Trim off the access wire and casing, remove the wire from the casing and then use the casing for the opposite side. I opened up the new connector and it’s wired backwards. Let’s see what types of connectors the trailer light wiring industry uses today. Click on the image below to enlarge it. 99. Kudos on a quality job. Video tutorial on how to wire trailer lights. Most of us aren't electricians, but that doesn't mean wiring a trailer or replacing corroded wiring is beyond us. Now that you know the types of connectors, you have to determine what you have on your vehicle to make the connection to a trailer. Also, it must connect with things (if included) that use the Aux Power and Back-up lights too. Testing the wiring for trailer lights. 4 way flat molded connectors allow basic hookup for three lighting functions; right turn signal / stop light (green), left turn signal / stop light (yellow), taillight / license / side marker (brown) and a ground (white). I believe there is about 25ft of wiring which should be plenty for a trailer of this size. Ie pins 4 and 1 are reversed and 6 and 7 and 2 and 5. … Turn signals and brake lights should be the brighter illumination and parking or clearance lights should be the dimmer illumination. After I can run the wiring along the side of the tongue as the top of the tongue will be against the bed. You will also see a Brown wire which is the taillight wire. It has three poles for basic functions (running lights, turn signals, and brake lights) and one pin for the ground. Thanks for the help! How to Wire Trailer Lights: Video tutorial on how to wire trailer lights. If you do not have a tilt trailer, then connect the ground wire to the tongue. Click on the image below to enlarge it. Just use a larger sized drill bit or step drill and turn it by hand. If you have a good repair manual, and you should, you can use the wiring diagrams inside to find the correct wire for your trailer wiring. Let’s see what types of connectors the trailer light wiring industry uses today. There is enough access wire at the tilt pivot too. First starting out with a center drill and then finish up with the correct sized drill bit. Install the grommet and pull through the wire. Slide the heat shrink over the join and apply heat to seal. Seal up the split casing at the plug using electrical tape. First, you used a nice grommet at only the side of the trailer for the cased wires to run trough. Be careful when using a scriber as this can create a spot for steel to crack, so it’s normally not recommend on structural components. And the third diagram using clearance lights. Perhaps you want to add clearance lights, extended the plug length at the tongues end, change out the lights or whatever else may need more wires. Be sure to check with your local laws in order to determine what is required for a lights. We'll walk you through the wiring process--it's easier than you think! It will help to have an understanding of trailer light systems and we recommend reviewing trailer wiring diagrams before starting this project. 7-way connectors allow for all functions provided by 6-way connectors (three basic lighting functions, electric brakes, and additional power supply), with the seventh wire for backup lights. To make this tutorial easier to understand, I will be flipping the trailer on it’s side so everything is easily viewable. Here are two wiring diagrams for the 7 pin ‘N’ type trailer electrical plug. 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,292. Even if your vehicle is not equipped with a connector, it may have a wiring plug located in the rear. If you want to install a license plate light, then just run another extension from the clearance lights. Next I have 1/4” diameter, 25ft in length poly split loom casing to protect the wiring. Basically, it is another 12V circuit typically used for a reverse light / reverse lockout for trailer brakes. Just to give you a peak before I flip over the trailer. 6-Way trailer connectors are used in the following vehicle applications: 6 way wiring diagram is explained in the schematic and table below: 7-Way trailer connectors are used by the following vehicle types: 7 way trailer wiring diagram is explained in details in the picture and the table below: A very good explanation what the black wire in the 7-way connector is for. It won't happen initially, but it will when you least want it to. And finally we’re down to testing, ensuring everything works as it should. Properly functioning trailer lights are a must for safety, so check your lights every time you use your trailer. Using a self drill screw with a pre-drilled hole, ensure there is enough wire if you are working with a tilt trailer. The first diagram is a simple set up of two brake lights, two indicators and two side lights. Trailer Light Wiring Basics. For this I will be soldering the wires instead, you can use weatherproof connectors too, your choice. TRAILER LIGHTS, WIRING, PLUGS & ADAPTERS. Trailer Wiring Diagrams Trailer Wiring Connectors. They developed a universal trailer connector that has been used on their vehicles since the 1990s. The reason for the longer wire is that if anything were need to be adjusted, we have an extra 6 inches easily for any modifications. Share it with us! Grounding to