Pilots have a saying: Taking off is the second greatest thrill in flying. Landing is the first.

What holds true for flying holds true for anything that moves at high speeds. Stopping is not optional. While most RV articles talk about the dynamics of motion or the joys of the destination, few address the principles of going from 60 to 0mph without damage to trailer or occupants.

While Hensley Mfg. put itself on the RV map with the introduction of the Hensley Arrow anti-sway trailer hitch, a product designed for a vehicle in motion, we've recently become interested in what happens in those precious few seconds from the moment the driver pounces on the brake pedal to the sigh of relief at the end.

We began our quest with what has become a necessary evil for the trailer enthusiast: the brake controller.

• Part 2 - The brake controller

• Part 3 - Myth #1: Brake controllers that tap into the brake line or cable to the brake pedal are the only type that can stop ahead of the trailer 

• Part 4 - Myth #2: Proportional braking is the key to smooth trailer braking 

• Part 5 - Myth #3: RVers are simply stuck with inadequate trailer braking.

• Part 6 - Ease of use and functionality 

• Part 7 - Conclusions and recommendation