Why Would Load Resistors Need to Be Installed on Trailer Lighting Circuits and Not Brake Output

Question

Question:

Can I just attach the load resistor to the brake controller wire #5 on 7 pin plug on the camper instead of putting one on turn signal/running lights etc.Will this resolve the trailer disconnected alarm?

asked by: Harvey L

0

Expert Reply:

I wish it was that simple but putting a load resistor on the brake output circuit of your 7-way would not prevent the issue you are having. The error message is due to lower amperage draw of the trailer lighting circuits and not the trailer brakes.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Jason

7/8/2026

My 2026 Tahoe won't sense the trailer brakes on my Vistabule teardrop camper which uses Dexter 7 1/4" electric brakes. It has been recommended to me to add a 50w 6 ohm resister in parallel between the blue brake controller wire and the white neutral/ground/negative wire so there is enough reisitance for the brakes to be sensed. Apparently the small magnets don't have enough resistance. The rest of the trailer wiring is recognized and works properly, the truck keeps giving my a trailer brakes disconnected message.

Jameson C.

7/8/2026

@Jason I agree it would work for you. When I wrote this answer 8 years ago our understanding of how the future vehicles were going to work was pretty limited.

Jason

7/9/2026

@JamesonC I can't tell if Curt's "7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights" Part Number: C57003 only has reistors for the lights or if it might include them on the brake controller. Is this a widespread problem/issue that Curt or another manufacturer will address with a commercially available product?

Jameson C.

7/9/2026

@Jason that Curt 7-way only has them for the taillights. We don't have anything that has the exact resistor specs you would need in a plug and play option.

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Why Would Load Resistors Need to Be Installed on Trailer Lighting Circuits and Not Brake Output

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