My set-up

[Helogabals]

I am wondering, why U guys in USA don’t use trailers with overrun (or inertia) brakes ?

This my trailer is rated GVW 1500 kg, Neto - 1200 kg. And it handles that weight really good. When it comes to breaking there are no issues. Really like that.
And side loading is a thing.

 

[MoMower]

I had a single axle 5000lbs dump trailer that had what we call surge brakes. It was purchased from a rental place used.

Most rental trailers I’ve seen have surge/inertia brakes.

 

[repete]

If you live in hilly country you would quickly realize why many prefer electric brakes.

 

[oliver1555]

If you live in hilly country you would quickly realize why many prefer electric brakes.

Especially on slick roads.

 

[sea2summit]

Surge breaks are pretty okay...until they aren't. And they seem to "aren't" at the most inconvenient time.

 

[BravoXray]

If you want to back a trailer with surge/inertia brakes up an incline, you have to engage a lockout so the brakes don't apply when you push it back.

 

[4570Man]

Surge brakes are pretty common over here on boat trailers and rental trailers. That seems to be about the existent of their use.

 

[Helogabals]

here are 2 big producers of trailer components - Knott and Al-ko. I mean they offer the same quality products. Those brakes are installed in all trailers of all EU, from Norway to Italy, from Latvia to Portugal.
I have driven a lot with that trailer, also on quite challenging roads. Have never had any issues.
That mechanism is universal, simple and raelible. To me your hydraulic and electric solutions looks like over-engineering. I am wondering, why to use such complex things if simple mechanical solution does the job. You are saying electric solution is better on slippery roads. I cant see how.

 

[ptsg]

If you want to back a trailer with surge/inertia brakes up an incline, you have to engage a lockout so the brakes don't apply when you push it back.

Not true on the inertia brakes used over here in Europe. It will actually disengage automatically once you start backing up.

 

[ptsg]

here are 2 big producers of trailer components - Knott and Al-ko. I mean they offer the same quality products. Those brakes are installed in all trailers of all EU, from Norway to Italy, from Latvia to Portugal.
I have driven a lot with that trailer, also on quite challenging roads. Have never had any issues.
That mechanism is universal, simple and raelible. To me your hydraulic and electric solutions looks like over-engineering. I am wondering, why to use such complex things if simple mechanical solution does the job. You are saying electric solution is better on slippery roads. I cant see how.

I've never had any issues either. I do drive up and down a mountain quite frequently with no issues either.

I don't necessarily think their brake solutions are over engineered because they also can pull a lot more weight than us, so I would definitely want something more than inertia brakes if I were to tow the kind of weights they do. We're pretty much limited to 3500 kgs (7700lbs) grow trailer weight with our every day cars or pick up trucks, without getting into heavy duty trucks with tachographs/e-logs, etc.

I do like the fact that our trailers come with something as simple as a parking brake. Definitely nice to have and prevents all those trailer run away videos we see on the internet and all of that rocking motion when loading equipment going straight to the drivetrain.

 

[oliver1555]

This is right at 21,000#. The pickup is equipped with an exhaust brake and the trailer has Dexter axles with electric brakes. My brake controller is a MaxBrake with a parking brake feature I use for loading and unloading. I’ve never had a runaway with a parked trailer because I block the wheels when unhitched. This type setup works great for us in the United States. I’m sure you can find lots of YouTube videos that show trailer disasters - mostly the “hold my beer” mentality. A little common sense and good maintenance, combined with good driving habits, makes for a good trailering experience.
If you use the search feature, you’ll find the differences between American and European trailers, trucks, etc., have been cussed and discussed to no end…

 

[Rustyiron]

I've often wondered the same as the OP's question. I hate electric brakes and they certainly need almost an oil change like interval to keep them working.

 

[oliver1555]

Most electric brake problems can be traced to improper wiring practices, mostly done at the factory. A properly wired trailer, combined with a quality brake controller and properly wired tow vehicle, will provide a happy towing experience. In 50+ years of towing trailers with electric brakes, I’ve found most brake problems to be self inflicted.

 

[Dftodd]

Most electric brake problems can be traced to improper wiring practices, mostly done at the factory. A properly wired trailer, combined with a quality brake controller and properly wired tow vehicle, will provide a happy towing experience. In 50+ years of towing trailers with electric brakes, I’ve found most brake problems to be self inflicted.

I rewired my trailer several years ago. Replaced the factory wiring, installed backing plates and new huns, and installed electric brakes.

The only issue I have had with it was a mud dobber decided the plug made a good spot for a nest.

After cleaning it out, everything has worked flawlessly.

Original wiring was installed guitar string tight and I started developing shorts in the wiring from rubbing on the frame.

 

[ljjhouser]

Often times the brake wiring may be correct but use the "Scotch Lock connectors." Connectors and butt connectors (heat and solder) have changed a lot in the last few years and can be waterproof and durable. That reason alone is enough to merit rewiring.

 

[grsthegreat]

ive rewired all my rigs and i have never had any issues with electric brakes......on rental trailers with surge brakes, im less than enthused. i can feather breaking ability depending on the load with electric brakes.