Does a Trailer Need a Battery for the Brakes to Work

Question

Question:

I read confusing information out there. Here I read that the electric trailer brake works with power from the tow vehicle electrical system. Somewhere lese I heard that you have to have a battery on the trailer too. So do you need a battery on the trailer for the electric brakes to work or not?

asked by: Victor

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Expert Reply:

No, you do not need to have an auxiliary battery on the trailer in order for the brakes to work. The brakes are powered by a brake controller like part # C74VV which draws power from the tow vehicle's battery, not the trailer's battery. You will however need a battery on the trailer to activate the breakaway which is required by law in most states however, this battery is very small and is included with most kits like the Curt Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # C52044.

If you need any other parts to set either your vehicle or trailer up for towing, please let me know and I would be happy to help.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Answer 1

Hi Eric; the Curt Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger #C52044 will work for your triple axle Kaufmann trailer. This is designed for 1 to 3 axle trailers with electric brakes so triple axle isn't a problem. As long as…

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Answer 2

With the use of the Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator part #K71-651 the breakaway battery has to be charged otherwise it won't work. With standard electric drum brakes the brake controller would still control the brakes of your trailer like…

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Answer 3

The Buyers Products Fabricators Hitch Plates like part #3371809042 are not given a weight capacity by the manufacturer. This is because the weight capacity will largely be dependent on how securely it is mounted. The highest rated pintle hook we…

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Answer 4

The wiring color codes and wire gauge recommendations for the Pollak Heavy-Duty, 7-Pole, Round Pin, Trailer Wiring Connector, item #PK11700, are listed below. White - Ground Return - 8 gauge Black - Clearance, Side Marker, Identification - 12 gauge…

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Answer 5

We do have one option for you, the Taskmaster Steel 8-Spoke Trailer Wheel w/ Offset #TTW550547WS1. This wheel has the unique 5 on 4-3/4" bolt pattern you are needing, and it measures 15" x 5" wide making it a perfect choice for an…

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Answer 6

You will need to hardwire the brake controller to your 2008 Dodge 1500. Because the wires have all been cut it would be best to run all new wires so you know it is done correctly. The four wires coming from the brake controller are White for ground.…

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Answer 7

The Buyers Products Trailer Wiring Junction Box #3375601101 referenced in your question measures 6.5 inches long, 3.21 inches wide, and 2.5 inches tall when the cover is installed. The mounting holes at each end are spaced apart 7.38 inches on…

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Answer 8

Your trailer's brakes will still activate like normal if you have your breakaway kit not connected. It's not recommended to tow a trailer with a non-functioning breakaway kit though.

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Answer 9

With 6 wires on your trailer, we have a good idea what they go to, however you will want to test the functions. You can use a 12V battery and connect each wire individually on the positive terminal while the negative terminal is connected to ground.…

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Answer 10

Thanks for the information on your trailer. For your axle with brakes I recommend the Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 #AKHD-655-6-EZ-K if you have the spindles with the integrated grease…

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Answer 11

This sounds like a ground problem on the right side. The turn signal not working makes sense because with the brake lights, there is a constant signal coming through which is enough to make the lights illuminate on both sides like they should. But…

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Answer 12

It sounds like the tilt battery is backfeeding onto the breakaway battery charge line so as long as the ground is connecting it is taking a charge from the tilt battery and that is why your charge light is staying on. I have a solution for you, you…

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