Understanding The Cost of Trailer Brakes: Comparing Basic vs. Premium Systems

Why Knowing Trailer Brake Costs Matters

The cost of trailer brakes is a critical criterion for anyone seeking to buy the right one for their trailer. If you have an idea of the costs of different options available in the market, you can set a budget for them.

Generally, the type of brake system you select (electric, surge, hydraulic, air, etc.) matters the most. Other factors, including the trailer size and weight, number of axles and their capacities, brake components, and the brand, also affect the exact price.

With information on the cost of trailer brakes, you can budget the ownership, installation, and maintenance costs. It also forces you to select only the right option for your trailer, resulting in high ROI in terms of safe, controlled, and quality performance, so you do not waste your money.

If you wish to learn more about the cost of trailer brakes and the factors affecting it, our blog serves as a detailed guide, including information on prices for budget to premium options.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Trailer Brakes

Key cost drivers of trailer brakes are:

Type of Brake System

The type of trailer brake system is the most crucial factor. Drum brakes of any kind are lower-priced than disc brakes. Hydraulic surge brakes fall in the mid-range cost category and are used especially for boat trailers. Electric, hydraulic, and EOH disc brakes are high-priced, but their performance is worth the investment.

Trailer Size & Weight

If your trailer is massive in size and heavy in weight, you need powerful brake systems. For example, drum brakes are economical, but the cost of 7,000 lb drum brakes is high. Higher than that is a 7,000 lb disc brake system. Moreover, such large dimensions and weights also require larger and heavier components, increasing the brakes' costs.

Number of Axles

As the number of axles increases, the brake cost rises. A brake system for a single-axle trailer costs less than that for tandem-axle trailers. This is because more axles mean more parts, which require more labor hours for installation and connection.

Tandem Axle vs Single Axle Trailer: Which is Better for Your Cargo Transportation?

Brake Components Included

The components needed for the brake system also affect the cost. If you need a brake controller, it alone costs $50-$300, depending on the quality. A time-delay brake controller is available at $50-$100. It is inexpensive, but it is less safe, wears faster, and gives more jerks. A proportional controller is expensive at $150-$300, but you enjoy less wear and tear and better use in heavy-duty and regular towing.

Wiring, connectors, drums/discs, emergency battery and switch, and other additional elements can cost you anywhere between $100-$300. Add $200-$500 to your trailer brake costing for the brake components.

Brand & Quality Level

OEM trailer brakes cost more because they have the brand name, ensure premium quality, and conform to manufacturing standards. In exchange, you benefit from better warranty and top-notch performance. Alternatively, aftermarket brakes are produced by third-party companies, so they are inexpensive. Wider availability and lower cost make them a preferred option, but their regular wear and tear and adjustments do not guarantee long-term performance.

Additional Costs to Consider

Besides the primary cost elements, other additional costs must also be considered while calculating the total cost of ownership of trailer brakes.

Installation Cost

The complexity of the installation process and labor rates affect your total cost of trailer brakes. Installing drum brakes is easier and economical. Disc brakes' installation requires more parts and effort due to higher complexity. This can range from $100-$500 per axle.

Maintenance & Replacement Parts

You need to focus on regular trailer maintenance and brake repairs. Some components might require replacement, which must be checked and replaced as needed. For example,

• Rewiring is necessary after broken connections, shocks, or rusting
• Rotors and drums wear easily, so they need replacement
• Brake shoes and pads need to be replaced every 1-2 years if you tow heavy loads frequently
• Brake fluid must be flushed every 12-24 months

The lack of or inferior maintenance can lead to brake failure, resulting in monetary losses, injuries, or fatalities.

Optional add-ons for better performance

Besides the mandatory components, you can add more features to improve the brake performance. You can add the breakaway kits, also called the emergency brake system, for $50-$150. Moreover, upgrades to axles for higher stability, changes in drum/disc brakes, and coatings to make the material corrosion-resistant incur additional costs.

