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Old 03-20-2012, 10:42 AM   #1
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Ele. Brakes?

We have a single axle 17 foot Shamrock.......and the previous owner put the pigtail (Round to 4 pin flat) on the camper....and I do not have a brake controller on my truck....nor do I have the Round electrical plug.......so we just used the 4 pin for lights and brakes.....

so the question is......does a single axle 17 foot really need brakes????

sure if I had them...I would hook them up....but do I need to spend the money to make that happen?????
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Old 03-20-2012, 10:50 AM   #2
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It goes by state law and states vary. Trailer brakes are generally needed in Wisconsin over 3,000lbs GVW. I believe its the same for Alabama.
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Old 03-20-2012, 10:53 AM   #3
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In most states by law if the equipment is installed it MUST be in working order.
I think a break away is mandatory .
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Old 03-20-2012, 11:06 AM   #4
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How can I find out the weight of my Shamrock?

single axle 17'

anyone know what it is???
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Old 03-20-2012, 11:31 AM   #5
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  • Sticker - There should be a yellow sticker on it near the front door and sometimes on the outside of the trailer - driver's side.
  • Scale - You can and probably should weigh it at a CAT scale.
  • Below is the current specs for the Shamrock 17. I am sure its different than the ones from 10 years ago but it might help...
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Old 03-20-2012, 11:33 AM   #6
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Brakes are a good idea on any trailer in my opinion. You can actuate them manually at the controller and help straighten a trailer out that is fishtailing and it saves wear and tear on your TV brakes. With the exception of my boat trailer I use them on all my trailers.
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Old 03-20-2012, 11:40 AM   #7
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The first time someone pulls out in front of you, you'll wish you had them hooked up.
It's really not worth the risk.
The phrase "better safe than sorry" comes to mind.

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Old 03-20-2012, 11:44 AM   #8
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ok..ok..ok.....Just ordered one from Amazon.....will be here Thursday....

NOW...who is coming over to help me put them on :-)

may have more questions about installation when I have it in hand!....

should not be too bad....right????.... (Please say yes)(Please say yes) (fingers crossed)
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Old 03-20-2012, 11:49 AM   #9
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What exactly did you order, Athens?
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Old 03-20-2012, 11:51 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Athens-M50 View Post
ok..ok..ok.....Just ordered one from Amazon.....will be here Thursday....

NOW...who is coming over to help me put them on :-)

may have more questions about installation when I have it in hand!....

should not be too bad....right????.... (Please say yes)(Please say yes) (fingers crossed)
You ordered a brake controller? Depending on the manufacture and your vehicle you can buy a pigtail that will very easily connect your controller to your tow vehicle. Pretty sure you will have to add the 7 pin connector for the brakes to work?!?!? I could be wrong, but pretty sure you have to add the the 7 pin to the TT and TV.
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Old 03-20-2012, 12:48 PM   #11
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Etrailer.com has alot of good wiring diagrams, pigtails etc. You might check there.
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Old 03-20-2012, 02:06 PM   #12
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yes, you're violating the law by not using a brake controller with the trailer, since it DOES have electric brakes.
as far as i know, all hybrids should have electric brakes unless an owner took them out, which would be against the law.
and a breakaway switch is also required by law.

also sounds like your truck doesn't have the factory tow package, since it would have the 7-pin round connector.
you're going to need to duplicate that package and won't be cheap.
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Old 03-20-2012, 02:06 PM   #13
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Post your questions and pics. I have done a few so I can cheer u on and help. Like other poster said etrailer.com has a lot of info. First what is tow vehicle does it have 4 pin now
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Old 03-20-2012, 02:13 PM   #14
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I've got a twelve pack of coors light I'm usually pretty intelligent
after that to help!
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Old 03-21-2012, 09:00 AM   #15
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ok guys....recommendations needed here.....

ordered trailer brake controller.....

looked under where my 7way is...and it looked like a rats nest!!!!.....looks like they spliced a 4 way in .....maybe 3 or 4 time.....it's a mess.....I looked on etrailer

Ford Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, 7-Way Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring 118242

...and they have a replacement BUT it is for a 4 pole harness....to a 7 pole harness......I have a 7 pole harness....that needs to be replaced......called them this morning and they have no such thing.

so my question....

called ford and they want $160 for a replacement

or go to junkyard and see if I can find one cut it back 2 foot back off from the 7 way connector...and do a "Clean" splice.
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Old 03-21-2012, 09:19 AM   #16
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Not sure about your ford but my two hear at work have a connection
About 3 foot up from where the 7 way is mounted with a factory plug.
Ones a 96 and the other a 2001
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Old 03-21-2012, 09:26 AM   #17
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Ok found it!
Do you have a Napa store?
Look on line at a Pt number 755-2290
Ford truck trailer wire harness
For 2004 -1997 ford truck, duplicates
original equipment in fit and function

Or pt number 755-2291 for 2001-1999 ford truck
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Old 03-21-2012, 09:47 AM   #18
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I do have a 2001......so that would just come down...and I would just wire that into the 7way at my bumper....correct?
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Old 03-21-2012, 09:50 AM   #19
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If I was a betting man id say yes!
Look closely for that junction it should be there.
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Old 03-21-2012, 10:12 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by f1100turbo View Post
If I was a betting man id say yes!
Look closely for that junction it should be there.
it is...i looked last night.

being it is for a FORD....I guess the wire colors would be correct....so I should be able to hard wire it into the 7way.
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