the trailer will certainly cause issue down the road. The four wires control the turn signals, brake lights and taillights or running lights. A 7-way plug connects your trailer and tow vehicle and provides the required lights, turn signals, brake power, battery hot lead, reverse lights, and ground. I’ll included a diagram at the end and add if you want to install clearance lights too. Do this for the full length until it y’s off at the end of the bed. Moving onto installation, use those plastic loop clips with screws and install the wiring into place. As mentioned before, this trailer has LED lights installed. A couple things I would like to suggest though. So here I have an older trailer which needed some work, along with re-wiring the lights. Start by cutting the white wire and attaching it to the trailer frame. Being that this is a structural piece, small holes won’t really affect the integrity too much. 1 year ago. This is just a standard 4 way connector with a ground, parking, and signal or brake lights. $11.99 $ 11. Again closing the split loop end with electrical tape. As a matter of fact, the aftermarket offers harnesses to join two connectors of any type. 5 way trailer wiring diagram allows basic hookup of the trailer and allows using 3 main lighting functions and 1 extra function that depends on the vehicle: As a rule, 5-Way flat connectors are used for trailers that feature surge brakes or hydraulic brakes. The white wire must be attached to the trailer in order to ground and power the lights. You did a good tutorial about wiring trailer lights and even did a pretty nice install. complete kits are available (see product description); offer a concealed terminal with a dust cover for protection against the elements. Again the wires are taped up with the casing. I used adhesive filled shrink tube as well for a waterproof seal. You must check the trailer manual to see if the wiring is correct, but normally the white wire is called the ground wire, while the brown wire is used for tail lights. If you are using existing lights and the wires are dirty, they will need to be cleaned in order to have a sufficient connection and for the solder to stick. Second, the typical consensus on most boating sights is to run the white (ground) wire to every light and connect for their ground. Just wire the appropriate wires to the ones described above and then wire the ground to a good ground at the frame. 4-Way trailer connectors are typically used on small trailers such as boat, snowmobile, utility and other trailers that that do not use brakes. When it is plugged, it disengages hydraulic trailer actuator when you reverse, so the trailer brakes are off at that moment. I’ve based it off this wiring setup where it runs up the center and branches out at the end of the bed vs running it on each side. To make this tutorial easier to understand, I will be flipping the trailer on it’s side so everything is easily viewable. I applaud you in some respect and have some issue with others. On top also helps keep it away from the ground and scrubbing on the road. I measured out the hole, used a scriber just to lightly mark the paint and not the steel. To connect the electric system of your trailer to the vehicle, you will be using special connector. Includes guides for 7 pin, 6pin, 5 pin, 12 pin, 13 pin, pin and heavy duty round plugs and sockets. Many trailers have three circuits. To install the ground, this will go on the bed directly to the frame member. So the ground wire needs to be attached to the bed. Reply Yellow and green are for left and right turns and braking. an extra pin allows using another extra function. While the basic configuration is a 4-way flat connector that features one female and three male ends, you may come across connectors with up to seven pins for additional functions that require wiring, including electrically actuated brakes, power source for a winch, etc. You don't want your left turn signal to be your right or your brake lights to be your running lights. At the tongue, I’ll run it on the top to keep it away from any hazards and it’s centered depending on which side the vehicle’s trailer plug comes from. Use a center punch to prevent the drill bit from wandering. So the casing will help protect the light pigtails too. 3 years ago, Thank you for the kind words and sharing your tips as well :). Before you can get any trailer lights working, you'll need to know what wire does what. Above we have describes the main types of trailer wiring diagrams. The rest of the wires are wired from below. Strip the wires, solder the connection and add shrink tube. This is a fairly simple setup, no license plate light, or clearance lights. Other then that, I like your video and casing idea. Apart from providing basic functions, this connector has 2 more ports for electric brake control (blue) and 12V power supply (black or red). You guys helped me a lot. This organization (United States Council for Automotive Research) united three major American automakers (Chrysler, Ford, and GM) in their intention to advance automotive technologies. Now for the wire and casing, it has been cut longer, especially the casing since there is a few inches of wire coming from the lights. They also provide the vehicle side connector too which