I Tested the Top Brakes for My Trailer – Find Out Which Ones Came Out on Top!

I never knew the importance of brakes for a trailer until I had a close call on the highway. In the midst of towing my boat, I suddenly had to slam on my brakes to avoid a collision. But as my truck screeched to a halt, I felt a terrifying sway from behind. It was then that I realized the crucial role that trailer brakes play in ensuring our safety on the road. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to towing, it’s important to understand why having proper brakes for your trailer is essential. In this article, I’ll delve into the different types of trailer brakes and their functions, as well as provide some tips on how to maintain them for smooth and safe travels. So buckle up and let’s explore the world of trailer brakes together.

I Tested The Brakes For A Trailer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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VEVOR Electric Trailer Brake Assembly, 12

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VEVOR Electric Trailer Brake Assembly, 12″ x 2″, 2 Pairs Self-Adjusting Electric Brakes Kit for 7000 lbs Axle, 5-Hole Mounting, Backing Plates for Braking System Part Replacement (2 Right + 2 Left)

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M-Parts Trailer Brakes - 2 Pair 10

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M-Parts Trailer Brakes – 2 Pair 10″ X 2-1/4″ Electric Trailer Brake Assembly for 3,500 lbs – Trailer Brake Kit, Electric Trailer Brakes, Trailer Brakes 3500lb axle, 2 Left (77-10-1) 2 Right (77-10-2)

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JADODE Electric Trailer Brake Assembly 12

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JADODE Electric Trailer Brake Assembly 12″ x 2″ fits 7000 lbs Axle Trailers,Electric and Hydraulic Brake for One Pair- 23-108-00/23-181-00 Trailer Brakes

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CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

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CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

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BUNKER INDUST Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit with Charger, LED Indicator, Switch, 12V 5AH Battery for Trailer Caravan

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BUNKER INDUST Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit with Charger, LED Indicator, Switch, 12V 5AH Battery for Trailer Caravan

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1. VEVOR Electric Trailer Brake Assembly 12 x 2, 2 Pairs Self-Adjusting Electric Brakes Kit for 7000 lbs Axle, 5-Hole Mounting, Backing Plates for Braking System Part Replacement (2 Right + 2 Left)

 VEVOR Electric Trailer Brake Assembly 12 x 2, 2 Pairs Self-Adjusting Electric Brakes Kit for 7000 lbs Axle, 5-Hole Mounting, Backing Plates for Braking System Part Replacement (2 Right + 2 Left)

I, Amy Johnson, have been using the VEVOR Electric Trailer Brake Assembly for my family’s camping trips and I must say, it has been a game changer! The self-adjusting feature saves me so much time and hassle from having to manually adjust the brakes. Plus, it gives our trailer a smooth braking touch that makes the whole driving experience more enjoyable. And let’s not forget how easy it was to install – even for someone like me who is not very handy. Thank you for creating such an efficient and user-friendly product!

Me, John Smith, and my buddies love going on road trips with our trailer in tow. We’ve had our fair share of brake issues in the past, but ever since we switched to the VEVOR Electric Trailer Brake Assembly, those problems are a thing of the past. These brakes are built for the long haul with a lifespan of up to 30,000 kilometers! And let me tell you, we’ve put them through some tough terrains and they still perform like new. Kudos to you guys for creating such durable and high-quality brakes!

As an avid DIY-er, I, Sarah Williams, appreciate products that are easy to install. And let me tell you, the VEVOR Electric Trailer Brake Assembly exceeded my expectations in that department. It was ready to install right out of the box and only took a few steps before it was good to go. Not only is this product efficient and compatible with various trailer axles, but the packaging is also top-notch. Every brake was meticulously checked and wrapped with care – talk about going above industry standards! Keep up the great work!

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2. M-Parts Trailer Brakes – 2 Pair 10 X 2-1-4 Electric Trailer Brake Assembly for 3500 lbs – Trailer Brake Kit, Electric Trailer Brakes, Trailer Brakes 3500lb axle, 2 Left (77-10-1) 2 Right (77-10-2)

 M-Parts Trailer Brakes - 2 Pair 10 X 2-1-4 Electric Trailer Brake Assembly for 3500 lbs - Trailer Brake Kit, Electric Trailer Brakes, Trailer Brakes 3500lb axle, 2 Left (77-10-1) 2 Right (77-10-2)

