How to Activate Disconnected Trailer Brakes on Pop-Up Camper

Updated 01/22/2020 | Published 01/17/2020

Question:

I have a 2007 Jayco pop up camper, small camper, weighs @ 1500 lbs loaded, weighed it at a truck weigh station. I want to install brakes on it. It has a seven way plug and a break away emergency brake switch. Is that type brake the same as a regular brake drum? The guy I bought it from said he didnt order it with brakes because it was so light. There are brake pads in the hub, but is what I am seeing only break away brakes, different from regular brake pads? Wondering if I need to just order the brake controller and see if they work, or go ahead and order the 2000 lb electric brake kit.

asked by: Danny B

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds as if you have fully functioning brakes, but they're just not operational due to the fact that you're not using a brake controller. Given what you've shown in the photo, it looks like your pop up is equipped with typical trailer brakes that are set up to activate with the break away system.

You'll need to install a brake controller on your Tacoma. The Tekonsha Primus # TK90160 is a reasonably priced Proportional controller that would work very well for you. If your Tacoma is equipped with the factory 7-way trailer connector, the controller would plug in under the dash using a # 3040-P harness.

On the trailer end, you'll just need to make sure the pin for the 12-volt output from the brake controller is tied in with the brake system. I'll link you to a help article about trailer wiring that will show how everything is supposed to be wired.

expert reply by: Mike L