By law your trailer is required to have brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. The power is obtained from your tow vehicles wiring system. The tap is accomplished by either using a T-One connector or hardwiring depending on your vehicle. Here are tips for trailer wiring to help make the process simpler.
Some vehicles have a T-one connector available. This is a 4 pole flat that is pre wired. It can be adapted to a 6 or 7 way round connector if need be. If you cannot use a T-one and you have to hardwire you will need to locate the correct wires on your tow vehicle. Your owners manual can be a helpful tool.
There are a variety of connectors available ranging from four pin to seven pin. These allow you to transfer the power for the lighting and to transfer auxiliary functions like brake control. You will need to choose a connector with the number of pins you require. The number of pins you need is dependent on the number of functions you have to accomplish.
Connectors not only look neat and tidy they also help you avoid problems down the road.
1. 4 way connectors
Allow for basic hookups of the three basic light functions which include your running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. The fourth pin is for your ground wire.
2. 5 way connectors
Allow for basic hookups of the three basic light functions which include your running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. The fourth pin is for your ground wire and the fifth is available to support one additional function most often for surge brakes.
3. 6 way connectors
Allow for the three basic hookups - running lights, brake lights, and turn signals, the ground, and then two additional functions.
4. 7 way connectors
Allow for the three basic hookups - running lights, brake lights, and turn signals, the ground, and then for additional functions such as battery charging or auxiliary power.
Your operators manual for your tow vehicle should provide you with detailed information relating to your vehicles wiring system. If the required information is not in the manual you should contact the dealership. Do not attempt to wire without having this information available as you can cause serious damage to your vehicle electrical system.
The trailer wiring cable and the connectors are readily available both locally and online and they are very affordable. You certainly won’t break the bank with this project.
Besides wiring from scratch you might consider purchasing a pre-fab wiring harness that’s designed for your vehicle. This keeps things very simple. All you have to do is install and connect and you are ready to go. Almost every vehicle manufactured has a wiring harness available and if not there are many companies that will custom design your harness for an affordable price.
Whether you are planning to tow a boat trailer, recreational trailer, or just a utility trailer the rules are the same. You will need at a minimum to install brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. So are you ready to get that trailer wiring taken care of?