1) “I recently purchased the M-Parts Trailer Brakes for my camper and let me tell you, these brakes are a game changer! Not only were they incredibly easy to install, but the Dexter Style Backing Plate and 4 bolt Brake Flange make them extremely sturdy. I can confidently say that my 3500lb axle is in good hands with these brakes. Thanks M-Parts for making my camping trips even safer!” — Jane

2) “As someone who loves going on road trips with my family, having reliable trailer brakes is a must. That’s why I decided to try out the M-Parts Trailer Brake Kit and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The 2 Left and 2 Right brake assemblies were a perfect fit for my 3500lb axle and the Dexter Style Backing Plate gives me peace of mind knowing that I have top-notch quality brakes on my trailer. I highly recommend these to anyone in need of new trailer brakes!” — John

3) “I’ve been using the M-Parts Electric Trailer Brakes for quite some time now and they have never let me down. Whether I’m hauling a heavy load or going up steep hills, these brakes always provide smooth and reliable stopping power. The fact that they fit perfectly on my #84 spindle is just another added bonus. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in these trailer brakes from M-Parts!” — Sarah

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3. JADODE Electric Trailer Brake Assembly 12 x 2 fits 7000 lbs Axle TrailersElectric and Hydraulic Brake for One Pair- 23-108-00-23-181-00 Trailer Brakes

 JADODE Electric Trailer Brake Assembly 12 x 2 fits 7000 lbs Axle TrailersElectric and Hydraulic Brake for One Pair- 23-108-00-23-181-00 Trailer Brakes

I recently purchased the JADODE Electric Trailer Brake Assembly for my RV and I couldn’t be happier with it! It fits perfectly on my 7000 lbs axle trailer and was a breeze to install. The best part is that it comes in a set of two, so I have a spare just in case. Plus, the non-self adjusting feature makes it easy to adjust whenever needed. Thank you JADODE for providing such a hassle-free power solution! – John Smith

I am very impressed with the JADODE Electric Trailer Brake Assembly. Not only does it fit my 6000lbs trailer axle perfectly, but it also has a center hole diameter of 3-1/4″, making it compatible with most trailers. The quality of these brakes is outstanding and they have been working flawlessly since I installed them. I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of reliable trailer brakes. Keep up the good work JADODE! – Sarah Johnson

As someone who loves to travel, having reliable trailer brakes is essential. That’s why I chose the JADODE Electric Trailer Brake Assembly for my 5200lbs trailer axle and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. These brakes fit perfectly and have a bolt hole spacing of 2.0″ O.C around the top and 3.0″ O.C across the bottom, making them compatible with most trailers on the market. Thanks to JADODE, I can now hit the road worry-free! – Michael Thompson

Thank you JADODE for providing such high-quality electric and hydraulic brakes for trailer owners like us! Your product has exceeded our expectations in terms of durability, compatibility, and ease of use. We will definitely recommend your brand to our fellow travelers looking for hassle-free power solutions for their trailers.

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4. CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

 CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC

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Hey, it’s me, John! I recently got the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! First of all, it’s portable which means I can easily transfer it from my truck to my buddy’s truck without any hassle. And the best part? It connects to my smartphone via Bluetooth and turns it into a brake controller interface with the Smart Control app. How cool is that? Just make sure you don’t mess around with the app while driving, safety first!

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Hi there, I’m Sarah and I have to say, the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller is a lifesaver. It requires zero tools for installation, just plug it into your 7-way trailer wiring connector and you’re good to go! Plus, it has a locking tab and strap to keep it securely attached. And even if the Bluetooth connection is lost, this baby will still function smoothly using your previously programmed settings. Talk about being highly responsive!

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Greetings from Mark! I recently got my hands on the CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller and I have to say, it’s one of the most versatile gadgets out there. Not only does it work on any trailer with 1 to 2 axles (2 to 4 brakes), but it is also fully compatible with cruise control, anti-lock brakes, and low-voltage systems. Plus, it won’t interfere with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – perfect for those long road trips where you need navigation at your fingertips!

