I am in the market for a 13' scamp, and have been seeing a lot about brakes on travel trailers. Do they all come with brakes, and if not, what is the reason to get them?
Thanks in advance, Kara
Also, I am assuming i will need a different hook-up at the hitch for this????

Most trailers now come with brakes, however that was not so in the past. As long as the axle has the brake flanges, you can add the brakes later (The brake flange is a square piece of metal inside of the wheel with four holes drilled through it).

Why brakes? It really does make a difference in stopping -- I was pulling my 13' Scamp with a 1/2 ton Dodge pickup and the before and after was quite a change.

Ford adds this note "The vehicle brakes are designed to stop the GVWR, not the GCWR", which means "stop the tow vehicle but not the towed vehicle".


Also, six braked wheels on the ground is clearly better that only four!

This will give you an idea of what is involved in adding brakes.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/76boler/sets/72157604792637096/

Typically yes,
you will most likely need to change from the four pin flat to a 6 or 7 pin round connector, plus add a few other goodies.
Description here for adding a brake controller etc.

We put brakes on our beloved '72 Trail Mite before our '08 trip across the USA and back. What a difference! Mountain descents are much easier and safer, and those inevitable "oh $#!+" moments are much less heart-stopping.

Either get an egg with brakes, or add them. You'll be safer and more confident.

Vic

I am attempting to retrieve my Trillium 4500 (15 ft.) from California to Texas - most likely on a drive alone.

Your postings here on brakes and the excellent photo guides are very much appreciated. I will find an RV center in Cali to install before the haul.

The brochure for my old Trillium says they are not really necessary, and my TV is a 96 Suburban for now, but I just made a "go for the brakes" decision after reading here - thanks so much