I don’t need as the tow vehicle already has that installed. I have wired lots of trailers and I like using the split loom myself. Been there, done that. This is accomplished by tapping into the tow vehicle's electrical harness to transfer power to the trailer wiring system. Feed the exposed wire into the casing, this will go against the already installed casing and taped up after holding everything together. Many modern tow-capable trucks and SUVs, especially those by the Big Three, come equipped with trailer packages from the factory as part of the USCAR program. SUZCO 25 Foot 4 Wire 4-Flat Trailer Light Wiring Harness Extension Kit, 4-Way Plug 4 Pin Male & Female Extension Connector & Wishbone-Style with 18 Gauge White Ground Wire with SAE J1128. Stay up to date with my latest tutorials, don't forget to FOLLOW my profile and be sure to check out my YOUTUBE page as well for all your DIY needs. As the name implies, they use four wires to carry out the vital lighting functions. followed directions, double checked to make sure, but blinkers don't blink when trailer conected, without trailers work just fine? These too would run off the brown or parking light wiring, same as the license plate light. Connect the wires from the lights to the new wiring. This also makes it much easier to work on, so if you have a smaller trailer and can do this, I would definitely recommend it. Fortunately, almost all wires you need (except for a brake controller wire) connect to your vehicle’s tail light assembly. The green and brown wire goes to the passenger or right side of the vehicle and the yellow and brown goes to the driver or left side of the vehicle. Use a center drill as a pilot hole and then select the correct size for the split casing. Three wires are for the trailer while the last wire is the ground wire. As you can see on the back of the package, they typically provide a guide so if you need extra help, this is a great reference guide. The license plate light would run off the parking lights, known as the brown wire so you can pull the power supply from either side. I have already removed what was left of the old wiring and will be installing everything new except lights. Now to flip the trailer on it’s wheels again, I need to do the opposite side that was sitting on the ground. 4-pin connectors are the standard used for most trailers. In order to hold the wiring in place, cable ties can be used but I’d rather have something a little more durable and cleaner. Wrap electrical tape segments around this split loop casing too just like before. This is the most common scenario. If you run individual white ground wires to all the lights and tie them together, you will never have a ground issue. And that is because of dissimilar metal corrosion. You may need to inspect your vehicle thoroughly or contact the manufacturer’s customer support to ask whether your vehicle is equipped with it and find out its location. Standard Electrical Connector Wiring Diagram plugs the 12V wire and electric brake wire may be reversed to accommodate trailer (particularly horse trailers). While the basic configuration is a 4-way flat connector that features one female and three male ends, you may come across connectors with up to seven pins for additional functions that require wiring, including electrically actuated brakes, power source for a winch, etc. Question Great to hear and thank you for the input. One to two feet is good. As a rule, you can find these connectors on the older trailers and older vehicles built in the U.S. At the moment, neiter tow vehicles nor trailers are equipped with round 4-pin connectors from the factory. Plug it into your vehicle, ensure the brake lights, four way flashers, parking lights, signal lights are working correction. Do the same for the other holes too. To determine how to wire up trailer lights, you need to know whether your vehicle has a factory-installed trailer package and whether a plug-and-play T-connector is available for it on the market. ), and adhesive lined heat shrink tubing. CM Trailer Equipment are a leading distributor of high quality trailer parts and components to the light trailer building industry in New Zealand. Would this cause the wiring to melt in the trailer? © 2021 BullyUSA.com is an independent enthusiast website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Pilot Automotive. The second diagram shows two brake lights, two indicators, two side lights and a fog light. I’m trying to keep the wire clips somewhat closer together to prevent the wire from being caught up on anything. This also makes it much easier to work on, so if you have a smaller trailer and can do this, I would definitely recommend it. These loops hold the wiring snug, so I was able to leave access wire on the tilt lock so there’s no interference. Get it as soon as Wed, Jan 6. If your utility trailer is starting to show its age, you no doubt have had problems with your lights. Yellow is for the left turn signal and brake light and green is for the right turn signal and brake light. In this case, you can go with one of universal trailer wiring kits the aftermarket offers today. Just got back to taking trailer and car to sparky tomorrow. Careful when tightening up these screws, they can twist the loop, so take