Can I Wire a Single Ground for all Four of the Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assemblies?

Updated 01/15/2026 | Published 01/13/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(311)

$82.94

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(107)

$1.71

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

(302)

$83.92

Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 10

(1124)

$13.21

Question:

Im replacing all brake assemblies on tandem axle horse trailer. A few months ago, one of my brakes was not working which I traced to a bad ground to chassis. This was a head scratcher for me because I knew I had power to the brake, so I assumed the magnet was bad and replaced with a complete assembly. Of course the new unit didnt work either, until I cleaned and reattached the ground wire. What is your opinion on connecting all brake ground wires to a common ground wire, connected to the chassis near the front of the trailer where the 7 way harness is grounded? Any corrosion to the chassis connection would be more noticeable there.

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

That would be a great solution Mark! Grounding issues are a common problem amongst horse and live stock trailers. You can connect the brake assemblies item # 23-26 and item # 23-27 you purchased using a few feet of the 10 Gauge Wire item # 10-1-1.

The 2 wires coming from the trailer brakes item # 23-26 and item # 23-27 are not labeled as positive and negative terminals. I recommend using the white wire on all four to keep it simple. You'll want to use heat shrink butt connectors like item # DW05745-10 to ensure a secure weather proof connection.

Additionally, it is extremely common for setups like the one you're planning on doing to be wired directly to the ground wire on your horse trailer's 7-way connector. This will ground your brakes through your tow vehicle's ground.

If you have any additional questions, go ahead and click on the box that says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.