Trailer tail light wiring is an important part of any trailer that has to be on the road. It is important to have the correct wiring in place as it helps ensure the safety of the drivers on the road. In this article, we will discuss the various steps involved in wiring the trailer tail lights.
What is Trailer Tail Light Wiring?
Trailer tail light wiring is a method of connecting the tail lights of a trailer to the towing vehicle. It allows the driver of the towing vehicle to activate the tail lights of the trailer while driving. This not only provides safety for the driver of the trailer but also for other drivers on the road.
There are various types of trailer tail light wiring diagrams available. However, the most common ones are the 4-way and 7-way wiring diagrams. The 4-way wiring system has four wires while the 7-way wiring system has seven wires.
4-Way Trailer Tail Light Wiring Diagram
The 4-way trailer tail light wiring diagram is the simplest wiring diagram available. It consists of four wires that are connected to the tail lights of the trailer. These wires are:
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Green | Right turn signal |
| Yellow | Left turn signal |
| Brown | Taillights |
| White | Ground |
The green and yellow wires are for the turn signals and the brown wire is for the taillights. The white wire is the ground wire.
The 4-way wiring system does not have a wire for the brake lights, so a separate wire is required to connect the brake lights. This wire should be connected to the brake controller of the towing vehicle.
7-Way Trailer Tail Light Wiring Diagram
The 7-way trailer tail light wiring diagram is a more complex wiring diagram. It consists of seven wires that are connected to the tail lights of the trailer. These wires are:
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Green | Right turn signal |
| Yellow | Left turn signal |
| Brown | Taillights |
| White | Ground |
| Blue | Electric brakes |
| Black | Battery charge line |
| Red | Reverse lights |
The green and yellow wires are for the turn signals, the brown wire is for the taillights, the white wire is the ground wire, the blue wire is for the electric brakes, the black wire is for the battery charge line, and the red wire is for the reverse lights.
The 7-way wiring system is the most commonly used in trailers that have electric brakes. The blue wire is connected to the brake controller of the towing vehicle and controls the electric brakes on the trailer.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a 4-way and 7-way trailer tail light wiring diagram?
The main difference between a 4-way and a 7-way trailer tail light wiring diagram is the number of wires that are used. A 4-way system has four wires while a 7-way system has seven wires. The 4-way system does not have a wire for the brake lights, so a separate wire is required to connect the brake lights. The 7-way system has a wire for the electric brakes, which controls the electric brakes on the trailer.
2. Can I use a 7-way trailer tail light wiring diagram for a trailer that does not have electric brakes?
Yes, you can use a 7-way trailer tail light wiring diagram for a trailer that does not have electric brakes. However, the blue wire, which is for the electric brakes, will not be used. You can leave it unconnected.
3. Can I use a 4-way trailer tail light wiring diagram for a trailer that has electric brakes?
No, you cannot use a 4-way trailer tail light wiring diagram for a trailer that has electric brakes. A separate wire is required to connect the electric brakes, and this wire is not present in the 4-way wiring system.
4. How do I connect the trailer tail lights to the towing vehicle?
The trailer tail lights are connected to the towing vehicle using a connector. The connector can be a 4-way or a 7-way connector. The wires from the trailer are connected to the corresponding wires in the connector, and the connector is then plugged into the towing vehicle.
5. Why is trailer tail light wiring important?
Trailer tail light wiring is important for the safety of the drivers on the road. It allows the driver of the towing vehicle to activate the tail lights of the trailer while driving. This provides safety for the driver of the trailer and for other drivers on the road.