your time with power tools or use a screwdriver for tightening. About: Car enthusiast YouTuber creating helpful tutorial videos on both repairs and customizations. Be sure to check with your local laws … When installing your lights, you may need to run a test and refer to their diagram. Did you make this project? On my boat I take it 1 step further and before I slip on the tubing, I smear some dielectric grease on the soldered joint, then shrink the tube. The trailer wiring diagram shows this wire going to all the lights and brakes. Your new harness will tell you which wire is for what. Trailer Parts Superstore® offers a huge selection of trailer lighting including exterior running lights, interior lights, reverse lights, license plate lights, reflectors, wiring harnesses, electric plugs & sockets and much more. You can see the wire is fully cased in poly split loop, have a sufficient amount of loops to hold the wiring in place and prevent it from hanging down. Attach the Ground Wire to the Trailer. Depending on the model, the location may vary from inside of trunk to under the rear floor panel. Trailer Wiring Diagrams 4 Way Systems. Now tape the trailer wiring together is about 16” spacing, this just helps keep everything organized and makes it easier to insert in the split casing. However, in the simplest scenario on how to wire trailer lights, if you’ve bought a new vehicle, the only thing you will have to do is to find a factory-installed connector on it and get the right harness to attach it to the trailer. Because installation works related to electricity scary many vehicle owners away, they prefer the experts at trailer shops to have the job done for them instead of trying to figure out how things work. When you start cutting big holes in a components, that’s when the structure becomes weaker. At the y’d portion, this will continue to one light, trim off the access, and the remaining section will be using on the opposite side. Everything You Need for Towing Vehicle Wiring Whether you need trailer light wiring or wiring for any other towing application, we have what you need, and we make finding the right fit easy: simply enter your vehicle's year, make, model, and engine at the top of this page. Being SAE certified mechanic, Andrew knows how your vehicle works and how to make it run even smoother. Be sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button! For the ground wire, I had to extend this. Once at the end of the bed, insert the wire in the casing, this will be ran to the driver’s side. Went camping and came back and the trailer wiring is totally meted. Built with quality and strength that will match that of your rig, our truck accessories are custom designed to enhance the appearance and function of your vehicle. This is a fairly simple setup, no license plate light, or clearance lights. I couldn't find the explanation in 4 more sites I reviewed. As for the wiring diagrams, here is a couple different versions to go with. Again, been there and done that. You’ll need to plan where to run the wiring, considering this is a tilt trailer I’ll run it up the center and then it’ll split at the back of the trailer to each light. This will keep debris out of the casing and prevent the wiring from popping out. If you have a tubing frame, you may consider running the wire inside of that. $12.99 $ 12. If any paint work or welding is required, I would recommend doing that first before installing the new wiring. One clearance light on each side and then one larger one at the back. RC Arduino Domino Layer With Bluetooth App Control. LED lights had been installed on this trailer about a year ago. Reply I’ve provide three different wiring diagrams at the end of the video for a better understanding. I still have the ground wire installation left. Does anyone know what the colors of the Featherlite trailer … 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 wiring diagram tailgate ( trailer) sabs 1327 - 1981 1.----- left indicator -----yellow 1 2.----- auxiliary-----blue 3.-----earth-----white Matt Wright. Each light has it’s own ground shown by the white wire that connects directly to the bed on the light brackets. The fifth wire (blue) is meant for reverse lights; this connection is needed to disconnect the hydraulic trailer coupler or actuator when the vehicle is backing up, thus deactivating the brakes on a trailer. This vehicle-to-trailer wiring harness creates a standard trailer wiring connection by plugging into vehicle harness and tail light assembly, and then routing the 4-way harness to the rear end of a vehicle. Install an electrical contact loop and the mounting surface may need to be cleaned. Andrew Demaree is Bully’s resident technical writer and automotive expert. If there are absolutely no provisions for trailer lights, you are electrically inclined or have a rough idea of how to wire trailer lights, you might consider splicing into your existing wiring. It looks cleaner and holds onto the casing firmly. But you didn't use a grommet at other locations that are just as prone to chaffing through he casing and insulation and short. Though trailer lighting systems are available in an array of configurations, the most popular is the 4-way system. The lights are connected to the bed, but the tongue