When I rewired my trailer, I used the instructions 'printed' here:
http://www.etrailer.com/faq/wiring.asp
It doesn't specifically mention wire gauge. but I do recall reading 12
gauge for the brake circuit. Since I like to run dedicated ground
wires (to supplement the chassis ground), I made that 12 gauge also.
Re: power for the winch, my guess it takes a lot of amps to run the
winch. I have seen some people run a long, heavy gauge cable from the
tow vehicle battery to power the winch. I use a deep cycle battery
mounted in a box on the trailer tongue to power my winch - thus it
only needs about 24" cables (4 gauge IIRC). Then I connect a charger
when I am back home.
Perhaps one could use the 12V+ terminal (from the vehicle's trailer
socket) to keep the trailer's battery charged but I would not try to
power the winch from this source.
Anybody use a solar charger?
Eric
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Vaccaro" <tvacc@lotusowners.com>
To: <shop-talk@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2003 7:21 PM
Subject: Trailer Wiring.
>
> As long as we are talking about trailers.
>
> I just am setting up a 97 Suburban that I bought to tow with. I
bought the
> new Prodigy brake controller...and I am going to pick up a trailex
enclosed
> trailer with a winch...never had one of those before.
>
> My question is:
>
> I started by using 12 guage wire for the electric brake line...as
well as
> for the ground..
>
> While searching the internet to see how to hook up the standard 7
prong
> plug...I see that some are reccommending using a 10 guage for both
the aux
> line and the spare line with a 10 gauge ground...
>
> I can do this..I just have to run several more wires...
>
> What do you all think of this...and where do you think the winch
runs off
> of..I am thinking that it runs off the prong located at 1:30 on the
> connector as you look at the connector on the truck..
>
> How you are supposed to hook it up is... 9 o clock is left turn...3
oclock
> right turn...
> 4:30 is the trailer brakes.... 10:30 is the running lights...center
is the
> spare (often used for trailer or backup lights...and 7:30 is the
ground.
>
>
> Tony Vaccaro
> http://www.lotusowners.com
> http://www.drivingclothes.com
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