LED Trailer Light Wiring Diagram: A Comprehensive Guide

LED trailer lights have become a popular choice for trailer owners because they are energy-efficient, durable, and provide better visibility on the road. However, installing LED trailer lights can be challenging, especially for those who do not have a background in electrical wiring. In this article, we will guide you through the process of connecting LED trailer lights by providing you with a step-by-step wiring diagram.

The Benefits of LED Trailer Lights

Before we begin, let us first discuss the advantages of using LED trailer lights:

1. Energy Efficiency

LED lights consume less power than traditional incandescent bulbs. This means that you can run more lights with the same power supply, which is especially beneficial for those who use generators or battery-powered trailer lights. Additionally, LED lights produce less heat, so they are less likely to drain your battery or overheat.

2. Durability

LED lights are more durable than traditional bulbs because they do not have filaments that can break. They are also less likely to get damaged during transit because they do not have fragile glass housings.

3. Better Visibility

LED lights produce brighter and clearer light than traditional bulbs, making them more visible on the road. This is especially important for trailers because they are much lower than other vehicles and can be easily missed by other drivers.

LED Trailer Light Wiring Diagram

Now that we have discussed the benefits of using LED trailer lights, let us move on to the wiring diagram. Before you begin, make sure that you have the following tools:

Tools Required:

  • Wire stripper
  • Crimping tool
  • Multimeter
  • Screwdriver

The first thing you need to do is to identify the wires that you need to connect:

1. Tail Lights

The tail lights are the ones that turn on when you switch on your headlights. They are usually red in color and are located at the rear of your trailer. To connect your LED tail lights, follow these steps:

  • Take note of the color of the wires on your LED tail lights. The ground wire is usually black or white, while the power wire is usually red or green.
  • Remove the cover of your trailer’s tail light socket by unscrewing the screws.
  • Locate the wires that correspond to the tail lights on your trailer. These wires are usually brown or yellow.
  • Strip a small amount of insulation off the tail light wires and the LED tail light wires using a wire stripper.
  • Use a crimping tool to connect the wires. Connect the power wire to the tail light wire that has the same color. Connect the ground wire to the trailer ground wire.
  • Test the connection using a multimeter.
  • Replace the cover of your tail light socket.

2. Brake Lights

The brake lights turn on when you press the brake pedal. They are usually located beside the tail lights and are red in color. To connect your LED brake lights, follow these steps:

  • Take note of the color of the wires on your LED brake lights. The ground wire is usually black or white, while the power wire is usually yellow or green.
  • Remove the cover of your trailer’s brake light socket by unscrewing the screws.
  • Locate the wires that correspond to the brake lights on your trailer. These wires are usually red or blue.
  • Strip a small amount of insulation off the brake light wires and the LED brake light wires using a wire stripper.
  • Use a crimping tool to connect the wires. Connect the power wire to the brake light wire that has the same color. Connect the ground wire to the trailer ground wire.
  • Test the connection using a multimeter.
  • Replace the cover of your brake light socket.

3. Turn Signals

The turn signals are the lights that blink when you activate your turn signals. They are usually located beside the brake lights and are yellow in color. To connect your LED turn signals, follow these steps:

  • Take note of the color of the wires on your LED turn signals. The ground wire is usually black or white, while the power wire is usually green.
  • Remove the cover of your trailer’s turn signal socket by unscrewing the screws.
  • Locate the wires that correspond to the turn signals on your trailer. These wires are usually green or yellow.
  • Strip a small amount of insulation off the turn signal wires and the LED turn signal wires using a wire stripper.
  • Use a crimping tool to connect the wires. Connect the power wire to the turn signal wire that has the same color. Connect the ground wire to the trailer ground wire.
  • Test the connection using a multimeter.
  • Replace the cover of your turn signal socket.

FAQ

1. Can I replace my incandescent trailer lights with LED trailer lights?

Yes, you can. LED trailer lights are designed to be compatible with existing wiring setups, so you do not need to make any modifications to your trailer’s wiring system.

2. How do I know if my LED trailer lights are working?

You can use a multimeter to test the connections and make sure that the lights are receiving power. You can also check the lights visually to see if they are emitting light.

3. What do I do if my LED trailer lights are not working?

Check your connections and make sure that all of the wires are securely connected. If you are still having trouble, you may need to replace the lights or consult with an electrician.

4. How long do LED trailer lights last?

LED trailer lights can last up to 50,000 hours, which is significantly longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

5. Do LED trailer lights require regular maintenance?

No, LED trailer lights do not require regular maintenance. However, you should check your connections periodically to make sure that they are secure.

Conclusion

LED trailer lights are an excellent choice for trailer owners who want to improve their visibility on the road, save energy, and reduce maintenance costs. By following the wiring diagram provided in this article and using the proper tools, you can easily install LED trailer lights on your trailer. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to consult with an electrician or a trailer expert.