A brake axle on a trailer contains a magnetic or electrical braking system that helps the tow vehicle bring the trailer to a controlled stop. It is activated by a cable and prevents rough and erratic motion of the trailer. The brake axle is usually placed on the forward axle, and higher-end trailers may have all axles equipped with brakes. The tow vehicle must have a brake activation switch connected to its braking system, and an additional benefit of a brake axle is its ability to stop the trailer in the event it breaks free of the tow vehicle. Brake shaft maintenance is easy and requires a visual inspection, seasonal greasing of wheel bearings, and occasional application of the trailer brake system.
A brake axle is found on a trailer. It contains a braking system that is usually magnetic or electrical. This allows the trailer to apply its own brakes by helping the tow vehicle bring it to a controlled stop. This type of braking system is also activated by a cable, which activates the trailer brakes in the event the trailer becomes uncoupled from the tow vehicle.
When pulling a trailer without a brake axle, the trailer can become difficult to control under emergency braking conditions. The trailer will sway and often jump if the tow vehicle is forced to apply the brakes fully. The brake axle will apply braking to the trailer in such cases and will often prevent rough and erratic motion of the trailer.
On trailers with more than one axle, the brake axle will be placed on the wicked axle in most cases. This is because the loaded trailer has the highest percentage of weight on the most forward axle. A rear-mounted brake hub could cause the tire to skid under hard braking conditions, rendering the brakes useless. Higher end trailers may have all axles equipped with brakes.
On a trailer equipped with an electric brake, the tow vehicle must have a brake activation switch connected to its braking system. This switch will typically be installed under the tow vehicle’s dash and will have lights to indicate when the trailer brakes are applied. This switch will also have a manual override lever that allows the operator to apply the trailer brakes independently of the tow vehicle’s brake system.
An additional benefit of a brake axle on a trailer is its ability to apply the brakes and stop the trailer in the event it breaks free of the tow vehicle. A cable, hooked between the trailer and the tow vehicle, will activate the brakes if the trailer breaks free of the tow hitch. This will stop the trailer and prevent it from rolling uncontrollably a long distance down the road.
Brake shaft maintenance is relatively easy with only a minimum of parts involved. A good visual inspection and seasonal greasing of the wheel bearings is typically all that is required to keep the brake shaft in good condition. Occasional application of the trailer brake system is recommended to keep all parts in top operating condition. With the trailer empty, apply the brakes suddenly and check that the trailer brakes engage.
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