Wiring 5th Wheel Trailer to Tow Second Trailer with Brakes

Published 01/31/2019

Question:

I am going to be installing a reciever hitch on the back of my 5th wheel so i can pull my UTV behind it. I need to install trailer wiring in the back and would like to have brakes for the second trailer as well. Is there a kit to do this?

asked by: Bryan

Expert Reply:

When wiring up your 5th wheel trailer so that it can connect to the lights and brakes of your second UTV trailer it is just a matter of completing the circuits between the two. To add a 7-Way connector to the 5th wheel you can use the Bargman 7-Way # 50-87-009.

The blue brake output wire on the 7-Way needs to be spliced into the brake output wire that is coming from the brake controller in your tow vehicle. You will then just connect the rest of the wires to the appropriate signal light circuits on the trailer.

A couple of things to keep in mind with this type of setup is that since the brake controller in your tow vehicle is what is powering both sets of brakes, the brakes on the 5th wheel trailer are going to be activated first. The braking power then when it does get to the second trailer will be quite a bit weaker (and delayed). The braking power on the 5th wheel trailer will also be affected. There isn't really a good solution for this but it's definitely something you want to be aware of when triple towing. With this in mind depending on the weight of your second trailer it may be a better idea not to even equip it with brakes.

You also will want to make sure that your brake controller is rated for the amount of combined axles on your 2 trailers.

Lastly, I highly recommend checking with your local laws (or laws in any of the states you plan on visiting) as triple towing is not legal in all areas.

I have attached a couple links that will take you to our selection of trailer brakes, hubs, and wiring, along with a great article on adding electric brakes that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R