Why Does Off-Road Driving Destroy Electric Brakes?

It’s an unfortunate reality that dirt roads can wreak havoc on electric brakes. Many caravan owners have discovered that the vibrations from corrugated roads can lead to damage to their braking systems.

At Couplemate™, we’ve received numerous inquiries from customers needing replacement parts, such as electric drums, magnets, and brake shoes.

In this guide, we’ll delve into why dirt roads can destroy electric brakes and how you can best fix the issue.

How It Happens

Dirt roads pose a significant challenge to the longevity of your electric braking system.

One common issue we’ve observed is the erosion of the steel casting in electric drums caused by the magnetic force. This wear and tear renders the electric magnet ineffective, making replacement necessary. Additionally, the magnet arm can also suffer damage.

While electric brakes are generally resilient, the image on the right demonstrates the impact of rough roads on magnets. The rattling magnet on the magnet arm has tried to cut the magnet in half after just two weeks of travel on corrugated roads.

This damage extends beyond the magnet and can affect your brake drums and electric backing plates.

How To Fix

Unfortunately, there is no way to repair the electric magnets themselves effectively. Instead, replacing the magnets entirely is the best way to solve this issue.

To withstand the harsh conditions of Australian outback roads, trailer experts recommend investing in high-quality off-road magnets.

A whole article talks about the between the two (which you can read here), but essentially, it comes down to the magnet arm housing. Off-road magnets feature a plastic insert that negates rattle and the cutting action, which increases the magnet’s lifespan and prevents corrugated surfaces from destroying electric brakes.

There are two ways to approach this issue:

• Upgrade the magnets.
• Upgrade the entire backing plate.

Many customers have found it wise to invest in new backing plates equipped with off-road magnets for better durability. This ensures a clean slate for your next trip so that you can holiday with peace of mind.

Getting Help with Caravan Electric Brakes

Replacing your electric brake magnets before your trip can save you money, time, and the hassle of dealing with replacement parts while on the road.

Couplemate™ specialises in all things trailers and caravans. Whether you’re looking to prepare or need help with a breakdown, our team of experts is available to help.

Give us a call, email us, or leave a comment below.