How to Tow a Trailer with Electric Brakes Using a Tow Vehicle with Air Brakes

Published 11/28/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(105)

$479.99

7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring - Vehicle End

(552)

$89.67

Question:

I have a 5th wheel motorhome with electric brakes and a new 5th wheel towing vehicle can i wire up my towing vehicle to electric brakes

asked by: William

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a tow vehicle with air brakes and are trying to tow a 5th wheel trailer with electric brakes. If that is the case then you can use an air to electric brake controller like the Hayes Air Utility Brake Control part # HA100400C but this requires splicing into the vehicle's brake lines which is easy but unnerving to some.

If you don't want to splice into your air lines, I recommend just using an electric brake controller like the Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller part # 3430001 which installs only on the trailer and doesn't require any modifications to the tow vehicle.

With that being said, in order for you to hook up the lights on the trailer and activate the brakes from your tow vehicle you would need to have a standard RV 7-way installed. If you do not then you can use the 7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring part # HM40975-11998.

I have attached a review video of the Autowbrake for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L