Triple Axle Trailer Electric Brakes Not Working After Re-Wiring with 18-Gauge Wire

Question

Question:

I have just purchased a used 56foot 2008 Triple Axle Kaufman Trailer and the wires were broke and wrapped around the Axles and held in place with Tape. I re-ran Flexible 18/2 gauge wire Lamp Wire to give me what I though would be a more durable wire through the Internal Axles as this is how it came from the Factory. The Service Wire Power from the Trailer Connector is 10/2. When I hooked up the wires, NONE of my brakes worked. If I disconnect the wires and just tie the First Axle on the Left Only. The Brakes locks up tight and had 13.4 volts coming through. If I tie the First and Second together, then Nothing, No Voltage, no Brake operation. I disconnected the First Axle and ran power straight to the Second Axle and it locks up perfectly. If I try and connect the Second and Third Axle, then NOTHING... No Voltage, No Brakes. I did not mark the Wires Positive and Negative when I ran them through the housing... Did I need to? It feels like I am doing something VERY STUPID Wrong but for the life of me, I am not sure what that is.... Can you help me please?

asked by: Todd A

0

Expert Reply:

For a large trailer like your 56-foot triple-axle Kaufman, you will need to wire the brake circuit with much heavier-gauge wiring to pass the current required to operate the six brake assemblies. We suggest you use 10-gauge wire like # 10-2-1 from Deka to wire the brake assemblies. Even shorter trailers than your 56-footer need this wire gauge for brake circuits.

Please note that the brake assembly wiring is NOT polarized; it does not matter which of the two wires from each electric brake assembly ties to ground and which is hot.

For reference I have linked an article on trailer wiring that may prove useful to you in your project.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Answer 1

If you are referring to two white wires from the brake magnet that are coming from the rear of each electric brake assembly, then it would not matter which wire is connected to ground and which wire is used for the brake feed. The magnet that…

view full answer...

Answer 2

It sounds like you want a diagram of the wiring for your trailer and breakaway system. I am attaching an article with pictures about wiring trailers. I am also attaching an article with pictures on wiring a breakaway kit. I also recommend making the…

view full answer...

Answer 3

It sounds like you have an older generation of the Carlisle Hydrastar brake actuatuator. The current #HBA-CAM would only be compatible with 6th generation and newer actuators. It wouldn't be a compatible replacement for your 381-7061. The current…

view full answer...

Answer 4

There is no plug-in brake controller wiring harness available for your 2008 Kodiak, so it will have to be hardwired. If you already have a 7-way connector at the rear of your RV, you can use a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 to locate the stoplight…

view full answer...

Answer 5

I think you are going in the right direction. I would definitely replace the 14 gauge wire going to the trailer brake magnets with 10 gauge wire or larger. Usually larger than 10 gauge is hard to get into the trailer connector though. I would also…

view full answer...

Answer 6

If it were me I would go with 10 gauge wire. For that you would want part #10-2-1. Some people use 12 gauge wire and have success, but honestly I would rather have to heavy of gauge wire than not heavy enough. So to be on the safe side I would go…

view full answer...

Answer 7

To run the brake lines on the trailer, you don't need the dual cable. I'd recommend using 10 gauge wire, part #10-1-1 which is sold by the foot. Run the wire from the trailer connector back to the axle, cut the wire and strip the end. Use a…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Typically trailer wiring is color coded. The brake circuit is usually a blue wire which travels to each brake magnet, where it is attached to one wire from each brake magnet. The other wire from each brake magnet will ground to the trailer frame. I…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Lets start with your 1994 GMC 1/2 Ton Truck. You will need to start with the #118315 4-Way connector. Once the 4-Way is installed, see instructions link, you will need the Brake Controller Installation Kit, #ETBC7, and a brake controller. I recommend…

view full answer...

Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

view full answer...

Answer 11

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

view full answer...

Answer 12

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on the…

view full answer...

Triple Axle Trailer Electric Brakes Not Working After Re-Wiring with 18-Gauge Wire

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching