Auxiliary breaking unit versus brake controller

[arelbee]

OK, give me a break here because I just woke up and I'm trying to think this through. If I have a brake controller inside my RV, why do I need an auxiliary breaking unit inside my tow vehicle? I've been towing trailers for years but never a vehicle and I'm about to do that. I understand the baseplate and the towbar but I'm thinking the brake controller should apply the brakes to the vehicle as it does to a trailer and it should also activate brake lights. What am I missing here? Go easy on me.

[nosticks]

Trailers have electric brakes. Cars hydraulic.

[gmc]

and as far as the brake lights - trailers don't have their own means of activating the brake lights like the car you are towing - so no need to 'isolate' anything... They are just provided with the sole intention of connecting to tow vehicle.

[arelbee]

Originally Posted by nosticks

Trailers have electric brakes. Cars hydraulic.

Makes sense. Thanks for your time.

[arelbee]

Originally Posted by gmc

and as far as the brake lights - trailers don't have their own means of activating the brake lights like the car you are towing - so no need to 'isolate' anything... They are just provided with the sole intention of connecting to tow vehicle.

Gotcha. Thanks for your time.

[Chance]

What I think you want is coming, but is still probably 5 to 10 years away if I'm reading my crystal ball correctly.