I believe the
U-Haul trailer we rented some years ago (not a camper) had surge brakes. We towed it from Las Cruces, NM to Eagan, MN behind a C-class MH. Not sure if or when they worked, but from what I remember, we were not to backup with the utility trailer (I believe because of the brakes might engage if backing it up). But I could be wrong.
On the two travel trailers we have had, both had electric brakes. Mike Magee seems to have mentioned all the good points of having them. But will reaffirm the features I like about them as well: 1. If the trailer starts to sway a lot, by using the manuel application of trailer's brakes can pull the trailer back into 'plumb'. I have used the manuel applied trailer brakes to slow the speed down when descending steep hills as well, without having to use the pickup's breaks. 2. Really nice to be able to adjust the degree of breaking on the trailer's break. I like a stronger breaking action on open highways than in towns. In cities, while being stopped at
lights or signs, I can turn down the breaks, even turn them off, therefore not allowing the electro magnets to magnetize the break drums. (But the surge brakes might let up after stopping anyway)
I would have though most RVs would have electric breaks. ???
Depending on the
weight of the trailer vs the
weight of the tow vehicle, if you really like the trailer & your vehicle is heavy enough to manage the trailer well, I wouldn't let the breaks be the deciding vote. But this is just my Guess. Just an Opinion.
Good luck with our Quest.