Updated December 10, 2022
Table of Contents
How Long Do the Brakes Last on a Travel Trailer?
It is essential to have brakes on a travel trailer when you buy one. Without accounting for the weight of any additional objects you load inside the trailer, a trailer can weigh anywhere between 1,200 and over 9,000 lbs. Regular vehicle brakes are not designed to stop both the vehicle and a trailer.
The normal lifespan of travel trailer brakes is 12,000+ miles. With no problems, several users have put over 40,000 miles on their brakes. The lifespan of your RV’s trailer brakes depends on how frequently you use them, how aggressively you drive, and how often you have to slam on the brakes.
When towing, travel trailer brakes are essential since they will help your car’s brakes stop the large trailer, making it much safer to haul. Additionally, when they reach specific weight limits—which vary by state—they are mandated by law. They save you a ton of money over time by reducing brake wear on your travel trailer and tow vehicle. As the trailer’s weight rises, this assumes even greater importance. Remember that you must also have an emergency breakaway system for your travel trailer per federal law.
You’ll eventually be concerned about how long your brakes will endure. The lifespan of each component in your brake can be affected by a number of factors. The standard advice from mechanics is to inspect your brakes before each trip with your trailer.
There are many various techniques to estimate how many miles or how long your brakes will last, regardless of the sort of brake you have. Your driving habits, the condition of the road, the weight of the trailer, and the type of braking system are all variables that can affect how long your brakes will last. The effects of each element on the wear on your trailer brakes are listed below.
Factors That Affect Brake Wear
Driving practices – How you drive significantly affects how long your trailer brakes last. Do you exceed the posted speed limit? This implies that as you slow down, you apply more force to the brakes. You tailgate, right? If so, you’ll use your brakes more frequently and they’ll degrade more quickly.
Different levels of durability can be found in the two types of brakes that are covered in more detail below.
Weight of the travel trailer being towed – Because travel trailers vary in weight based on their length and the amount of weight they hold inside, you should have better brakes so that they last longer.
How frequently you drive – You use your brakes more frequently the more you drive.
Type of road – Roads can occasionally be straight and level, wavy, crooked, mountainous, or dangerous. How often you use your brakes is impacted by this. Compared to local roads, highways demand a lot less braking.