Amperage of Brake Magnets and Size of Wire Used To Connect 7-Way Trailer Plug To Electric Brakes

Question

Question:

How much much amperage does each electric brake magnet require? I am trying to figure out what size wire to run from the trailer plug to the electric brakes. Thanks

asked by: Tom H

0

Expert Reply:

On each individual electric brake magnet the amperage draw would be 3.0 to 3.2 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 7-inch brake magnets and 3.2 to 4.0 max amps at 12 to 13 volts on 10 and 12-inch brake magnets.

The max amperage draw for the brake magnets on a single axle trailer (2 brakes) would be 6.3 to 6.8 max amps on a 7-inch brake system and 7.5 to 8.2 max amps on 10 and 12-inch brake system. The amps will be higher if using a tandem axle or triple axle trailer.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on Electric Trailer Brake Magnets that will show you how to test them and list the numbers I mentioned above.

On a 7-Way connector the suggested minimum wire gauge for the White (ground) wire, the Red or Black (power) wire, and the Blue (brake power) wire is 12 gauge. The minimum wire gauge for the remaining Green (right turn/brake) wire, the Yellow (left turn/brake) wire, the Brown (tail lights) wire, and the Purple (reverse light) wire is 16 gauge.

expert reply by: Jeff D

0

Jody P.

7/10/2020

I just put a brake controller on my Mercedes suv and curious how much current the controls require. Do I need an amplifier/booster or will this drive a two axel brake system?

Chris R.

7/14/2020

You shouldn't need any kind of amplifier for the brake controller - the controller itself should be getting power directly from the vehicle's battery. Are you having any issues with it?

Akshay S.

12/4/2020

@ChrisR Hi, We are developing a semitrailer where brake controller is installed on trailer and getting power from drive unit battery.when detached we need to track trailer so we also place one auxiliary battery in trailer so, that it can power when detached. Can u please suggest how much current will be taken by controller for 12V. Supply. Thank you,

Jon G.

12/4/2020

@AkshayS What size brakes are you dealing with on your semi-trailer? It's my understanding that semi-trailers use air brakes so you'll need to make sure you have some kind of conversion if this is the case. Jeff D addresses 10" and 12" brake assemblies above so if you have something else then that power draw can be different. Just to give you a reference point, the Hopkins Engager Breakaway Battery Kit # 20400 is used for up to 2 axle trailers with electric brakes.

Answer 1

Maximum amperage draw for 4 Brakes that are 10 or 12 inch diameter is 15.0 to 16.3 amps at 12 to 13 volts. The 14 gauge wire may be sufficient but for maximum braking effectiveness at full load capacity. I would opt to run 10 gauge wire. Larger wire…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Yes, the temperatures you mentioned are normal. If you were getting over 200 degrees that would be a bad sign. But typically if all of the hubs are the same temperature you're good and it's only really an issue if one of the hubs is hotter…

view full answer...

Answer 3

If the U-bolts are 9/16 inch diameter, the torque specs should be between 65 to 95 foot lbs. If the U-bolts are 3/8 inch diameter, the torque should be between 30 and 50 foot lbs.

view full answer...

Answer 4

The three most common lug stud sizes for a trailer are 1/2"-20, 9/16"-18, and 5/8"-18. In order to make sure you get the correct lug nuts you need to measure the lug studs on the trailer now as we have no way to look this up for…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The first thing you will need to do in order to add brakes to your 2020 Karavan utility trailer is make sure you have a brake mounting flange. If you don't, you will need to take it to an axle shop and have a mounting flange installed. This will…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Since your Karavan 5' x 10' trailer has GVWR of 2990lbs, it more than likely has a 3500lb axle of which we have quite a few hub and drum assembly options for, but you will want to confirm this by verifying which bearing combination your…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I'm not sure why they said those were your only options, but we do have the correct replacement oil seal for your Dexter 10k hub from 2006, and is the exact replacement for a National 370150BG: - Unitized Oil Seal #10-51 The #10-51 has an inner…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The Solera Gas Strut part #LC280343 is designed for Lippert-Solera branded awnings. That said, it should be able to be used with others but you'd need to verify the dimensions in order to ensure compatibility. The length for this strut will be…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The higher cost of Dexter electric brakes like the Nev-R-Adjust #23-459 definitely has a lot to do with their name. The name is so recognizable in the industry because they have been around for a very long time, their parts are extremely reliable,…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hello Jose, thanks for reaching out. The Buyers Products 30 Ton Heavy-Duty Swivel Type Pintle Hook #337BP760A can only work with a 3/4" thick plate. It would not work with a 1" plate. The bolts would be too short and the configuration would…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The mounting holes of the Buyers Products 30 Ton Heavy-Duty Swivel Type Pintle Hook #337BP760A that you referenced are 6-1/2 inches apart exactly like what you have so this will bolt right up without requiring you to do any drilling.

view full answer...

Answer 12

Hey Stephanie, thanks for reaching out! For your Featherlite horse trailer you'll need the Replacement Large Striker Plate #BA78HR. I was able to confirm with my contact at Bauer that this is the exact part you need. Is there anything else…

view full answer...

Amperage of Brake Magnets and Size of Wire Used To Connect 7-Way Trailer Plug To Electric Brakes

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching