Trailer lights are important for safe and legal towing. These lights allow other drivers on the road to see your trailer, indicate when you are turning, and brake. Wiring trailer lights can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it’s easy to do it yourself. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wiring diagram for trailer lights.
Types of Trailer Wiring
There are several types of wiring harnesses and connectors that you can use for your trailer. The most common types are four-pin flat, five-pin flat, six-pin round, and seven-pin round. The type of wiring you need will depend on the type of trailer you have and the number of lights and accessories you want to run.
Here’s a brief overview of each type of wiring:
Four-Pin Flat
The four-pin flat wiring harness is the most basic type and is used for small trailers with basic lighting needs. It consists of four wires: white (ground), brown (tail lights), yellow (left turn signal and brake), and green (right turn signal and brake).
Five-Pin Flat
The five-pin flat wiring harness is similar to the four-pin, but it adds a blue wire for the electric brakes. It’s commonly used for boat trailers.
Six-Pin Round
The six-pin round wiring harness is often used for horse trailers and cargo trailers. It adds an additional wire for the reverse lights.
Seven-Pin Round
The seven-pin round wiring harness is the most complex and is used for larger trailers that require more lighting and accessories. It includes everything in the six-pin round, plus a ground wire and a 12V power supply wire.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you dive into wiring your trailer lights, you’ll need a few tools and materials:
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Crimping tool
- Electrical tape
- Zip ties
- Wiring harness (four-pin, five-pin, six-pin, or seven-pin)
- Trailer light kit (including lights, reflectors, and mounting hardware)
Wiring Your Trailer Lights
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start wiring your trailer lights. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Disconnect Your Trailer
Make sure your trailer is disconnected from your vehicle before you start wiring. This will prevent any electrical damage or shorts.
Step 2: Run Wiring from the Trailer to the Tail Lights
The first step is to run the wiring harness from the front of the trailer to the tail lights. You can use zip ties to secure the wiring to the frame of the trailer.
Step 3: Wire the Tail Lights
Connect the wires from the wiring harness to the corresponding wires on the tail lights. Make sure to crimp the wires securely and wrap them with electrical tape.
Step 4: Mount the Lights and Reflectors
Next, mount the lights and reflectors on the trailer. Make sure they are secure and aligned properly.
Step 5: Connect the Wiring Harness to Your Vehicle
Finally, connect the wiring harness to your vehicle. Make sure to match the wires according to the wiring diagram for your type of wiring harness.
FAQ
Q: Can I use any type of wiring harness for my trailer?
A: No. The type of wiring harness you need will depend on the type of trailer you have and the number of lights and accessories you want to run. Make sure to choose the right type of wiring harness for your trailer.
Q: What if my trailer lights don’t work after I’ve wired them?
A: Check the connections to make sure they are secure and that the wires are connected to the correct terminals. Also, check the fuses on your vehicle to make sure they are not blown.
Q: Can I install trailer lights myself?
A: Yes, you can install trailer lights yourself. However, if you’re not comfortable with wiring or don’t have the right tools, it’s best to have a professional do it for you.
Q: Do I need to use special trailer lights?
A: Yes. Trailer lights are designed to be waterproof and durable, so it’s important to use lights that are specifically made for trailers.
Conclusion
Wiring your trailer lights may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and instructions, it’s easy to do it yourself. Make sure to choose the right type of wiring harness for your trailer, use the right tools and materials, and follow the wiring diagram for your type of harness. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll have your trailer lights up and running in no time!
