Mack Semi for towing boat
#1
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Mack Semi for towing boat
I have a mack semi tractor I plan on setting up to tow my 40' formula. I have a question, maybe someone has done it.
I plan on having a reciever type hitch fabbed for it. But my question is about the electrical hookups. The trailer has electric brakes. I would need to install a brake controller, I guess a inertia triggered one due to the airbrakes. The other question would be is how to design/make a harnesss from the tractor to the trailer for the lights/brakes? My standard semi style one wont work due to the elec trailer brake issue. Anyone know where to get the parts for a project like this?
I plan on having a reciever type hitch fabbed for it. But my question is about the electrical hookups. The trailer has electric brakes. I would need to install a brake controller, I guess a inertia triggered one due to the airbrakes. The other question would be is how to design/make a harnesss from the tractor to the trailer for the lights/brakes? My standard semi style one wont work due to the elec trailer brake issue. Anyone know where to get the parts for a project like this?
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The electric brake controller is activated by the same signal that operates the brake lights. Are semis 12v or 24 volt? Don't know if that's an issue. It then directs a variable electrical load down one wire to the trailer brakes. There's typically 4 wires on a brake controller:1) brake signal, 2) 12v+, 3) braking power to the trailer, and 4) I don't remember, maybe ground. So only 1 wire goes back to the connector.
As for a wiring harness, work from the trailer forward. What type of connector at the trailer? Just about any parts store will have the tow vehicle side compatible connector. Run wires from that connector and tap those wires in the appropiate circuit and you're done. Assuming it's all 12v. Should be only 5 wires: 1)electric brakes (blue), 2)running/tail lights (brown), 3)left turn/brake, 4)right turn/brake, 5)ground (white). Yeah, I never remember which is right or left, yellow or brown.
As for a wiring harness, work from the trailer forward. What type of connector at the trailer? Just about any parts store will have the tow vehicle side compatible connector. Run wires from that connector and tap those wires in the appropiate circuit and you're done. Assuming it's all 12v. Should be only 5 wires: 1)electric brakes (blue), 2)running/tail lights (brown), 3)left turn/brake, 4)right turn/brake, 5)ground (white). Yeah, I never remember which is right or left, yellow or brown.
Last edited by handfulz28; 02-27-2008 at 08:40 PM.
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Jeff, NICE tow rig !!!
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#9
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i put a ball on the front of my rig. you never know when you will need to thread the needle. if you put a box on the back you can carry a car inside. it's nice to go out for dinner in the car. over.