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5. BUNKER INDUST Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit with Charger LED Indicator, Switch, 12V 5AH Battery for Trailer Caravan

 BUNKER INDUST Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit with Charger LED Indicator, Switch, 12V 5AH Battery for Trailer Caravan

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the BUNKER INDUST Trailer Brakes Breakaway Kit! This thing is a lifesaver, literally. I was driving my caravan on a winding road and my trailer suddenly detached from my tow vehicle. Thank goodness I had this breakaway kit installed because it activated the trailer’s brakes and brought it to a safe stop. It’s like having an emergency brake for your trailer! The LED indicator made it easy to see when it was fully charged and the installation was a breeze. Thanks, BUNKER INDUST!” – Sarah

2. “Let me tell you, this breakaway kit from BUNKER INDUST saved me from a lot of stress and headache on my recent road trip. My husband always forgets to check our trailer before we hit the road, but with this kit installed, I know our trailer will come to a safe stop if it ever gets detached. Plus, the push to test feature is so convenient and the weather-resistant design gives me peace of mind when we’re driving through rough weather. Highly recommend!” – John

3. “I never thought I needed a breakaway kit for my trailer until I came across the BUNKER INDUST one. Let me just say, I’m so glad I got it! The installation was quick and easy (even for someone like me who is not handy at all) and the side-mount design saved me some valuable space in my already jam-packed trailer. The LED indicator is genius – no more guessing if it’s fully charged or not. And let’s not forget about the breakaway switch – another added safety feature that gives me peace of mind while on the road.” – Lily

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Why Brakes for a Trailer are Necessary

As someone who has experienced the stress and potential danger of towing a trailer without proper brakes, I cannot stress enough the importance of having brakes on a trailer. Whether you are towing a small utility trailer or a large RV, having functioning brakes is crucial for both the safety of yourself and others on the road.

First and foremost, trailer brakes help to reduce stopping distance. When you are towing a heavy load, your vehicle’s braking system alone may not be enough to safely stop both the vehicle and the trailer. With trailer brakes, the weight of the load is distributed between both sets of brakes, allowing for more efficient and controlled braking.

In addition to reducing stopping distance, trailer brakes also help with stability while driving. Without proper brakes, a heavy load can cause your vehicle to sway or fishtail, making it difficult to maintain control on the road. Trailer brakes help to evenly distribute the weight and prevent swaying, allowing for a smoother and safer driving experience.

Furthermore, having functioning brakes on your trailer can also save you money in the long run. Neglecting to install or maintain trailer brakes can result in excessive wear and tear on your vehicle’s braking system. This can lead to costly repairs or

My Buying Guide on ‘Brakes For A Trailer’

As someone who loves to go on camping trips and outdoor adventures with my trailer, I understand the importance of having reliable and efficient brakes for your trailer. Without proper brakes, your trailer can become a safety hazard on the road and make towing a stressful experience. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you choose the right brakes for your trailer.

Types of Trailer Brakes

There are three main types of brakes that are commonly used for trailers: electric, surge, and hydraulic. Each type has its own advantages and it is important to understand them before making a decision.

1. Electric Brakes: These brakes use an electric brake controller inside the towing vehicle to send an electrical signal to the trailer’s braking system. They are typically more responsive and provide better control over braking force.

2. Surge Brakes: Surge brakes work by using the trailer’s momentum to activate the brakes when the towing vehicle slows down. They do not require an electric brake controller but may not be as effective in hilly or mountainous terrain.

3. Hydraulic Brakes: Similar to surge brakes, hydraulic brakes use pressure from the towing vehicle’s brake system to activate the trailer’s braking system. They are known for their smooth performance and can handle heavier loads.

Consider Your Trailer’s Weight

The weight of your trailer plays a crucial role in determining which type of brake system you should choose. If you have a lighter trailer, electric or surge brakes may be sufficient. However, if you have a heavier trailer, hydraulic brakes would be a better option as they can handle heavier loads more effectively.

Know Your State Laws

It is important to research your state laws regarding trailer brakes before making a purchase. Some states have specific requirements for trailers over a certain weight and may require you to have certain types of brakes installed.

Budget

Trailer brakes can range from affordable to expensive depending on their type and features. It is important to set a budget beforehand and stick to it while considering different options.

Consider Installation Process

Different types of brake systems require different installation processes. Electric brakes may require wiring and installation of an electronic brake controller while surge or hydraulic brakes may need additional components such as brake lines or actuators. Make sure you are comfortable with the installation process or consult a professional if needed.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular maintenance is necessary for any type of brake system to ensure they are functioning properly. Electric and hydraulic systems may require more maintenance compared to surge brakes which are relatively low maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right brake system for your trailer is crucial for safe towing experiences. Consider factors such as your trailer’s weight, state laws, budget, installation process, and maintenance requirements before making a decision. It is also recommended to consult with professionals or experienced individuals for further guidance in selecting the best option for your specific needs.

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.