How To Install Trailer Brakes On Triple Towed Utility Trailer

Updated 02/10/2021 | Published 02/07/2021

Question:

I have a 2014 Siverado 2500 Duramax diesel that I use to pull a 26 5th wheel. The truck has the factory installed brake controller which works great with the camper electric brakes. I have triple towed my boat many times - that trailer does not have brakes not needed because of GVWR of the boat and trailer. Im thinking of getting a UTV and a trailer that is big enough to haul it which would likely exceed the no brakes required GVWR for the second trailer which would probably have to be a tandom axle. Questions - can I / should I expect to be able to have electric brakes on the second trailer? Will that exceed the capacity of the brake controller? How would I go about putting a 7 pin plug at the back of the camper for the second trailer and tie that into the 7 pin for the camper? There currently is only a flat 4 pin connector back there. With wear and other factors, how does the correct amount of gain for one trailer then also get set for the correct amount of gain for the other? I see triple tow rigs going down the highway quite often pulling a tandem axle boat or enclosed trailer. What kind of brake set up are they using? If I would buy a trailer for the UTV that has electric brakes, can/should that be converted to surge brakes instead of electric? Any advice you can give would be appreciated. Thanks,

asked by: Dave R

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help.

It is definitely possible to triple tow a utility trailer and your 26' 5th wheel trailer with your 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Duramax, and if your utility trailer weighs enough to require trailer brakes, electric trailer brakes can be used.

I am not sure how many axles the factory trailer brake controller is rated for, but the standard is 4 axles. If your setup has more than 4 axles between both trailers using surge brakes on the second trailer would be the best option.

To add a 7-way connector to your 5th wheel trailer you would want to use the Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket w/ Wiring Harness and Mounting Bracket # PK11898 and splice into the wires of your current 4 way connector. You will need to use 6-gauge wire to connect the trailer brakes from both of the trailers to the trailer brake controller to avoid voltage drop. You can find the 8-gauge wire at your local hardware store.

If you would prefer to use surge brakes which will not require you to rewire the trailer brakes, just let me know the axle capacity, and which inner and outer bearings your trailer uses once you purchase one and I would be happy to recommend the parts needed to add surge brakes.

You will want to check the local laws for each area you drive through, as triple towing is not legal in all states.

I included a video of the # PK11898 for you to take a look at.