Troubleshooting Brake Output Circuit on 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

2007 Cedar Creek Silverback 5th wheel. Is there a trailer side schematic for the 7 pin cable? I have replaced the old with a new one and the brake controller is not working properly. The black 12v wire is connected to to the blue brake circuit. Did I do this in error?

asked by: Henry I

Expert Reply:

I'd be happy to provide a trailer wiring diagrams for you. Just use the provided link. Typically, the brake output circuit on a trailer is a blue wire, but since you can't depend on the wire color especially if the trailer was previously owned, it's always better to wire by function than wire color.

The help article I linked to also shows how to properly wire a 7-way trailer connector, so you can ensure everything's connected properly. Also, if you're using a proportional controller, you won't get any power to the trailer brakes when using the tow vehicle brake pedal unless the vehicle is moving. The controller needs to sense some inertia from the brakes being applied in order to work.

expert reply by: Mike L