What Wiring to Use to Install Electric Trailer Brakes

Updated 06/13/2016 | Published 06/10/2016

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.77

12-10 Gauge Butt Connector

(23)

$0.86

Wire Loom 1/4" Diameter, 10' Long

(293)

$9.21

Question:

I need brake wire that is used to the right and left brakes. It passes through the axel and has a hard coating. Hope you can help. Thanks

asked by: Jim S

Expert Reply:

Trailer axles do sometimes include a wire for an electric trailer brake circuit to make it easier to route power to each of the brake assemblies. We have suitable 10-gauge brake circuit wiring, part # 10-1-1, that can be ordered by the foot. This wire has blue insulation which is the color usually associated with trailer brake wiring.

Electric trailer brakes use a 2-wire hookup. Either wire from the brake can be used as ground or hot; since these wires are non-polarized it does not matter which you use.

You'll probably need some butt connectors like # 05732-2 for making your wiring connections to the brakes. If you need some wire loom to protect the portions of the wire that are exposed you can use part # 7509-10.

expert reply by: Adam R