Average Cost of Trailer Brakes of Different Types

Electric Brakes

These are budget-friendly brakes with the total cost ranging from $200 to $600 per axle. As the number of axles increases, the electric trailer brake prices rise. This cost includes the installation cost, which ranges between $100 and $200. You must add cost if the brake controller needs adjustment. Regular maintenance, repairs, and replacement will require you to spend more, increasing your total cost of ownership of electric brakes.

Hydraulic Surge Brakes

The primary cost element in hydraulic surge brakes is the actuator cost, ranging from $300-$600. As the trailer's gross weight increases, the actuator cost rises. You must also add $150-$400 per axle for the hydraulic drum /disc brake kit. Drum kits' prices are lower than disc kits. If you add the installation and labor expenses, the total cost comes out to $550-$1,200+.

Electric-Over-Hydraulic Brakes

In the case of electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes, the cost of the parts is high, ranging from $1,000 to $1,300. Its installation requires additional complex wiring and plumbing, which brings the total cost range to $1,200-$2,000+. The cost varies depending on the trailer size and capacity.

Air brakes

Air brakes' components can cost somewhere around $1,750 per axle. Drum set-ups increase the price to a higher number. Installation, adjustments, and wiring can increase the total cost to $2,000-$4,000+, based on the number of axles and installation complexity.

A DIY installation costs $100-400, but the cost can increase to $400-$800 if you hire a professional. Moreover, the cost varies from state to state because of the following factors:

• Varying labor rates
• Availability of parts in a state; if unavailable, you need to add shipping costs
• Additional safety equipment or high-grade systems for legal compliance can increase the cost
• The maintenance, repair, and replacement costs are higher in mountainous regions due to difficult terrain, which increases your total cost of ownership
• Any taxes, fees, or permits can add up to the cost, depending on your state

Conclusion

Trailer brakes are a critical component of your trailer, so their cost is also a significant criterion to consider. The cost of trailer brakes depends on the brake type, brake components, brand, trailer weight and dimensions, and number of axles. You must also factor in the expenses for installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, and additional safety add-ons.

All these elements make up the total cost of ownership of the trailer brake system. A basic electric trailer brake system costs around $200, while a complex EOH brake system is available at a premium price of $4,000+, depending on the number of axles and components.

Besides the cost, also focus on the compatibility with your trailer, towing vehicle, and trailer hitch when selecting the right trailer brakes. The quality defines the maintenance requirements, braking efficiency, and stopping power, which affect safe and controlled towing.

If you need help finding the exact price of your trailer brake system, we are here to help. Our team guides you on the best trailer brakes based on the application, vehicle, and towing conditions. Being a reliable vendor of high-quality trailer options in the US, we ensure safe, controlled, and secure towing for your cargo transportation.

Enjoy a safer, smoother ride with the enhanced stopping power of your trailer. Contact us to shop for high-quality trailers and reliable trailer brakes to suit your needs.

FAQs

• Q1: Is a breakaway kit mandatory?

  No. The breakaway kit is an emergency braking system used when the trailer is detached from the towing vehicle. You don't need it for small and light-loaded trailers. Use it for your medium to heavy loads and rough terrain journeys. It is actually a safety net in emergencies.

• Q2: Can I upgrade from drum to disc brakes?

  Yes, you can, but it will invite additional costs for installation and disc brakes cost. You must use disc brakes in heavy trailers and when towing in hilly regions. They improve braking performance, reduce maintenance requirements, and ensure shorter stopping distances.

• Q3: What are the trailer brakes' maintenance costs?

  The maintenance cost depends on the type of trailer brakes and their frequency of use. The maintenance cost of light-use electric drum brakes is $100-$300. For frequent use, mid-rated trailers, the annual maintenance cost is $500. Commercial trailers with regular use need regular maintenance of their brakes, which can cost $1,000+.

• Q4: What is covered in the warranties of trailer brakes?

  Trailer brake warranties include manufacturer's defects, but not corrosion, improper installation or use-related damages, and normal wear and tear. These are basically 1-year basic warranties or a maximum of two years.