How does an electric brake controller work?

I just bought a travel trailer through a private sale and although my tow vehicle came with the factory tow package, I was told I still need to get an electric brake controller, stabilizer bars and a friction brake. Can someone explain what these are and how they work. I know the basic function of the brake controller is to activate the trailers brakes but does it just connect to the wiring or does it somehow connect to the pedal? ***Attention veteran RV'rs. Have no fear. I plan on having these things professionally installed and will give the public plenty of notice before my dumb *** gets on the open road.****

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Virtually all brake controllers operate by supplying voltage to a set of magnets that operate brake "shoes" on your camping trailer. Wires are usually hooked up to the tow vehicle brake lights that operate the brake controller, but some expensive systems are "proportional" in that the harder you step on the brake, the harder the trailer brakes are applied. These systems require hydraulic lines be installed into the controller. All trailers need to have a "break away" safety brake. Most use a battery that applies the trailer brakes if the the electric connection is broken between tow vehicle and trailer...I won't go into inertia brakes as you didn't ask.

Brake controllers can be "over-ridden" to apply more braking power from the controller. There are settings on the brake controllers for "basic" stopping when the brakes are applied for basic tail light activated systems, and more trailer brake friction can be applied by proper use of the brake controller.

If you have never towed a vehicle before, you must be very careful! How you load your trailer is important. Approximately 60% of trailer loaded weight should be forward of the trailer axle. This provides tongue weight which helps control the trailer driving down the road. Improperly loaded trailers will "wag the dog" so to speak as they can swing and sway easily.

Equalization hitches and stabilizer bars may be necessary depending on your trailers weight, and load factors of your tow vehicle.

Towing and backing a camping trailer can be easy and safe by careful loading (it is very easy to overload a camper!), and proper equipment operation.