Is 14 ga. Wire Sufficient for Wiring up a Brake Controller

Updated 10/15/2012 | Published 10/13/2012

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Question:

Hello. I recently wired the trailer connector before obtaining the brake controller and was told by the local hardware clerk that 14ga. wire was what I should use from the cab to the rear bumper. I plan to tow a maximum 2 axle 4 brake trailer. Online instructions which I found after my install advised to use 10 ga. wire and 40 amp breakers. Do I have to pull out all the wire and replace it with 10 ga. if I am using a 30 amp AUXILIARY power supply and a 20 amp brake lead?

asked by: Craig T

Expert Reply:

I would strongly recommend you use a 10 gauge wire in place of the 14 gauge wire as 14 gauge wire is only good for 15 amps which will not be enough for your 2 axle trailer with 4 brake assemblies. For 10 gauge wire you could use our part # 10-1-1.

I attached an FAQ article on wiring up a brake controller from scratch for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C