There are several systems that can be used, but we are using the Brake Buddy
and it has no electrical connection to the coach.  Ours gets power from the
cigar lighter receptacle. There is an electric motor running a small air
compressor. When the coach brakes are applied, there is a sensor in the
braking device that applies braking to the toad. You can set the sensitivity
of the braking device to have it come on sooner if desired. Ours has a
default setting of 4 and I don't think we have ever changed it. The manual
will give you an air pressure setting based on the weight of your toad. Our
instructions say to pump the brake a couple times to release the vacuum. The
device will apply enough power to actuate the brakes so the motor does not
have to be running.

Leanne

Jeff, check out this site also.  This one is a very simple application
and I have it on my MH and have zero problems with it.  No electronics
or anything.  Does have to be adjusted properly though.  If you note
it is a Blue OX product also.  Most of the other stuff has to be put
in the drivers area or uses battery power etc.  Not saying it is the
right thing for you just something I was introduced to and it works.

Lee (in Florida)

Jeff,
I just finished doing this research, so I am very glad to get the
opportunity to explain what I learned.

Unfortunately, I'm an automotive engineer (just for reference and to
invite you to ask questions when I am not clear).

There seem to be three basic families.  All that I reviewed had or could
have a break-away function included (good because it is almost
universally required).
(TV = Tow Vehicle)

1 - Senses TV brake actuation and puts on toad brakes at preset level.
2 - Uses a deceleration sensor to apply toad brake at a level
approximating the TV brake level.
3 - Uses a sensor system actually connected into the TV brake system to
apply toad brake at a level equal to the TV brake effort.

Al most all use the toad electrical system for operating power.
There are two I found that use a vacuum pump connected to toad brake
system to take advantage of the power brake boost in the toad.  (US Gear
Unified tow Brake and the Blue OX Toad Stop) The rest just jump on the
pedal hard enough to not need the boost.

The one that is very interesting, but could be very different is sliding
2" receiver that can pull a cable that you would attach to the toad
brake pedal somehow to apply brakes.  Simple, No Power, Proportional but
it could be a real bear to install in some vehicles that have no clear
path to the lever of the break pedal.  (Auto Stop from Blue Ox and another)

Most of the units installation and operation instructions are available
on the web, I strongly suggest that you read all these for any unit you
are considering before purchasing.
Links:
http://www.aemfg.com/ - Blue Ox
http://www.roadmasterinc.com/ - Roadmaster (Duh)
http://www.usgear.cc/ - US Gear - Unified Tow Brake

Be sure you look at tow bar hardware while you are digging around.
There is a lot of difference between the manufactures ideas.  Again the
installation instructions are usually available and very informative.
New Link for tow bars and baseplates/berackets:
http://www.demco-products.com/

Good Luck Guy,

Matt Colie

I use the Brake Buddy as Leanne described, and am very happy with it.  I was
pretty easy to install.  By installation I mean, first of all you need a cig
lighter with constant power even with the key off.  I just rewired mine.
Then you need to route the breakaway wire through your firewall to connect
to the Brake Buddy.  I was able to work it through the steering column hole,
but I did it with the Jeep on a friend's lift, so it was pretty easy to get
to.

While you're visiting the sites that Matt recommended be sure to also read
up on toad light setups.  There are a few different ways to go, but of
course, you definitely need something.  Just FYI, the toad brake lights will
come on every time you apply the towing vehicle's brakes, not just when the
Brake Buddy is activated.  I have a Brake Buddy remote indicator on my
towing vehicle dash, and it's interesting to see how few times the Brake
Buddy is actually activated when I'm braking.  I have the sensitivity set to
either 4 or 5.

Bob

I opted for the US Gear Unified Tow Brake. It's a little more expensive than
the better portable brakes but IMO a whole lot easier. It's "permanently"
installed in the toad and has a small version of a trailer brake controller
in the coach. The unit is activated when you step on the brakes and motion
sensors in the controller match the brake force with the deceleration of the
coach >> easy braking = lower toad brake force and vice versa. The
controller also has a gain control to adjust the sensitivity. There's a
small vacuum pump in the toad to "power" the brakes and an electrical
proportioning actuator to operate the brake pedal. The pump only operates
when you brake and if the vac has bled down. We've towed 1000-1500 miles in
3 day stretches without ever unhooking and haven't had any battery problems
(my Jeep is towed with the ignition switch in the OFF position).

I had the local hitch shop (where I bought my Blue Ox tow bar) install 6-pin
trailer plugs on the MHA and toad so one cord connects the 4 wires for the
lights and the 2 wires for the brake. They've had enough requests for this
job that they added it as a stock package item to their computer system. Now
the brake is just always there and connected every time I hook up. With
proportional/progressive braking and overall simplicity it's the best choice
for my wants/needs.

http://www.usgear.com/

CruzMastr