What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes

Question

Question:

Hi, etrailer recommends to using Deka 10-2 gauge wire for running electric brakes to a tandem axle trailer. If this is the case, why does 7-way harnesses with molded plugs only have 12 gauge wiring for the brakes? Tghanks,

asked by: Ray S

0

Expert Reply:

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary. On a smaller trailer with a single axle of brakes 12 gauge wire would probably be enough. But for a longer tandem axle trailer I would recommend you run 10 gauge wire to all the assemblies just to minimize the amount of resistance that would be on the circuit.

Also, be sure to use clean metal surfaces for your grounding locations.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Mark C.

5/26/2025

Do you offer a 7 pin pigtail with 10g brake wire?

Jameson C.

5/26/2025

@MarkC The part # H20046 has 10 gauge wire on the ground and 12 volt accessory circuit. The brake output circuit is 12 gauge and the remaining circuits are 14. Would this work for you?

Answer 1

Yes, 14 gauge wire seems too small. I would go with 10 or 12 gauge. For 10 gauge you can use #10-1-1 and for 12 gauge use #12-1-1. These wires are sold in increments of 1 foot. So if you needed 20 feet of wire you would enter 20 in the quantity box.…

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Answer 2

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 3

Hey Allen, welcome back. Electric over hydraulic brakes are definitely an option here. You can use the current hubs, rotors, brake lines and breakaway. You'll just need the OEH actuator and 7-way install kit. Here is what I recommend: - Hydrastar…

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Answer 4

Hi Larry, I can definitely understand your frustration, and based on your testing, that low voltage at the 7-way is not normal and does point to an issue on the truck side rather than the trailers. Also, thank you for your photo. The good news is you…

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Answer 5

Wiring connections for the Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator are as follows. Yellow - Cold side of breakaway switch, The wire that goes hot when a breakaway occurs. Black - Positive connection on breakaway switch, The wire that charges the…

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Answer 6

Hey Mike, thanks for reaching out. In my experience the most durable 7-way plugs are the "double prong" style like our part #e99011. They tend to make better contact and the plug typically stays more securely inserted compared to other…

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Answer 7

Since your 2022 Ford Explorer has the factory tow package you can use the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers item #3035-P to install the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite item #RED63RR. This adapter will connect to the one that comes…

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Answer 8

The reason that 10 Gauge #10-1-1 or 12 Gauge #12-1-1 wire is recommended for 10" brake assemblies, like part #AKEBRK-35-SA, is because they pull more power than the lights on your trailer. I believe the green wire you are referring to carries…

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Answer 9

I recommend using at minimum a 12 gauge wire like #12-1-1, but preferably 10 gauge wire like #10-1-1. When you try to run 12v power for electric brakes through a thinner 14 gauge wire to power something like your brakes it overloads the wire and…

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Answer 10

Hey Roger, thanks for all of the information. The Redarc Tow-Pro Trail Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness item #RED44UR is going to be a great option for your 2024 F-150. It checks all the boxes for what you're requiring now and down the road.…

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Answer 11

If your trailer has 7 wires running all the way back to the brakes, then yes, you can tap into the existing wiring. Each of your new brakes will have two wires for the brake magnet. One wire is for 12 volt power to the brake magnets and the other…

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Answer 12

You really only need the heavier gauge wires for the brake output circuit, the 12 volt accessory circuit (if being used) and the ground circuit. If you can I would run 10 gauge like part #10-1-1 for each of these circuits. The other circuits can get…

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What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes

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