What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes

Question

Question:

Hi, etrailer recommends to using Deka 10-2 gauge wire for running electric brakes to a tandem axle trailer. If this is the case, why does 7-way harnesses with molded plugs only have 12 gauge wiring for the brakes? Tghanks,

asked by: Ray S

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Expert Reply:

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary. On a smaller trailer with a single axle of brakes 12 gauge wire would probably be enough. But for a longer tandem axle trailer I would recommend you run 10 gauge wire to all the assemblies just to minimize the amount of resistance that would be on the circuit.

Also, be sure to use clean metal surfaces for your grounding locations.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

I think you are going in the right direction. I would definitely replace the 14 gauge wire going to the trailer brake magnets with 10 gauge wire or larger. Usually larger than 10 gauge is hard to get into the trailer connector though. I would also…

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Answer 2

If the shackles are flipping the wrong direction frequently that typically means the leaf springs are too short, the hanger spacing is too big, or the shackles are too short. Most of the time it's somebody changed leaf springs and just went with…

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Answer 3

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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Answer 4

Yes, 14 gauge wire seems too small. I would go with 10 or 12 gauge. For 10 gauge you can use #10-1-1 and for 12 gauge use #12-1-1. These wires are sold in increments of 1 foot. So if you needed 20 feet of wire you would enter 20 in the quantity box.…

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Answer 5

On this page (typically below the product links) there is a helpful link section that will have the install instructions fo the Hopkins Breakaway kit part #20400 that you referenced. I also attached an install video that shows the kit installed as…

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Answer 6

Trailer wiring generally uses 16 gauge wire, part #16-1-1. However, with a long trailer like yours you may want to go with a larger like 14 gauge #DW07550-1 or even 12 gauge #12-1-1. Each size is sold by the foot. You will need to have the lights at…

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Answer 7

The reason that 10 Gauge #10-1-1 or 12 Gauge #12-1-1 wire is recommended for 10" brake assemblies, like part #AKEBRK-35-SA, is because they pull more power than the lights on your trailer. I believe the green wire you are referring to carries…

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Answer 8

For your flat bed trailer, I recommend using 12 gauge wire like #12-1-1 at the minimum, but preferably 10 gauge wire like #10-1-1. Both of these wires are sold by the foot, so you can order the exact length you are needing. If you were to use a…

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Answer 9

All the brake controller needs to sense a trailer connection so that you can test it is a slight amperage draw on the output circuit. For that you can use a circuit tester like the part #PTW2993 with one pin grounded and the other on the output pin.…

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Answer 10

The length of wire desired depends on your vehicle connection and your personal preference. You want enough slack for turning, but not so much for dragging as you mentioned. A little extra slack isn't a problem and not enough could lead to stress…

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Answer 11

The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust electric trailer brakes can be manually adjusted. There are a couple teeth of the adjustment wheel that are exposed just under the lever that you referenced. I have attached a photo showing the teeth. You will likely need a…

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Answer 12

The Optronics 7-Way Connector - Trailer End #A7WCB will handle 8-gauge wires on the positive and negative connectors. If you want the same gauge wire on the vehicle side, I recommend the Hopkins Endurance 7-Way Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End…

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What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes

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