There are a variety of opinions that are shared by consumers on trailer brakes, which include both mechanical and electronic (overrun brakes). There are benefits and drawbacks to each, however at the end of the day, it all comes down to your preference, price and quality, as well as value for the money.
One of these can be that the mechanical system of braking is rough, jerky and won’t provide an easy ride. Although this was the case for a while, but the market has changed. With the introduction of the more efficient European overrun brake system has been introduced. It has taken forms of two major brands: Alko as well as Knott. These suspension and braking systems are mostly used on trailers such as Brian James Trailers, Variant Trailers and IFor Williams Trailers.
The electronic braking system that was the preferred choice of consumers for a long time has not always been the most popular choice. It is becoming apparent that hiring businesses, tradies and private customers beginning to make the switch to better quality European trailers and , in turn, to the ultra-run Alko or Knott brake systems.
How do Electric Brakes on Trailers Function?
Electric trailer brakes utilize the brake controller that is located within the trailer. Then they utilize electromagnets in order to trigger the braking system by using drums. The power supply that is applied to brakes can be controlled through the brake controller and the brake light circuit.
What are the advantages of Electric Brakes on Trailers?
Electric brakes provide many advantages they can offer, including limit the pressure that is put on the brakes of the tow vehicle and the capability to set the speed manually using the brake controller to limit the swaying, which is an important benefit when driving on hills or in areas where wind speeds are high. The majority of the time, electronic brakes work well in the right setting but it’s the situation when many users aren’t aware of how to properly set their brakes or aren’t interested in. This is why we are able to see the advantages of an overrun or mechanical brake system as a substitute.
How do mechanical trailer Brakes Function?
Mechanical (overrun) brakes for trailers are also a fairly straightforward concept, as the trailer is moving forward it is moved in line with what the automobile’s speed. But, to prevent the trailer from being faster than the vehicle due to its weight, an overrun brake is present. A spring mechanism that slides is attached to the drawbar of the trailer which contracts at the moment the trailer’s speed tries to outrun the vehicle. As the drawbar contracts, it is a group of Bowden brake cables are pulled, which trigger the drums for braking to the axles. The more force that is applied to the drums, the more brake force. If the vehicle stops braking, the cables cease to be activated and the trailer is towed like normal.
The European brake system also includes an overrun dampener that acts as shock absorber. This dampener is put in place to stop an overrun brake instantly operating whenever the brake or throttle is released. It also eliminates the vibrating, jerky feeling that a mechanical brake system has.
The European mechanical braking system employs an auto-reverse system that is built into the drums for brakes. This mechanism guarantees that the overrun brake does not work when you reverse.
What are the advantages of Mechanical Brakes on Trailers?
The mechanical brake system offers a number of advantages that make it a great option for the user. It is straightforward and thus, not much could actually go wrong, however, the electrical system may be prone to wiring issues or connector issues , which could lead to shortages or the total replacement of the components. This is because the Knott brakes as well as the Alko overrun systems can also make use of handbrake breakaway cables that provide extra road safety. The overrun dampener is an excellent feature as it makes sure that your journeys are as smooth as possible.
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