Diagram Showing How Trailer Brakes are Wired

Question

Question:

when you wire tandem axles, do you do it in series or parallel ? how about a diagram ?

asked by: phil

0

Expert Reply:

The brake wire providing voltage is wired in parallel, with one lead from each magnet being grounded to the trailer frame.

We have a great Wiring Help Page that shows a diagram, I will provide a link to it below.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Ed C.

6/30/2025

Just got electric brake setup to replace hydraulics. New backing plate with complete setup shoes, magnets etc. I also got the breakaway switch., new 7 pin cord, and wire for trailer. Now :…. How do I wire the whole thing up? Ed

Mike L.

7/2/2025

@EdC I highly recommend running your trailer's 7-way whip into a junction box like # 3375601100. This provides an organized and clean place to make all your connections so they're protected from the elements. I don't know which whip you have, but be aware that the color coding of the wires in the whip might be different than those of the trailer. Each brake assembly will ground to the trailer frame, with the other wire carrying voltage from the brake controller. Join those into a single lead running to the trailer tongue where you'll install the junction box. The brake output circuit from the vehicle (usually a blue wire) will install on the same junction box terminal as the wire you ran forward from the brakes. I'll link you to a help article that explains this, there are some really nice, easy to understand wiring diagrams that I hope you'll find helpful. I'll also link to an install video for the junction box.

Helpful Links

faq-wiring.aspx

tv-review-buyers-trailer-junction-box-3375601100.aspx

Ed

7/2/2025

@MikeL thank you.

Ed C.

7/2/2025

@Ed thanks Mike can you talk to ma about the breakaway box wiring up? How’s that work?

See All (7) Replies to Ed C. ∨

Answer 1

Hey Steve, you are on the right track but instead of the #RD58SR you'd want the part #118266 instead as this kit completes a 7-way in your 2008 Nissan Frontier while using the factory wiring for a much easier install without any splicing. Then…

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Answer 2

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 3

The Dexter hub you referenced, 8-201, is a 5,200 lb hub, though a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern does not come on 5,200 lb hubs. The correct bearings for the 5,200 lb hub are #25580 and #LM67048, while the proper races are #25520 and #LM67010. I have…

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Answer 4

We actually have a variety of brake components here at etrailer.com that I have linked for you to filter through. Usually what we see is that it's more cost-effective to replace the entire brake assembly instead of piecing it out plus you know…

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Answer 5

Hey Byron. The 24-7/8" Long 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring item #e64SR is going to be the correct one so long as your leaf springs are or near 24-7/8" long from the center to center of the eye bolts. I can't identify the correct replacement…

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Answer 6

There are Retrax XRs for your 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty which have rails that will allow you to install a rack system to carry four of the Yakima FrontLoader Wheel Mount Bike Carrier #Y02103. The correct Retrax XR tonneau cover will depend on the…

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Answer 7

DOT5 brake fluid is what you'd want to use in the Dexter surge actuator part #DX89FR. If the breakaway pin was pulled it would be replaceable. The breakaway cable is replaceable.

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Answer 8

Sounds like you are looking for the part #37995. This is a pair of 6-way connectors that Jayco uses on their pop-ups.

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Answer 9

Hello Jeffrey, On your 2003 Jayco Eagle 14SO popup trailer with a 6-pin square connector, the two red wires likely serve different purposes. Generally, a 6-pin plug includes wires for ground, running lights, turn signals, and either trailer brakes or…

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Answer 10

You have a good plan! You are correct that once you have a functional 7-way connector and the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 #90195 installed in your truck that you will not need any other wiring on the truck. Going with a junction box like the #38656 to…

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Answer 11

I would be happy to help! Since your brake assembly is stamped K23-462-00 you will want to go with the Dexter Electric Brake Assembly for 4.4K Axles #K23-462-00 and you can confirm that this is the correct assembly and not just an incorrect sticker…

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Answer 12

You need Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 4,400-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2, part #8-407-5UC3-EZ. This is the hub comes with the bearings, races, and seals. The drum that is compatible is the Dexter Electric Brake Assembly for…

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Diagram Showing How Trailer Brakes are Wired

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