What Size Wire Should be Used for Trailer Brake Wiring on a 28 Foot Enclosed Cargo Trailer

Question:

My 28 enclosed 1996 Rathbun cargo trailer has brakes only on the front axle. They dont look very good so I am looking at replacing brakes and drums for it and then I am wanting to add brakes on the 2nd axle. How heavy wire will I need to supply electricity to both axles? It looks like the wiring to the front axle is fairly light.

asked by: Phil P

Expert Reply:

We recommend using 10 gauge wire, # 10-2-1 for wiring trailer brakes on your 28 foot tandem axle trailer. I have added a drawing I put together to show you how trailer brakes are normally wired on a tandem axle trailer, along with a video on trailer brake wiring and installation.

You will need 4 hub and drum assemblies and 4 brake assemblies that are properly sized for your trailer axles. If you can send me the bearing part numbers and brake mounting flange bolt pattern along with the axle capacity of your trailer, I can make a specific recommendation for the parts you will need. I have attached a photo that shows all of the parts needed when adding electric brakes to a trailer for you to reference so you get all of the parts you need.

expert reply by: Robert G