your vehicle. If you have to suddenly brake on the highway, your trailer brakes will be applied proportionally. If you gently come to a stop at a red light, your trailer will gently stop as well. This is thanks to the internal accelerometers that proportional controllers use to monitor your vehicle's speed and braking force.

Proportional controllers are ideal for most towing scenarios and provide smooth and efficient braking. This is especially true when braking on a hill. If you are travelling uphill, the controller will apply less power, and if you are going downhill, it will apply more power. This ensures that stops are stable and balanced.

Proportional controllers are also self-calibrating and can be adjusted to your preference, such as the angle of the interface, the brightness of the screen, and the location of the brake controller itself.

Proportional controllers are generally more expensive than time-delayed controllers, but the price gap has narrowed in recent years. They are also more challenging to install as they must be mounted at a specific angle in the vehicle cab.

Frequently asked questions