Any travel trailer of more than 1,000 pounds should have independent wheel braking on the trailer. Depending on the state, this may be legally required, but it is foolhardy in any case to tow a trailer of that weight without trailer brakes.

There are two general types of trailer brakes: surge and electric. Surge brakes work by the “push” of the trailer toward the tow vehicle during deceleration, which automatically synchronizes the brakes of the trailer with those of the tow vehicle. Basically, as you apply the brakes or lessen the pressure on your gas pedal, the tow vehicle will slow and the trailer will push up against it (the tongue of the trailer against the tow ball on the hitch). This brings into play the hydraulic brake lines, with pressure to the master cylinder of the trailer brakes, then activating the brakes.

Electric braking units activate the trailer brakes by detecting pressure when the brake pedal is pressed. The tow vehicle is wired for electricity. Many do-it-yourselfers are tempted to wire the tow vehicle themselves and many do a fine job, but when in doubt have this done by a professional. Trailer brakes are one of the most important safety features you have, and they need to perform correctly. There is a controller mounted to the dashboard of the tow vehicle that can control the brakes independently. Most trailer brakes (and this may be required by law in some places) have a “breakaway” feature. This automatically activates the brakes if the trailer becomes totally disconnected from the tow vehicle.