Does 12V Wire Need to be Run to 7-Way to Power Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controller

Updated 04/08/2019 | Published 04/05/2019

Question:

Ok, I understand that theres a 12v 30a wire that comes from the electrical panel to the brake controller. But in the video and your wiring diagram theres an additional wire 40a that the commentator said was going to the back of the vehicle. Is that second wire for the trailer brakes or is that a secondary power supply for lets say a travel trailer to charge those batteries.

asked by: Eric S

Expert Reply:

The 12V wire that goes back to the 7-Way is for the 12V power pin on the connector (at the 1 o'clock position). This is not needed for most trailer brake controllers (such as the Draw-Tite Activator # 5504 that you referenced) and is indeed typically used to maintain the charge on a trailer mounted battery when wired accordingly.

If you have no need for this pin then this wire doesn't need to be run and the pin just won't be active.

expert reply by: Chris R