What Would be Easiest Way to Add Second Brake Controller for Second Trailer

Published 02/01/2022

Question:

I have a 5th wheel camper and I pull a 12foot tandem utility with a 1500 lb side by side or a sand rail. Id like to add a brake to on of the utility trailer axles, but Im having a hard time wrapping my head around the electric braking system. Im thinking that Id need 2 brake controllers. I understand I could run both off of 1 controller and 6 gauge wire, but my head keeps telling that since brake sensitivity would be set for the heavier trailer the 5th wheel, the brakes on the smaller, lighter trailer would probably lock up. Am I thinking wrong here? And if I do need 2 controllers, how would they be wired up?

asked by: Tom V

Helpful Expert Reply:

A second controller is going to be your best option for the best braking action for the two trailers like you mentioned. It's very possible the second trailer would lock it's brakes up at the same gain setting as the 5th wheel. The easiest solution would be to wire in a second 7-way to your 5th wheel at the rear of it and use a wireless brake controller like the part # C51180 which would only need to tap into your 12 volt accessory circuit for power and not require hardwiring a second controller in your vehicle and have to come up with a way to wire it back to the other trailer.

For a second 7-way you could use the part # 20023 which comes with everything needed to tap into the first trailers wiring.

expert reply by: Jameson C