Trailer wiring can be confusing, but it’s important to have a basic understanding of how it works if you plan to tow a trailer. One of the most common types of trailer wiring is the 5 pole system. In this article, we’re going to break down the 5 pole trailer wiring diagram and explain how it works.
What is 5 Pole Trailer Wiring?
5 pole trailer wiring is a system that uses five wires to connect the trailer lights to the towing vehicle. The five wires are used to control the left and right turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights. This type of wiring is commonly found on small trailers such as boat trailers, utility trailers, and horse trailers.
The five wires in a 5 pole trailer wiring system are:
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Brown | Tail lights |
| Green | Right turn signal |
| Yellow | Left turn signal |
| White | Ground |
| Red | Brake lights |
How to Wire a 5 Pole Trailer
Wiring a 5 pole trailer is fairly straightforward, as long as you have the right tools and follow the proper steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather the following tools and materials:
- 5 pole trailer wiring harness
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool
- Electrical tape
Step 2: Disconnect Your Trailer from Your Towing Vehicle
Before you begin wiring your trailer, make sure your trailer is disconnected from your towing vehicle. This will help prevent any electrical shorts or damage to your towing vehicle.
Step 3: Strip the Wires
Using your wire strippers, strip about 1/2 inch of insulation off the end of each wire.
Step 4: Connect the Wires to the Harness
Using your crimping tool, connect each wire to its corresponding slot on the trailer wiring harness. Make sure each wire is secure and properly crimped.
Step 5: Wrap the Wires with Electrical Tape
Once all the wires are connected, wrap them with electrical tape to help prevent any damage or shorts.
Step 6: Reconnect Your Trailer to Your Towing Vehicle
Finally, reconnect your trailer to your towing vehicle and test your lights to make sure everything is working properly.
FAQ
What if I have a 4 pole trailer wiring system?
If you have a 4 pole trailer wiring system, you can still use a 5 pole trailer wiring harness. Simply leave the fifth wire (usually the red wire for the brake lights) unconnected.
What if my wires are different colors?
Not all trailer wiring systems use the same wire colors. If your wires are different colors, consult your trailer’s owner’s manual or a wiring diagram to make sure you’re connecting the right wires to the right slots on the harness.
What if my lights aren’t working?
If your trailer lights aren’t working, there could be a number of issues. Start by checking the wiring connections and making sure everything is properly connected and secure. If that doesn’t fix the problem, there could be an issue with the towing vehicle’s wiring or the trailer’s lighting system itself.
Can I use a 5 pole trailer wiring harness for a larger trailer?
If you’re towing a larger trailer with more lights and electrical components, you may need a more advanced wiring system than a 5 pole harness. Consult your trailer’s owner’s manual or a professional mechanic or electrician to determine which wiring system is right for your trailer.
Do I need to have my trailer wiring professionally installed?
If you’re comfortable with basic electrical work and have the right tools, you can likely install your own trailer wiring system. However, if you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s always a good idea to have your wiring installed by a professional mechanic or electrician.
