The Difference Between Off Road Electric Trailer Magnets and Standard Brakes

There are two varieties of electric brake magnets. In this guide, we’ll clarify the difference between them and explain why it’s crucial to have off-road magnets installed when navigating corrugated roads.

At the end of this article, you’ll also find useful tips and guidance on how to inspect magnet wear and key features to watch for.

Standard Electric Brakes vs. Off-Road Electric Brakes

Electric trailer brakes are one of the most used brakes on Australian Roads. By law in Australia, you are legally required to install electric brakes on any trailer or caravan weighing over 2000kg (GTM). These brakes must also be fitted with a safety breakaway unit. A breakaway unit is an electrical device that will automatically activate in the event a trailer is accidently separated from the towing vehicle. Essentially if a trailer were to accident dis-connect from the trailer while you are traveling up a hill, the pin will be pull out from the break away switch and this will cause the battery in the breakaway unit to activate and send an electrical signal to the electric brakes on your trailer to turn on. A breakaway unit is designed to only provide power for approximately 15 minutes which should be enough time to re-hook the trailer to the car.

In electric trailer brakes, when power is supplied to the trailer backing plate the magnet is attracted to the face of the trailer brake drum. The brake shoes of the backing plate are also push out to the drum. Thus, the friction from the trailer magnet and brake shoes touching the drum is what slows down the trailer. It is due to friction that trailer magnets and brakes shoes require frequently replacement, we suggest checking your trailer brakes every 6 months.

A standard trailer magnet wears out much faster due to this frictions, especially in off road conditions, often the retaining clip that holds the magnet can come loose in tough terrain. Hence why the off-road style of electric brake magnets is much better and longer lasting. These are most popularly used by our OEM customers.

Upgrading to off-road magnets before your next outback adventure can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of waiting for replacement parts.

How Dirt Roads Ruin Electric Brakes

It’s well-known that dirt roads can damage electric brakes. Many caravan owners are unaware that the vibrations from corrugated roads can cause significant harm to their electric brake systems and drums.

We’ve encountered numerous requests for replacement drums. Upon investigation, we often find the magnet has worn through the steel casing, making the electric magnet unusable.

Additionally, the magnet arm tends to suffer damage. Customers often find it more efficient and cost saving  to replace the the entire backing plates and purchase new electric drums.

Magnet Retaining Clip

One important note: off-road magnets do not come with a retaining clip. Sunrise suggests that you can secure the magnet arm with a rubber band. During your first braking event, the rubber band will break, allowing the magnet to shift into its optimal working position.

How to Inspect Magnet Wear

Here’s how you can check for magnet wear:

• Each of our magnets has four small holes on face of the magnet; these holes indicate the level of wear.
• If you can no longer see these tiny four holes then it’s time to replace the magnet.
• If the magnet’s face has worn down to reveal copper, your brakes will become inoperable due to an open circuit.

Key Features

• Wear indicator holes are located at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions.
• Each magnet draws approximately 3.2 amps.
• Wires can be connected as either positive or negative.
• Once the magnet is worn, copper exposure can lead to brake failure.

Where to Purchase Replacement Trailer Electric Brakes

Sunrise has a wide range of replacement trailer brake parts for electric brakes, the most commonly parts are. The most commonly size for electric trailer brakes is 10″ and 12″ internal diameter of the drums used.

• 10″ Electric backing plates in left or right side
• 10″ Eletric Trailer Drums
• 10″ Replacement Magents
• 10″ Electric Brakes Shoes 

You can also purchase complete trailer electric brake kits here.

TIP:

To maximize braking performance, bed in new magnets correctly. Initially, the face of the magnet will have a smooth, shiny finish that needs to be roughened through normal use to achieve full effectiveness. This means it make take a couple of drives before the brakes start operating smoothly.