How to Ground Trailer Brakes on an Aluminum Trailer

Question

Question:

I have an aluminum dual axle cargo trailer which has electric brakes. Is grounding to the aluminum frame sufficient enough? If not, please give me some advice for proper grounding. Thanks,

asked by: Ray S

0

Expert Reply:

On an aluminum trailer I would recommend you ground the brakes by running the ground wire back up to the ground circuit of the connector on the trailer. Aluminum frames do not make the best ground points so I wouldn't ground the assemblies to the frame. You would most likely have pretty weak braking performance if you did.

I attached an FAQ on wiring that you might find helpful also.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

The "Trailer Disconnected" error message on the dash with a factory brake controller is usually related to an issue with the blue brake output wire that runs from the brake controller to the 7-Way connector. The fact that the issue remains…

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Answer 2

Aluminum trailer frames or bodies can cause grounding issues so I suggest using a separate ground wire that runs from the rear of the trailer up to the main ground post in the junction box like #38656. You can join the ground wires for the individual…

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Answer 3

Although it may not be absolutely necessary, aluminum does not conduct well so running the ground wire to your aluminum frame is not recommended. Instead, you can use #DW02359-1 to run individual ground wires for each light up to your main ground…

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Answer 4

Adapters like the Titan BrakeRite SD Adatper, part #T4845900, will help keep electric over hydraulic actuator from pulsing. When a truck's integrated brake controller isn't compatible with EOH brakes the verification signal it sends back to…

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Answer 5

If your trailer has the BrakeRite II Severe-Duty electric over hydraulic actuator, #T4835700, installed for activating the hydraulic trailer brakes and the trailer was pulled with a Ford truck with an OEM brake controller setup, that should not cause…

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Answer 6

It sounds like the trailer has a grounding issue. Grounding problems can cause all sorts weird effects and aluminum trailers are notorious for issues with grounding and can sometimes require ground jumper wires. Often the easiest way to do this is to…

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Answer 7

The Adapter Module #DX35FR is the original part and requires butt connectors to splice into the BrakeRite systems while the Dexter BrakeRite SD Adapter #T4845900 was designed for the newer BrakeRite SD and comes with a T-Connection so you don't…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 12

The Demco Hydraulic Trailer Brake Actuator part #DM72VR should be a direct replacement for the Atwood 61101 Brake Actuator that you have now. This newest updated it rated at 7K instead of 6K. This is a bolt on option that mounts on 3" centers.…

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How to Ground Trailer Brakes on an Aluminum Trailer

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