Recommended Brake Wire for a 14' Long Trailer?

Published 12/11/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 10" - Right Hand - 3,500 lbs

(302)

$83.92

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(325)

$3.00

12 Gauge 2 Conductor Jacketed (Brake) Wire Per Foot

(515)

$2.37

Question:

Trailer brake, Everything I have read states 10 gauge or 12 gauge wire should be used for the electric brakes on my trailer.my trailer 14’ long and gross weight is 7,000 pounds But wire in the brake assembly seems to be a 14 gauge wire. Help understand this issue? Thank you

asked by: Ed S

Expert Reply:

Hey Ed. It has to do with the voltage dropping from the 7-way connector on your trailer to the brake assemblies. The thicker 10 item # 10-2-1 or 12 gauge wire item # 12-2-1 carries the brake signal without a voltage drop over longer distances.

For a 14' long trailer, I recommend using 12 gauge wire item # 12-2-1. It is sold by the foot.

What kind of trailer do you have and do you also need brake assemblies?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Reply to Jerred H.

expert reply by: Jerred H

12-2-1
(click to enlarge)

Ed S.

12/11/2025

Thank you, this makes sense! What type wire would recommend to through the axle from left to the right brake? I is the picture included is this the 12/2/1? What gauge is it? Ed

Jerred H.

12/11/2025

@EdS You're welcome! I recommend using the 12 gauge wire item # 12-2-1 to run the brake wire from your 7-way to your brake assemblies. You may be able to get that wire through your axle but if not you'll need to zip tie it to the outside. The picture above is the 12 gauge wire item # 12-2-1.

12/11/2025

@JerredH Thank you