If you have a trailer with electric brakes there may come a time when you need to disengage them. Maybe you’re moving the trailer to a new location or maybe you’re just doing some preventive maintenance.
Trailer brakes are a necessary safety feature on any trailer but they can also be quite cumbersome. If you need to disengage your electric trailer brakes for any reason there are a few methods you can use.
In this article, we’ll discuss the three most common ways to disengage your electric trailer brakes manually breaking the trailer using an override switch, or using a breakaway system.
We’ll also cover some tips for keeping your trailer brake system in good condition. Stay safe and keep those trailers under control!
Electric Trailer Brakes and How do They Work?
Electric trailer brakes are a type of brake system that uses electromagnets to apply pressure to the brake pads. This type of brake system is typically found on larger trailers such as those used for RVs or boats.
Electric trailer brakes are activated by a controller inside the tow vehicle. When the driver presses the brake pedal the controller sends a signal to the electric trailer brakes and they engage.
There are two main types of electric trailer brakes:
- Drum brakes are most commonly found on older model trailers or trailers that are not frequently used.
- Disc brakes are newer and more common on trailers that see regular use.
Both types of electric trailer brakes work in basically the same way but disc brakes tend to be more effective and easier to maintain.
How to Disengage Electric Trailer Brakes?
There are three primary methods for disengaging electric trailer brakes:
1) Manually Breaking the Trailer
This can be done by pulling on the brake lever or handle inside the trailer. This will engage the brakes and prevent them from being activated by the controller in the tow vehicle.
2) Using an Override Switch
You can use an override switch to disengage the electric trailer brakes. This switch is typically located near the brake controller in the tow vehicle.
3) Using a Breakaway System
Breakaway system is typically used in case of an emergency, such as if the trailer becomes detached from the tow vehicle.
It’s important to note that you should never completely disconnect your electric trailer brakes. Doing so would eliminate a vital safety feature and could cause serious accidents.
If you need to disengage your electric trailer brakes always use one of the methods described above.
4 Tips for Maintaining Electric Trailer Brakes
Electric trailer brakes are a vital safety feature but they can also be quite finicky. If you don’t maintain them properly they may not work when you need them to.
Here are a few tips for keeping your electric trailer brakes in good condition:
- Inspect the pads and shoes regularly and replace them as needed.
- Clean the magnets with a cloth or brush every few months to remove any build-up of debris.
- Check the wiring regularly for any signs of damage or wear.
- Have your electric trailer brakes been serviced by a professional every year or two?
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your electric trailer brakes will be there when you need them.
Also Read: How To Stabilize A Travel Trailer?
When would you Want to Disengage the Electric Trailer Brakes?
There are a few reasons why you might need to disengage your electric trailer brakes:
- If you’re moving the trailer to a new location, you’ll need to disengage the brakes so that they don’t accidentally engage while you’re driving.
- If you’re doing any work on the brake system, such as replacing the pads or shoes, you’ll need to disengage the brakes so that they don’t interfere with your work.
- In some cases, you may need to use an override switch to temporarily disengage the brakes if they become faulty and are engaging on their own.
FAQs – Disengage Electric Trailer Brakes
How do you release electric brakes on a trailer?
There are three primary ways used to disengage electric trailer brakes:
- Manually Breaking the Trailer
- Using an Override Switch
- Using a Breakaway System
How do you disengage a trailer brake lock?
To disengage a trailer brake lock, you will need to either manually brake the trailer or use an override switch. You should never completely disconnect your electric trailer brakes.
Doing so would eliminate a vital safety feature and could cause serious accidents. If you need to disengage your electric trailer brakes always use one of the methods described above.
What causes electric trailer brakes to lock up?
There are a few reasons why electric trailer brakes might lock up. The most common reason is if the pads or shoes become worn out and need to be replaced. If the magnets become dirty or debris builds up on them, they can also cause the brakes to lock up.
In some cases, a faulty brake controller can cause the brakes to engage on their own even when they shouldn’t. If this happens, you’ll need to use an override switch to temporarily disengage the brakes.
Do trailer brakes engage when parked?
No, trailer brakes should not engage when parked. If they do there is likely something wrong with the brake system. If you’re having trouble with your trailer brakes engaging when they shouldn’t it’s best to consult a professional for help.
How long do electric trailer brakes last?
Electric trailer brakes should last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, the pads and shoes will eventually need to be replaced. The frequency with which you’ll need to replace them will depend on how often you use your trailer brakes.
In general, it’s a good idea to have your electric trailer brakes serviced by a professional every year or two.
Final Verdict
Electric trailer brakes are a necessary safety feature for towing a trailer. When they fail it can be very dangerous. There are several ways to disengage electric trailer brakes if you find yourself in this situation.
One way is to use the emergency brake on your tow vehicle. This will apply the brakes on the tow vehicle and should slow or stop the trailer as well.
Another way is to use a portable battery pack or jumper cables to energize the breakaway switch on the trailer. This will activate the electric brakes on the trailer.
If you need to tow your trailer for an extended period, it is best to remove the batteries from the trailer altogether. This will completely disable the electric brakes and prevent any accidental engagement.
Trailer brakes can also be disengaged by using a breakaway system. If you have a breakaway system installed on your trailer, pulling on the cable will release the brakes.