Are Your RV Brakes Ready For The Next Downhill Grade?
7/16/2026
Brake safety is one of the most important parts of RV travel, whether you're driving a Class A motorhome, towing a travel trailer, pulling a fifth-wheel, or flat towing a vehicle. Proper braking starts with knowing your loaded RV weight (GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR), ensuring your trailer brakes, brake controller, and breakaway system are working correctly, and using tow/haul mode, lower gears, or an exhaust brake on steep downhill grades.
Before every trip, inspect your motorhome brakes, tow vehicle brakes, brake fluid, wiring connections, and brake controller settings. Test trailer brakes at low speed, verify your breakaway battery is charged, and confirm supplemental braking systems are functioning if you're towing a vehicle behind a motorhome.
When driving in the mountains, slow down before long descents, use engine braking instead of riding the brakes, and watch for signs of brake fade, overheating, or unusual pedal feel. If you notice hot brake smells, smoke, grinding noises, pulling, or increased stopping distance, pull over safely and inspect the problem before continuing.
Routine RV brake maintenance, proper weight distribution, and regular inspections help improve stopping performance, reduce brake wear, and increase safety for every trip. Whether you're a full-time RVer or an occasional camper, following a brake safety checklist can help protect your RV, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
For more info and to read the full article, visit https://www.doityourselfrv.com/are-your-rv-brakes-ready-for-the-next-downhill-grade/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_18896287
If you would like to reserve a stay with us and enjoy the Williamston, Greenville, Washington and Eastern NC area please give us a call 252-943-1699 or visit our website: Treeside RV Park
To reserve a spot, give us a call 252-943-1699