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

Reply

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

Reply

Ed

7/2/2025

@MikeL thank you.

Reply

Ed C.

7/2/2025

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

Reply

See All (7) Replies to Ed C. ∨

Answer 1

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 2

Hey Terry, yes the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust assemblies part #23-468-469 that you referenced are correct for your Dexter 3,500 lb trailer axle. These are really nice since you don't have to ever worry about adjusting your brake assemblies.

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Answer 3

Typically, the 5th circuit of a 5-way is for a reverse light circuit. I have a solution for you, but you will not be able to use the Adapter 7 Pole to 5 Pole Flat #A75TB to activate your trailer brakes as it has an empty port where the brake output…

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Answer 4

Hey Joe, thanks for reaching out about the Demco Stay-IN-Play Duo #SM99251 installation on your 2021 Jeep Gladiator! We recommend also installing the Roadmaster Stop Light Switch Kit #RM-751497 so that you get an accurate readout on when your brake…

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Answer 5

Hey Mike, thanks for reaching out and providing the photos! We have that style for sure - you just need to choose the right amount of diodes to match the brightness of your other tail light. Part #RVSTLB0060 has a singe diode while part #RVSTLB60 has…

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Answer 6

Hello Andrew, Well that sounds like quite the fun trip, what state or states will you be traveling through? You're asking a really important question, especially since you're planning a cross-country trip with about 250 pounds of bikes and…

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Answer 7

From that number you supplied, it appears you have axles that are 5,200-lb to 6,000-lb with a 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern. For brake assemblies I recommend #AKEBRK-7R-SA for the right hand side and #AKEBRK-7L-SA for the left. This is a…

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Answer 8

The correct set of replacement brake assemblies for your AxleTek 12 inch assemblies is the kit part #AKEBRK-7-SA that you referenced. This kit is a pair of left and right assemblies that are an exact match to what you have that are also self…

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Answer 9

On a trailer electric brake assembly like the Dexter 6,000 Pound #23-105 you were looking at the magnet itself should be at the bottom. The arm that is attached to the magnet should then be located on the front side of the trailer (towards the…

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Answer 10

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 11

Thanks for the Picture. What you have there is a 6 on 5-1/2" hub for a 3,500 lb axle. We do have a replacement hub for your Truryde RVD-H-65535 hub. The correct replacement will be part #AKHD-655-35-EZ-K. This will include the hub, bearings,…

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Answer 12

The Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way #118242 will upgrade your factory 4-way connector to a 7-way. You will also want the mounting bracket #PK-12711U to position your 7-way connector in a convenient location and keep dirt and…

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Diagram Showing How Trailer Brakes are Wired

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