How Can I Connect Brakes On 1998 Rockwood Pop-Up Camper

Question:

1. We have a 1998 Rockwood pop-up camper approx 2400 lb. The camper has brakes but they are not connected, just the brakes and wires coming out of the brakes but not running to the hitch area. a. What parts would we need to connect the brakes? b. Is it possible to splice both the existing connector 4-pin was well as a newer 9-pin to allow towing by either a vehicle that had a brake controller or a vehicle that does not have one? Or is there an adapter that can be used?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

For the brakes on your 1998 Rockwood popup trailer you can check out the attached helpful article that goes into detail explain what is needed to add electric brakes to a trailer. You will need to make sure you have the correct wiring on your trailer to be able to get the signal for the brakes. If you do not have a 7-way connector on your trailer or you do not have the wiring for brakes on the trailer I recommend part # 277-000141. This is a 7-way trailer side harness and a junction box. I then recommend brake wire # 10-2-1 to complete the wiring from the junction box to the brakes on the trailer.

Since there are brakes on the trailer, and there are existing wires as you said, you may be able to just connect the brake wiring to the trailer wiring if it has the wire for brakes from the trailer connector. You will want to test the brakes on the trailer and you may want to remove the hubs to see if there are any signs of damage.

Once the wiring has been done and a brake controller like part # 90195 installed in the towing vehicle you should be good to go.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L