Forum Discussion

komodo's avatar
komodo
Explorer
Apr 05, 2014

Can I use my runaway brakes when camping?

I was thinking, for extra security to remove the cable used for the runaway brakes when I'm setup at a campsite in addition to the chocks used under my wheels.

Could this cause damage to my brakes?

15 Replies

  • Good advice above...don't do it. Run down battery and possibly damage the brake mechanism.

    If you are camping on such a steep slope that chocks won't hold your trailer, you should move to another spot.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    NO

    Brake magnets will be energized with full voltage/amps from trailer battery
    Unnecessary drain on your trailer battery
    Trailer brakes, although magnets energized, will not be engaged..until trailer is rolling away.

    NO

    Wheel chocks........1st item installed before unhitching. LAST item removed before driving away.


    I agree. And although I have never tried it, I think if the trailer were to roll backwards the brakes would not set as they need forward rotation to force the shoes against the drums.
  • NO

    Brake magnets will be energized with full voltage/amps from trailer battery
    Unnecessary drain on your trailer battery
    Trailer brakes, although magnets energized, will not be engaged..until trailer is rolling away.

    NO

    Wheel chocks........1st item installed before unhitching. LAST item removed before driving away.
  • Magnets inside of wheels would over heat, and battery would go dead if you did not have 120 Volt connection.

    Like said, they are emergency brakes, for when your trailer may separate from the tow vehicle. So trailer will stop.