Activating Electric Trailer Brakes on Trailer Towed by a 2010 Ford F-150

Question:

I have a two axle trailer only one has brakes on it I have a black and white wire going from the front to the passenger side ties into the wires coming out of the hub then goes across to the other side ties into that hub then comes to the front. And all the lights are hooked up with 4 pole lights what do I need to do to get the brakes to work to be pulled with 2010 F 150

asked by: Joyce H

Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brake magnets are using the main trailer connector ground on the trailer which would be why the wiring goes back to the front of the trailer after tying into the second hub. But only the ground wires should be going back to the front of the trailer. If the power wires are also going back to the front then there the circuit is not being completed properly and the brakes won't work.

You mentioned that you have a 4-pole. You are going to need a 7-Way connector on the trailer and on your 2010 Ford F-150 (if it doesn't have one already), as well as a brake controller to activate the trailer brakes.

For a 7-Way I recommend using the etrailer trailer wiring 7-Way upgrade kit # HS381-9000. It includes a junction box which makes wiring and troubleshooting much easier and everything will look nice and clean after installation. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

For your 2010 F-150 if it does not already have a 7-Way connector and only has a 4-Way then you will need # ETBC7 to add the 7-Way and the wiring for the brake controller. For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation for you.

If the truck did come with a factory 7-Way connector then you will not need ETBC7 and you can plug the brake controller directly into the truck using pigtail # 22292