with the recent inclusion of towing a trailer, has anyone had experience with various forms of trailer brake systems. 
I remember there being a 500 Enfield at the Karuah rally, with a large trailer in tow. It was fitted with some form of electric brakes to the trailer.
I'd like to provide the K with added slowing power so as to not overload the bike brakes on the downhill runs.

some research suggests additional trailer brakes can have adverse effects on the handling of the bike. should I or shouldn't I ?

You certainly wouldn't anything too savage.

I've never considered brakes on my trailer.  Probably would be an advantage behind the sidecar, but I don't think I'd want them on a solo bike.  I'm not one to really load up my trailer that much anyway.

Al

Do not use the 7" electric brakes on a bike trailer.  If you are turning on a small round about or doing a sharp turn or a U turn and touch the brake lever and the trailer brake operates it will most likely pull you over.
Dexter who manufacturer the 7" electric brakes will tell you not to use them for this very reason.
Also they very often dont brake evenly on both wheels and at speed will pull you a bit sideways when stopping and if one stops working it will more than likely cause you to be taken to a local hospital for treatment or you might even get a free helicopter ride.

Over ride Hydraulic or cable operated do work well and IMO are by far the best if not the only option

thanks for the thoughts so far guys.
the issue regarding trailer braking is not a major one , but I am very interested in options to assist in the slowing down process.
The bike gearing works well when used properly. 
It's good to get advice from riders like yourselves , who have many miles of towing experience. 
for now , I'll look at my loading technique to control the handling of the extra weight . but long term would be keen to try something.

" quote Rick G, 
Over ride Hydraulic or cable operated do work well and IMO are by far the best if not the only option "
are these the same as inertia brakes, where the trailer brakes are activated by the trailers own weight pushing on the drawbar ?
do you guys have brakes fitted to your trailers? if so what type?

groverK wrote:Over ride Hydraulic or cable operated do work well and IMO are by far the best if not the only option "
are these the same as inertia brakes, where the trailer brakes are activated by the trailers own weight pushing on the drawbar ?
do you guys have brakes fitted to your trailers? if so what type?

Yep