Routing Electric Brake Assembly Wires For Best Connection and Function

Question:

Ive got a trailer with leaf springs. Adding a electric brake. How you run wires to brake? Center of axle, off to one side, down the leaf? All seem sub optimal. Previous same question said refer to linked faq section but no link and search function returns parts but no answer. I need a direct text answer. No maze of dead links or some other rabbit hole.

asked by: Patrick

Expert Reply:

Depending on the size of your trailer, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K # AKEBRK-7-SA or the # AKEBRK-35-SA for 3,500-4,200 lb axles.

These assemblies will install with # 10-1-1 wiring run from the electric brake output wire of your trailer connector to one side of your brake magnets and then the other wire of your brake magnet gets wired to ground on the axle or the trailer frame. This wiring does not run along the axle or the leaf springs but rather just has some slack in the wire from each side of the trailer frame to the brake assembly backing plate. I've attached some videos to assist. I recommend using the Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 5 # DW05745-5 to ensure a good connection. You can wrap with electrical tape # DW04367 or even use wire loom # 459075 to protect the wire and connections.

When upgrading to electric brakes, I recommend the etrailer 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box # e99011 with ring terminals # 44-5310A. I have attached some articles if you desire further information.