Wiring For Trailer With Brakes For Compatibility With 7-Way Connector On 2016 Dodge 2500

Question:

I have a 16foot flat bed trailer that is tandem axle. The front axle is the only axle with brakes. It has electric brakes not surge brakes. Question is : Should I use a 5 way flat wire and plug. And use the blue wire for the power source to the brakes? I have a 2016 Dodge 2500 with 7 blade round connector and trailer gain box built in. Or is there a different wire I should use. There is no other lighting source or battery on the trailer.

asked by: Stan A

Expert Reply:

Since your 2016 Dodge 2500 has a 7-way, I recommend just adding a 7-way trailer wire connector to your trailer like # H20046. This will give you a simple connection between your vehicle and trailer without converters. You can simply tape up the wires you aren't using at the trailer and leave them in your junction box. If you want a 7 way with junction box, you can use the 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box # HS381-9000. Adding this molded 7-way plug will make a much cleaner and more functional wiring harness.

You can use a 5 way connecter like # A25W5B as you mentioned with the blue wire connected to your brake controller power. If you go this way, you will need to make a converter from your 7 way or bypass a converter for it to function correctly with your 5 way set up in this way as typical converters will have the 5th wire connection of the 5 way wired for reverse funtion and not brake controller signal. If you install a 5 way, I suggest cutting off the end and connecting the functions to the Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End, # PK12706. I've attached the wiring locations for you. I've also included a trailer wiring help article.

expert reply by: Jason S