Trailer wiring is something that can be a little daunting for many DIYers, but with the right knowledge, it can be tackled with ease. One of the most common types of trailer sockets is the 7 pin socket, which is widely used in trailers and caravans. In this article, we will discuss the 7 pin trailer socket wiring diagram, so you can get a better understanding of how to wire up your trailer or caravan.
What is a 7 Pin Trailer Socket?
A 7 pin trailer socket is a wiring socket that is used to connect the lights, indicators, brakes and other important electrical components on a trailer or caravan to the tow vehicle. The 7 pins on the socket correspond to 7 wires that are connected to the trailer or caravan’s electrical system.
The most common types of trailers that use the 7 pin socket are caravans, horse trailers, and utility trailers. The 7 pin trailer socket is also compatible with many modern tow vehicles, making it a popular choice for those who want to tow a trailer or caravan.
What are the 7 Pins on a 7 Pin Trailer Socket?
The 7 pins on a 7 pin trailer socket are as follows:
| Pin | Wire Colour | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow | Left indicator |
| 2 | Blue | Reverse light |
| 3 | White | Earth return |
| 4 | Green | Right indicator |
| 5 | Brown | Tail lights |
| 6 | Red | Brake lights |
| 7 | Black | Battery charge or auxiliary power |
Wiring a 7 Pin Trailer Socket
Wiring a 7 pin trailer socket is not as difficult as it may seem at first. However, it is important to follow the correct wiring diagram to ensure that everything is wired up correctly and safely.
Step 1: Gather the Required Materials
Before starting the wiring process, you will need to gather some materials. These include:
- Wire stripper/crimping tool
- Electrical tape
- Fuses and fuse holder (optional)
- 7 pin trailer socket and plug
- Trailer cable (5-core or 7-core)
Step 2: Strip the Trailer Cable
The first step in wiring a 7 pin trailer socket is to strip the insulation from the trailer cable. You will need to strip off enough insulation to expose the wires inside, but not so much that the wires are exposed outside of the cable.
Make sure that you have enough cable to reach from the trailer hitch to the trailer socket. Cut the cable to the appropriate length, making sure to leave enough slack to allow for movement.
Step 3: Wire the Trailer Cable to the Socket
Once you have stripped the cable, it’s time to start wiring up the trailer socket. Follow the wiring diagram below to connect the wires from the cable to the corresponding pins on the socket:
| Wire Colour | Pin |
|---|---|
| Yellow | 1 |
| Blue | 2 |
| White | 3 |
| Green | 4 |
| Brown | 5 |
| Red | 6 |
| Black | 7 |
Make sure that you connect the wires to the correct pins on the socket. Check and double-check your work before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Test the Trailer Lights
With the wiring complete, it’s time to test the trailer lights. Connect the trailer plug to the tow vehicle’s socket and turn on the vehicle’s lights. Check that all of the trailer lights are working correctly, including the indicators, brake lights, and tail lights.
If any of the lights are not working, double-check your wiring and connections. Make sure that everything is connected properly and that there are no loose connections or damaged wires.
FAQ
Can I Use a 7 Pin Trailer Socket for a 6 Pin Trailer?
Yes, you can use a 7 pin trailer socket for a 6 pin trailer. Simply leave the seventh pin (the black wire) disconnected. Make sure that you connect the other 6 wires to the corresponding pins on the socket, as per the wiring diagram.
What is the Purpose of the White Wire?
The white wire is the earth return wire. It provides a return path for the electrical current, and ensures that everything is correctly grounded. Without the earth return wire, the trailer’s electrical system may not work correctly.
What is the Purpose of the Black Wire?
The black wire is used for battery charge or auxiliary power. This wire is used to charge the trailer’s battery while it is being towed, or to power any auxiliary electrical components (such as a fridge or air conditioning unit).
What is the Purpose of the Blue Wire?
The blue wire is used for the reverse light. When the vehicle is put into reverse, the reverse lights on the trailer will illuminate, providing extra visibility when reversing.
Do I Need to Use Fuses?
While not strictly necessary, it is recommended to use fuses and a fuse holder in your trailer wiring. Fuses will protect your trailer’s electrical system in case of a short circuit or other electrical fault.
Conclusion
Wiring a 7 pin trailer socket may seem daunting at first, but with the right knowledge and the right materials, it can be done with ease. By following the wiring diagram and double-checking your work, you can ensure that your trailer’s electrical system is wired up correctly and safely. If in doubt, consult a professional or your vehicle’s user manual for further guidance.