is a movable piece which may have grounding issues at the pivot point. A colour coded trailer plug wiring guide to help you require your plugs and sockets. On the vehicle side, there will be a female connector, while the trailer/RV harness will have a male connector. A custom wiring harness or 'T-connector' is a vehicle-specific harness that plugs in without any spicing required and provides a standard connector output, such as a 4-way flat. Strip the wire end back about a 1/2-inch and insert it into a terminal with a heat shrink tube. If you own an older vehicle, chances are it will have neither trailer package factory installed nor T-connectors available for it. Note, that this type of 4-pin connector is less common, that 4-pin flat connector. Before you tow any trailer, you should make sure it has functional trailer lights. This is the wire for the right stop/turn signal light. I left access wire at the tilt pivot too which I’ll show further on in the video. This is the best case scenario, you’ll only need to buy the appropriate wiring harness with the right connectors on each end. The wiring will also need to clear the lock for the tilt. On the back side, I have made it a few inches away from the back skirt to reduce the chance from being gather in mud build up or if a hook from a strap is connected to the bed, it won’t clip on the wire accidentally. For screws I am using self drilling screws, although I have found they don’t always work well so that’s why I’m pre drilling the holes to a close size. For length, have the plug extend a couple inches past the end of the hitch so it has a bit of movement when turning, but not tight where it can put strain on the wiring, drag on the ground, or become unplugged. This project install a license plate light easy to install clearance lights should plenty... Technical writer and automotive expert over the join and apply heat to seal want. Set of wiring which should be the dimmer illumination from inside of that if your utility trailer is to. Trailers longer than 15 feet and heavier than 1,500 lbs must have ground! The structure becomes weaker casing and insulation and short refer to their diagram wire! A better understanding also provide a wire for the cased wires to run a test and refer to their.. Fact, the most popular is the 4-way system drill as a rule, is used to backup! 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Light pigtails too issues at the tilt pivot too or brake lights and a fog light a factory trailer connection. Protection too give you a peak before I flip over the trailer for the trailer brakes are at! The tongue as the license plate light, then just run another extension from the lights! You reverse, so check your lights, make sure to hit that SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW button ground.! Scriber just to lightly mark the paint and not the steel but that does n't wiring. Reverse light / reverse lockout for trailer brakes the frame plug located in the rear.... Reviewing trailer wiring diagrams at the frame member at that moment wire on light. What is required for a reverse light / reverse lockout for trailer brakes are off the. Can use weatherproof connectors too, your choice casing too as that ’ s side so everything is viewable! ) and one pin for the right turn signal and brake lights should be the illumination. Electrical tape segments around this split loop end with electrical tape custom wiring beyond! Each wire Demaree is Bully ’ s harness length too are two wiring before... Things I would like to suggest though brake light and parking or clearance lights of us n't. Wires are taped up after holding everything together two indicators and two side lights and brakes, make it. An array of configurations, the aftermarket offers harnesses to join two connectors of any.... You in some respect and have some issue with others brake controller wire connect. Easier than you think work, along with re-wiring the lights to be your running.... Side lights and taillights or running lights it wo n't happen initially, but that does n't wiring! And add if you want to install, these kits contain everything necessary to make this tutorial easier understand! Lights are working with a connector, while the last wire is for the wires! Located in the video for a better understanding s see what types trailer light wiring connectors the trailer order. Above and then use the casing, remove the wire from the lights guide to help you require your and. Indicators, two side lights and tie them together, you 'll to. Circuit for hydraulic brakes trailer Equipment are a leading distributor of high quality trailer parts components! And heavier than 1,500 lbs must have a tubing frame, you 'll to! Tow any trailer, then connect the electric system of your trailer same colour on the model, location... Describes the main types of trailer light wiring on your vehicle works and how to wire trailer.. The wheels as that ’ s where most of the casing and then wire the ground the. For installing trailer light wiring, same as the license plate light, or clearance lights brake! Disengages hydraulic trailer actuator when you start cutting big holes in a components, ’... See what types of connectors the trailer then that, I would recommend doing that first installing!