Parts Needed to Power Electric Brakes on Triple Towed Motorcycle Trailer
Updated 03/28/2024 | Published 03/18/2024
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Question:
Hi,I do tow a fifth wheel trailer with a 2019 Ram 3500 dually and I will add second motorcycle trailer in the back_ double towing- it have electric breakes. The fifth wheel have a flat 4 pin hardwired to it from factory .The question is: Do the fifth wheel have to be rewire for the 7 pin or I can purchase an adapter,_ 4 to 7 pin_ and I do have to run a second electric breakes controller for the second trailer? Thank you for your help.
asked by: Claudio M
Expert Reply:
You will need a little more than just the adapter but that is off to a good start. The Curt Trailer Connector Adapter # C57672 will connect to the 5th wheel 4-way so the signal power will carry over to the 7-way connector. However, you will still need to run wire to connect to the brake output circuit.
Voltage drop is a definitely a concern so I recommend replacing the brake output wire on your entire setup with 6 gauge wire. So you will be replacing it starting at the brake controller and running it to the 5th wheel brakes then back to your 7-way on the 5th wheel.
As long as your brake controller can handle the number of axles you have it should be fine. For example, the # 90195 you looked at is compatible with up to 4 axles. I'm guessing your motorcycle trailer has 1 axle so even if you have a triple axle 5th wheel you're good.
If you don't want to replace all of the wiring another option is to switch to surge brakes. Surge brakes are popular with this kind of setup I also recommend checking local laws for the areas you will be driving through since this is not legal in all states.
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Claudio
3/19/2024
Robin H : thank you for your help with this issue, I was thinking,the fifth wheel plugs in the bed of the truck, my 2019 Ram 3500 also have a 7 pin plug in the bumper, so what about if I use a 7 pin extension from the bumper of the truck ,router underneath of the fifth wheel to the back of it so I can plug the motorcycle trailer.The fifth wheel have 2 axels with brakes and the motorcycle trailer have one axle with electric breake. Total of 3 axles with electric breakes,I believe that the OEM controller in the truck can handle 3 breaks. What do you think? If that's the case, you guys have a 35/37 feet 7 pin cord extension? Again, thanks for all your help.