Triple Axle Trailer Electric Brakes Not Working After Re-Wiring with 18-Gauge Wire

Updated 10/07/2014 | Published 10/06/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.00

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

(323)

$3.91

Question:

I have just purchased a used 56foot 2008 Triple Axle Kaufman Trailer and the wires were broke and wrapped around the Axles and held in place with Tape. I re-ran Flexible 18/2 gauge wire Lamp Wire to give me what I though would be a more durable wire through the Internal Axles as this is how it came from the Factory. The Service Wire Power from the Trailer Connector is 10/2. When I hooked up the wires, NONE of my brakes worked. If I disconnect the wires and just tie the First Axle on the Left Only. The Brakes locks up tight and had 13.4 volts coming through. If I tie the First and Second together, then Nothing, No Voltage, no Brake operation. I disconnected the First Axle and ran power straight to the Second Axle and it locks up perfectly. If I try and connect the Second and Third Axle, then NOTHING... No Voltage, No Brakes. I did not mark the Wires Positive and Negative when I ran them through the housing... Did I need to? It feels like I am doing something VERY STUPID Wrong but for the life of me, I am not sure what that is.... Can you help me please?

asked by: Todd A

Expert Reply:

For a large trailer like your 56-foot triple-axle Kaufman, you will need to wire the brake circuit with much heavier-gauge wiring to pass the current required to operate the six brake assemblies. We suggest you use 10-gauge wire like # 10-2-1 from Deka to wire the brake assemblies. Even shorter trailers than your 56-footer need this wire gauge for brake circuits.

Please note that the brake assembly wiring is NOT polarized; it does not matter which of the two wires from each electric brake assembly ties to ground and which is hot.

For reference I have linked an article on trailer wiring that may prove useful to you in your project.

expert reply by: Adam R