Breakaway Kit and Wiring Needed To Connect Brakes On a Utility Trailer and Brake Controller 2012 Ram

Updated 05/29/2023 | Published 05/25/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Breakaway Kit with Trickle Charger, LED Tester, and 5 Ah Lead Acid Battery - Side Load

(188)

$76.33

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

(30)

$2.01

Trailer Wiring Junction Box

(821)

$31.62

Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(410)

$259.95

Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In

(47)

$10.82

Hopkins 7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector - 11' Long

(187)

$58.27

Question:

I am restoring a 16’ dual axle utility trailer. It has working lights and the wiring to connect to my truck. Someone in the past cut the wiring to the brakes and removing any wiring that was for the brakes. To each wheel, there is about 6” of wire hanging out of each wheel hub that I can connect to. I am hoping someone can tell me what I need to buy and install to my trailer to get the brakes working again. Also not sure if I need to change anything in my 2012 Ram 1500. I also am in need of installing a breakaway system.

asked by: Kerry F

Expert Reply:

First you will need a Trailer Breakaway Kit # C52042. This will include a breakaway battery and breakaway switch. As long as you still have the 7-way # HM20048 and a Junction Box # 38656 still on your trailer you will only need 12 Gauge Wire # 12-1-1 to run from the junction box to the brake assemblies. If you are missing anything else from the trailer please let me know and I can point you in the correct direction. Be sure to inspect the brakes as there could be something wrong with them explaining why they were cut.

For your 2012 Ram 1500 with a factory 7-way you will need a brake controller. I recommend the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170 which will plug and play with the Wiring Adapter # C51438.