Can Electric Trailer Brakes Be Powered To Act as a Parking Brake?
Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 06/09/2024
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Question:
Would e brakes on an RV work as parking brakes if energized indefinitely until battery is drained. Seriously, could the e brake be used instead of chocks?
asked by: Randall M
Expert Reply:
While you can energize Electric Trailer Brakes # AKEBRK-35 this will simply cause the electromagnet to clamp to the hub. The trailer could still roll slightly forward or backwards before the arm travels far enough to force the brake shoes into the drums. Do understand the brakes will use up a lot of power so using Chocks # 288-02011-2 or Super Grip Chocks # UF21-001091 make more sense.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual Adjust
- 10 x 2-1/4 Inch Drum
- 3500 lbs Axle
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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Katrina D.
2/17/2026
Hey, did you end up trying the wheel chocks instead of relying on the electric trailer brakes to hold your RV? Knowing how that worked out could help others figure out the best way to keep their trailers steady.