A brake activation system and method are described. In one example, an arm drive system of a brake activation system is activated to apply pressure to an actuation arm. The actuation arm is attached to a brake pedal of a towed vehicle and has a movable connection to a grip of the brake activation system. The applied pressure drives the grip away from the brake pedal. The grip grips a surface of the towed vehicle. The arm drive system is also activated to apply pressure to the actuation arm to drive the actuation arm toward the brake pedal, moving the connection to the grip.