How To Wire a 5th Wheel for Triple Towing a Trailer with Brakes

Updated 04/30/2019 | Published 04/27/2019

Products Featured in This Question

35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 42" Ground

(856)

$24.83

Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide

(576)

$461.67

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1382)

$94.77

Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket w/ Wiring Harness and Mounting Bracket

(100)

$39.73

Question:

I have a fifth wheel and would like to double tow a small utility trailer behind. My small utility has trailer brakes. What parts would I need?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

It is possible to triple tow (1 tow vehicle + 2 trailers) when both trailer's have brakes but this would mean that the brake output wire that runs from the brake controller in the tow vehicle to both trailers would need to be at least a 6 gauge at the minimum so you don't have issues with voltage drop. Also, the number of braked axles cannot exceed what your brake controller is capable of handing which most are usually four. In order to obtain the needed length of 6 gauge or greater wire you can visit your local car audio stores.

I assume you have the tow vehicle setup properly to tow the 5th heel trailer but if not just let me know. In order to set the 5th wheel trailer up for towing a trailer you will need both a trailer hitch, the Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 13703 as well as a 7-way, the Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket part # PK11898. This 7-way will just splice in behind the tail lights on the 5th wheel. However, the amp draw of each circuit will be limited so you might need to change out the lights to LED bulbs or disconnect a few if you blow fuses. Aside from the brake output wire, this will be all that you need save for a ball mount/hitch ball like the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit part # 989900.

expert reply by: Conner L