How To Wire a 5th Wheel for Triple Towing a Trailer with Brakes
Question:
I have a fifth wheel and would like to double tow a small utility trailer behind. My small utility has trailer brakes. What parts would I need?
asked by: Brian
Expert Reply:
It is possible to triple tow (1 tow vehicle + 2 trailers) when both trailer's have brakes but this would mean that the brake output wire that runs from the brake controller in the tow vehicle to both trailers would need to be at least a 6 gauge at the minimum so you don't have issues with voltage drop. Also, the number of braked axles cannot exceed what your brake controller is capable of handing which most are usually four. In order to obtain the needed length of 6 gauge or greater wire you can visit your local car audio stores.
I assume you have the tow vehicle setup properly to tow the 5th heel trailer but if not just let me know. In order to set the 5th wheel trailer up for towing a trailer you will need both a trailer hitch, the Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 13703 as well as a 7-way, the Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket part # PK11898. This 7-way will just splice in behind the tail lights on the 5th wheel. However, the amp draw of each circuit will be limited so you might need to change out the lights to LED bulbs or disconnect a few if you blow fuses. Aside from the brake output wire, this will be all that you need save for a ball mount/hitch ball like the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit part # 989900.
Products Referenced in This Question
Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide
- RV and Camper Hitch
- Frame Mount Hitch
- 22 - 72 Inch Wide Frame
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Bolt-On
- Weld-On
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket w/ Wiring Harness and Mounting Bracket
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 42" Ground
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 31 Feet and Longer
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Optronics
more information >
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