We've been real lucky/blessed driving all over with our overloaded 2009 Subaru Forester (manual transmission) and a 1,400# homebuilt teardrop without trailer brakes these past two seasons (60 nights of camping ranging from Minnesota to Ontario to Maine.)
As I began planning our upcoming Alaska adventure, I couldn't shake how foolish I would be to attempt this trip without trailer brakes. Unfortunately, there was no good way to accurately mount a brake flange to our existing 2,000# Dexter Torsion axle. I ordered a new axle with brakes today. I got the axle for only $320 before shipping! The dealer misquoted, but honored the low price since I drove two hours to place the order.
Now I'll feel safer going down the road loaded down like the "Clampetts!" That's a 22.5' Seascape 3 kayak on our roof! We find ourselves mostly using our teardrop as a basecamp for our sea kayaking adventures. All the extra cold water kayaking gear adds up to both a lot of volume and weight. We plan a six-day kayak expedition in the middle of our Alaska trip, so we'll also be loaded with primitive camping gear.
Those rear racing springs sure do eliminate the "sag" in the back end!