Does a Trailer Need a Battery for the Brakes to Work
Published 08/08/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I read confusing information out there. Here I read that the electric trailer brake works with power from the tow vehicle electrical system. Somewhere lese I heard that you have to have a battery on the trailer too. So do you need a battery on the trailer for the electric brakes to work or not?
asked by: Victor
Expert Reply:
No, you do not need to have an auxiliary battery on the trailer in order for the brakes to work. The brakes are powered by a brake controller like part # C74VV which draws power from the tow vehicle's battery, not the trailer's battery. You will however need a battery on the trailer to activate the breakaway which is required by law in most states however, this battery is very small and is included with most kits like the Curt Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit part # C52044.
If you need any other parts to set either your vehicle or trailer up for towing, please let me know and I would be happy to help.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Venturer NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Time Delayed
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Time Delayed Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Plug-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 3 Axles
- LCD Display
- Single Trailer Only
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 7 way plug
- Shop: Truck Bed Auxiliary Tank
- Shop: Kenda Karrier KR53 ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2
- Search Results: transmission cooler
- Search Results: 57300
- Shop: TowSmart Multi-Tow Trailer Connector Adapter - 7-Way to 6-Way, 5-Way or 4-Way
- Search Results: 7 pin wiring harness
- Search Results: 7 pin trailer wiring harness
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K
- Shop: Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Battery - Side Load
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt Trailer Breakaway Kit with Trickle Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Lead Acid Battery - Top Load
- Search Results: bright way battery
- Shop: Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Q&A: Replacing Breakaway Switch On a Trailer with ESCO Breakaway System
- Search Results: camper brakes
- Shop: Bright Way Push-to-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with 1-Amp Charger and 5 Ah Battery - Top Load
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Tool Box
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Q&A: Best Brake Controller w/ Plug and Play Adapter for a 2019 Toyota Tacoma
- Q&A: Difference Between Dexter and etrailer Hub/Drum Assembly for 3,500 lb Axles
- Video: etrailer Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drums Installation - 2020 K-Z Sportsmen Classic Travel Trailer
- Q&A: How to Measure to Determine the Size Trailer Brakes Needed For Hydraulic Drum Replacement
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: RV Covers
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Bulldog Collar-Lok Coupler w/ Pin
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Landing Gear Set
on Trailer Brake Controller
