Umair Gaines
Electric trailer brakes are an essential safety feature that can prevent accidents and save lives. When towing a trailer, it is crucial to ensure that the trailer's brake system is properly connected to the tow vehicle through a breakaway cable. This cable acts as a safety measure by engaging the trailer's brakes and bringing it to a stop if it ever becomes detached from the towing vehicle. While the specific laws and requirements may vary by state, it is generally recommended to attach the breakaway cable securely to the tow vehicle's frame rather than the safety chains or receiver hitch. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to attach a trailer electric brake cable, covering topics such as cable types, wiring techniques, and important safety considerations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a trailer breakaway cable? | A safety cable that attaches the brake system on a trailer to the back of the tow vehicle. |
| When to use a trailer breakaway cable? | When the trailer unhooks from the tow vehicle, the breakaway cable activates the trailer brakes to slow down and stop the trailer. |
| How to attach a trailer breakaway cable? | The breakaway cable should be attached to the tow vehicle. The cable should be attached to a part of the tow vehicle that has no chance of coming apart, such as the frame. It can be attached to a tie-down point in the bed of the truck, a stake pocket tie-down, the safety chain loop on the bumper hitch, or the rails installed in the bed of the truck. |
| Why use a trailer breakaway cable? | It provides a means of automatically slowing and stopping your trailer, preventing it from becoming a hazard to other drivers on the road. |
| What are some things to consider when attaching a trailer breakaway cable? | The attachment point should be strong enough that, no matter the reason for it to be pulled, the cable will pull the pin out of the breakaway unit and not pull the cable loose at the other end. The cable should not be attached to any part of the receiver hitch, as this is neither legal nor safe. |
| What are some alternatives to a trailer breakaway cable? | Safety chains or cables are designed to hold the trailer to the towing vehicle in the event of a hitch failure. |
| What type of wire should be used for trailer electric brakes? | It is recommended to use 10-gauge wire for trailer electric brakes, as it is more than enough and becomes more necessary for longer trailers that use a lot of wire. |
| How to wire electric brakes on a tandem axle trailer? | The existing 7-pole wiring can be tapped into by running a two-wire 12-gauge section from brake to brake and then splicing into the existing 7-pole wiring, attaching the blue and white ground wires. |
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What You'll Learn
The breakaway cable is different from safety chains
When it comes to towing a trailer, safety is paramount. The breakaway cable and safety chains are two crucial components that serve different purposes in ensuring safe towing.
The breakaway cable is a vital safety feature that connects the towing vehicle to the trailer's battery and brake system. In the event of a trailer becoming detached from the hitch, the breakaway cable activates the trailer's brakes, bringing it to a stop and preventing it from careening down the road. This cable must be securely attached to the towing vehicle, independent of the safety chains.
On the other hand, safety chains are designed to keep the trailer connected to the towing vehicle in case of a hitch failure. They are typically crossed to create a cradle that catches the trailer coupler if it becomes uncoupled, preventing the trailer tongue from digging into the pavement. While the safety chains help prevent trailer detachment, they do not activate the trailer's brakes.
It is important to note that the breakaway cable and safety chains are not interchangeable. Attaching the breakaway cable to the safety chain will render it ineffective in an emergency. Always consult the manuals for your trailer and towing vehicle for specific instructions on connecting the breakaway cable correctly.
Additionally, there is a debate about the optimal length of the breakaway cable in relation to the safety chains. Some recommend the breakaway cable to be slightly longer than the safety chains, allowing for a chance to slow down and re-couple the trailer if it becomes unhitched. Others suggest keeping the breakaway cable shorter to prevent the trailer from slamming into the towing vehicle if it detaches. Ultimately, the decision on length may depend on personal preference and specific towing situations.
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Attach the cable to the tow vehicle
Attaching the breakaway cable to the tow vehicle is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your setup. This cable is designed to activate the trailer's brakes in the event of a hitch failure or separation, preventing it from becoming a hazard. Here are the detailed steps and considerations for attaching the cable to the tow vehicle:
Firstly, it is important to note that the breakaway cable should be attached independently to the tow vehicle and not just to the safety chains or tow chains. This is because if a chain breaks, the cable will stay connected to the tow vehicle and can activate the trailer brakes effectively. The cable should be attached to a sturdy part of the tow vehicle, typically the frame, to ensure it can withstand the force required to pull the pin out of the breakaway switch and activate the brakes.
There are several options for attachment points on your tow vehicle. You can attach the cable to a tie-down point in the bed of your truck or use a stake pocket tie-down. Alternatively, you can run the cable to the safety chain loop on the bumper hitch or attach it to the rails in the bed of the truck. If you choose to attach it to the rails, you can use a fifth-wheel hitch replacement pin and clip along with an empty slot in the rail.
When attaching the cable, ensure that it cannot be pinched or severed by any moving parts during towing. The cable should be securely looped through the mounting point, with the pin passing through the loop and inserted back into the breakaway switch.
It is important to consult the manuals for your specific tow vehicle and trailer for any unique instructions or requirements regarding the connection and testing of the breakaway cable. Additionally, while there may not be specific laws dictating the attachment point, it is crucial to comply with the regulations in your state regarding the presence of a breakaway cable for trailers over a certain weight.
