I am real keen on having brakes on all trailer axles. Had a few scary moments. I went with brakes even on my tow dolly. Its a wide version and I have had a suburban and several full size cars on it and I am soooooo glad it has brakes. I also have a ex 1950's uhaul that has no brakes but its a little thing 4X7 so no big deal there. I am of the opinion that when the trailer with no brakes approaches say 3/4 the weight of the tow vehicle, you are getting into the area of go slow and pray. If your pickup is empty go heavy on the tongue weight if you can. So if I am towing a Sub on the dolly with my Dodge Ramcharger then the load weighs a bit more than the tractor and I want dolly brakes. Color me less adventurous than most. Some of youse guys exploits makes my sphincter tighten. Safety engineer here I wear a belt and suspenders. :hihi: