Wire Gauge for Installing Electric Brakes

Question:

Im converting a wrecked/totalled, 18 foot tilt-deck equipment trailer from surge brakes to electric. The replacement axles are coming as assemblies from the axle mfgr, so Im assuming each axle will have factory cross-connection wiring already installed in it. What size wire do you recommend for connecting the brakes to the junction box? At present, I expect to run only one conductor from the junction box to the axle group Which means the wire length will be around 13, but if you think running brake conductors down both sides of the trailer would be significantly better, I could easily do that. So far, I anticipate using your: #38656 junction box # H-20042 7-way connector Hopkins Engager break-away box Wishbone wiring harness for the lights convert all to LED Thanks.

asked by: Chuck L

Expert Reply:

We recommend running 10 gauge wire # 10-2-1 for your brakes to connect to the Junction Box # 38656. You do not need to run the conductors down both sides of the trailer, it really will not make a difference so you can go ahead with your current plan. The 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector # H20042 and Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit # 20400 will also work for you; I also recommend using Ring Terminals # 44-5310A to fasten your wires.

expert reply by: Kyle S