How to Wire Trailer Breakaway Switch to Trailer
Question:
I have 2015 suburban with a seven prong plug in. I am hooking up a new brake away switch with a chargeable battery. The trailer only has five wires can I tap into the wire on the trailer for the running lights for power to the battery. Thanks
asked by: Hank
Expert Reply:
A trailer breakaway kit like # 20099 needs to be connected to the vehicle's 12V auxiliary power circuit so that it receives a maintenance charge at all times you are driving, not just when the lights are on.
The wiring and mounting requirements, as well as the procedure for testing your breakaway system, are covered in the two articles I linked for you.
Your best bet is to re-wire the trailer to match your Suburban's 7-way setup. This takes only a junction box like # HS381-9000 and some ring terminals like # 44-5310A and # DW05737-1 to make the connections inside the box. The junction box not only makes the connection process easier it also provide protection from bad weather for those connections. I also linked an overview article on trailer wiring.
Products Referenced in This Question
Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 3/16" Ring ID
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 3/16 Inch Diameter
- 12-10 Gauge
- Flint Hill Goods
more information >
Deka Ring Terminal - Heat Shrink - 16-14 Gauge - 1/4" Ring ID - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 1
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Ring Terminals
- 1/4 Inch Diameter
- 16-14 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators
- Accessories and Parts
- Brake Actuator
- Disc Brakes
- Hydraulic Drum Brakes
- Wiring
- Hydrastar
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Side Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- LED Tester
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Testing Brake Controls
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Wire Testing
- Q&A: How to Test Brake Controller without Trailer Connected
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Intermittent Trailer Disconnected Message with Factory Brake Controller on Ford
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Brake Assembly for B12EA-22 on 2018 Forest River 294BH Travel Trailer
- Article: Parts Needed to Add Electric Drum Brakes to a Trailer
- Q&A: Fit of Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # BWGNRK1313 with my 2006 Dodge 3500 8 Foot Bed
- Q&A: Will Firestone Air Bags Interfere if I Install a B&W Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for a 2004 Dodge 2500
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Weight Capacity of Dexter P-12 Model SLR Axle
- Q&A: Dexter P-15 SLR Axle SN D4484069 Weight Capacity and Replacement Axle
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)