By carefully following these instructions and considerations, you can ensure that your trailer's electric brake cable is securely attached to your tow vehicle, providing peace of mind and safety on the road.
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Use a 10-gauge wire for the brake circuit
When wiring trailer brakes, it is recommended to use 10-gauge wire to ensure enough power gets to the brakes. This is especially important for longer trailers that require a lot of wire, as the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary to minimise resistance in the circuit.
For example, if you have a 12-volt battery and you're using 12-gauge wire, you may experience a significant voltage drop over a long distance. This could result in the brakes not functioning optimally or even failing to engage. By using 10-gauge wire, you can help prevent this issue and ensure the safety of your trailer.
Additionally, when wiring the electric brakes, it is important to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector. The other wire will need to be grounded to a clean metal surface on the trailer.
You can use 10-gauge wire #10-1-1, which is a standard copper primary wire sold by the foot. This wire is commonly used for trailer brake circuits and will provide reliable performance.
It's worth noting that while 10-gauge wire is recommended for longer trailers, a smaller trailer with a single axle of brakes may be sufficient with 12-gauge wire. However, for tandem axle trailers, it is advisable to use 10-gauge wire throughout to maintain consistent performance and minimise potential issues.
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Connect wires to the brake controller output wire
When connecting wires to the brake controller output wire, it is important to follow safety precautions and work with care. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Disconnect the Vehicle Battery: Before beginning any work on the electrical systems, it is crucial to disconnect the vehicle's battery. This step helps prevent accidental injuries and protects the vehicle's electronics from potential damage. Locate the negative battery cable and carefully unbolt it, moving it to the side and away from the battery.
- Identify the Correct Wires: Different vehicles will have varying wiring configurations, so it is essential to identify the correct wires for the brake controller output. Refer to the vehicle's manual or seek vehicle-specific instructions to pinpoint the wires accurately.
- Probe the Wires: To identify the brake controller output wire, you can use a circuit tester to probe the wires connected to the brake pedal. The wire you want is the one that lights up only when the brake pedal is depressed.
- Install a Stop Light Switch (Optional): If you cannot find the correct wire or wish to avoid probing, you can opt to install a stop light switch, such as the RM-751000. This switch will serve as an alternative way to control the brakes. Route the output from the switch to the red wire from your brake controller wire harness.
- Match and Connect the Wires: Once you have identified the correct wires, it's time to make the connections. Strip the wires on the brake controller harness if needed, and then attach butt connectors. Splice the wires from the vehicle to the brake controller harness, ensuring that you match the colours of the wires accurately.
- Secure Connections: With the wires securely crimped together, you can now plug the brake controller harness into your brake controller unit. Ensure that all connections are secure and properly seated to avoid issues.
- Mount the Brake Controller: Find a suitable mounting location for the brake controller. It should be easily visible while driving but not obstruct your view of the road or other controls. Use the mounting bracket as a template to mark the drilling points, and then carefully drill holes for the fasteners.
- Power the Brake Controller: Locate the factory power feed wire, typically found under the hood near the fuse box. Attach this power feed wire to the auxiliary power terminal on your vehicle's fuse box, supplying power to your brake controller unit.
By following these steps, you will have successfully connected the wires to the brake controller output wire, ensuring proper functionality and safety.
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Ground one wire to a clean metal surface
Grounding a wire is a highly technical process and it is recommended that you hire a local electrician or other professional to help you. If you are grounding a wire in your home, the process will be different from grounding a wire for a trailer.
If you are grounding a wire in your home, you will need to run a ground wire beneath your home to provide a path for electricity to flow into the earth instead of into your home. If your outlet box is metal, you can use a self-grounding metal clip or grounding screw to attach the grounding wire to the rim of the box.
If you are grounding a wire for a trailer, you will need to use a 10-gauge wire. One of the wires will need to be connected to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector, and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean metal surface on the trailer.
- Always follow safety practices when doing electrical work.
- Consult an electrician for advice on grounding a wire without doing extensive work.
- Keep the connection clean, dry, and tight for ground terminals.
- Use a braided copper ground strap to attach the engine to the frame.
- Use insulated wire if you are running wire for any length to prevent deterioration due to moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
The breakaway cable is a safety cable that attaches the brake system on a trailer to the back of the tow vehicle. It is important to know how to connect it as it could potentially save a life. The breakaway cable should be attached to the tow vehicle's frame, which is a separate spot from the receiver that is normally used for attaching the safety chains. The cable should be attached to a part of the tow vehicle that has no chance of coming apart.
Typically, trailer wiring is colour-coded. The brake circuit is usually a blue wire that travels to each brake magnet, where it is attached to one wire from each brake magnet. The other wire from each brake magnet will be grounded to the trailer frame. If your trailer has seven wires running all the way back to the brakes, then 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 wire should be grounded to either the trailer frame or to the main trailer ground wire.
We recommend using 10-gauge wire as this would be more than enough. For longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire, heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.
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