Does Second Trailer being Towed Need to Have Brakes Actuated as Well
Question:
I am adding 7 pin RV style plugs and connectors to the back of my fifth wheel travel trailer in order to also pull a small flatbed trailer with electric brakes. My question is whether or not I want or need to run electric brakes through the connection to my second trailer? My second trailer has tandem axles and trailer brakes. Of course my travel trailer has brakes as well. Is one brake controller in the truck cab sufficient to handle both sets of brakes? Thank you
asked by: Glen M
Expert Reply:
It's hard to actuate two trailers worth of brakes with one brake controller as you'll typically end up with one trailer that has brakes that will grab much harder than the other and you won't be able to equalize them in anyway. Ideally you'd have both trailers brakes operating smoothly but it doesn't always work that way. In reality you'll probably just need to use the brakes of the heavier trailer in front.
One easy solution for a second brake controller would be the Curt Echo Mobile part # C51180 which could plug into an active 7-way at the rear of the vehicle and once synced to a smart phone is ready to be used independently of the controller in the truck. This would give the easiest way to have two controllers for your setup without excessive wiring.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
LED Combination Tail Light Kit for Trailers under 80" Wide - Submersible - Driver and Passenger
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- License Plate
- Rear Reflector
- Side Reflector
- Stop/Turn/Tail
- Square
- Kit
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 5L x 5W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Parts Needed To Add Brakes To A Second Axle
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V Commercial Duty - 2-1/2"
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: 44649
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 68149
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Replacement Trailer Grease Seals for Allis 5013 29772
- Search Results: 25580
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Lippert Solera Slider Slide-Topper Review
- Q&A: Wiring a Camper Shell Third Brake Light on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- Search Results: dust cap
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: equalizer
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Video: etrailer Class III Trailer Hitch Installation - 2024 Subaru Crosstrek