Rewiring a Trailer in 8 Simple Steps
- Sketch a trailer wiring diagram
- Remove the old trailer lights and wiring
- Lay out the new wiring
- Mount the ground wire
- Install the marker lights
- Clip the wires onto the frame
- Install the taillights
- Test the trailer lights
How do I troubleshoot trailer wiring problems?
- One function of the trailer light system doesn’t work, like the brake lights or left turn signal.
- None of the light functions work.
- The lights worked at first but have stopped over time.
- Switching on one turn signal causes both sides of the trailer to turn on.
- Turning on the vehicle’s headlights causes the trailer lights to stop functioning.
How to replace wiring on a trailer?
We'll cut the wire to length on the driver's side, split apart the two wires, and strip back the end. Now the lights on this trailer have three wires coming out of them, a red, a black, and a white. The black wire will be connected to the brown wire, which is the running light wire.
How to rewire utility trailer?
- If you have to work under your trailer, always use jack stands. ...
- Always use wheel chocks in front of and behind all wheels when working under a trailer (or anything else, for that matter). ...
- As a general rule, never drill holes in the frame of a trailer. ...
- Heat guns are, well, hot. ...
How to install a trailer wiring adapter?
How to Install a Trailer Wiring Adapter While towing your belongings, ensure that the lights on your trailer are connected to those of your vehicle. Once you've purchased your 4-way flat that fits your vehicle and towing needs, properly attach it to your car or truck.
How do you fix the wires on a trailer?
0:394:50How To Repair Trailer Wiring DIY - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can bypass that and just use electrical tape if you don't have it. And electrical plugin rightMoreYou can bypass that and just use electrical tape if you don't have it. And electrical plugin right there and the soldering iron is TS 100 is probably the best soldering gun I've ever used in my life.
Can you splice trailer wiring?
2:394:21Trailer Wire Splice Quick Tip - 1080p - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGood you can wrap with a good quality tape. This is either 33-foot scotch 33 plus or it may be 88MoreGood you can wrap with a good quality tape. This is either 33-foot scotch 33 plus or it may be 88 plus 80 plus is a thicker and used for where there's a lot of rubbing and bouncing.
How do you troubleshoot a 7 pin trailer wiring?
1:473:037-Way Trailer Wiring Review and Testing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow to test the functions while it's installed on a vehicle the easiest way is to use a circuitMoreNow to test the functions while it's installed on a vehicle the easiest way is to use a circuit tester we're going to start by grounding it to the frame of our vehicle.
How do I fix my trailer light cable?
11:3217:10Repair broken trailer wiring cable. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe'll go ahead and start with the red. One. Okay i've got all my wire. Connections my buttMoreWe'll go ahead and start with the red. One. Okay i've got all my wire. Connections my butt connections. On the wires. All the way around.
What is the best way to splice trailer wires?
2:536:38Dog Chewed the Trailer Wires - Splicing on New Plug - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can see how it's actually shrunk up and kind of cinched onto the wire. You want to be carefulMoreYou can see how it's actually shrunk up and kind of cinched onto the wire. You want to be careful and kind of spread your heat around so you don't actually burn the insulation off your wire.
What gauge is trailer wiring?
Trailer wiring generally uses 16 gauge wire, part # 16-1-1. However, with a long trailer like yours you may want to go with a larger like 14 gauge # DW07550-1 or even 12 gauge # 12-1-1. Each size is sold by the foot. You will need to have the lights at the rear of the trailer of brakes and turn signals.
What causes trailer running lights to not work?
Expert Reply: It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side trailer connector using a circuit tester such as # 40376.
What would cause trailer lights not to work?
Many trailer problems are due to a poor grounding connection, which is usually the white wire coming out of the trailer plug. If the ground is poor, lights may work intermittently or not at all. Even if the wiring to the plug is adequate, make sure that the ground connections to the trailer frame are good.
Are all 7 pin trailer connectors wired the same?
There are two different types of 7-way connectors, one with flat pins (blades) and one with round pins. The round pin connectors are very uncommon, while flat pins are common and often found on newer SUVs and trucks that come from the factory rigged with a trailer hitch. Wiring code: White = Ground.
How do you rewire trailer lights?
How to Rewire a Trailer Step by StepStep 1: Sketch a diagram of your trailer wiring. ... Step 2: Remove the old lights and wiring. ... Step 3: Lay out the new wiring. ... Step 4: Mount the ground wire. ... Step 5: Install the marker lights. ... Step 6: Attach the wires to the frame. ... Step 7: Install the taillights. ... Step 8: Test your lights.
How do you fix a wiring harness?
0:282:49How to Repair and Protect Automotive Wiring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow locate the correct size heat shrink tubing and slip it over the wire. If you're replacing aMoreNow locate the correct size heat shrink tubing and slip it over the wire. If you're replacing a section of the wire as we're doing here make sure to add heat shrink tubing on both ends of the repair.
How do I know if my trailer has a bad ground?
0:172:57Trailer Wiring Diagnosis: Bad Vehicle Ground - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you suspect that your vehicle's trailer wiring has a grounding issue the first thing you're gonnaMoreIf you suspect that your vehicle's trailer wiring has a grounding issue the first thing you're gonna want to do is inspect your wiring you want to make sure there's no cuts corrosion.
How do you splice running lights on a trailer?
4:2811:07How to Wire Trailer Lights Made Easy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert the wiring into the casing for the length of the tongue. And the bed. At the wide portionMoreInsert the wiring into the casing for the length of the tongue. And the bed. At the wide portion this will continue to one light trim off the access.
How do you splice tail light wires?
You can usually splice wires just by twisting them together, then covering the splice securely with electrical tape. However, if you want a stronger splice, you could use a soldering iron.
How do you twist trailer wires together?
4:0410:44How To Splice Wires Like A Pro - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlways clockwise now I'm gonna lay this on the side. Here I'm gonna match that that insulation. LikeMoreAlways clockwise now I'm gonna lay this on the side. Here I'm gonna match that that insulation. Like that and I'm gonna wind. This.
How do you splice boat trailer wires?
2:444:03How To Make Waterproof Marine Electrical Connections On Your BoatYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipObviously you slip it over the cable before you make the connection. Slide it over and then you heatMoreObviously you slip it over the cable before you make the connection. Slide it over and then you heat it with this little blowtorch. And it will shrink and it will give you a nice watertight.
How to check if trailer lights are working?
Check your vehicle's plug configuration. Hook up your trailer and connect the trailer light harness. Have a helper stand back to see if the running lights, stoplights and blinkers are working properly. If all the lights appear dim or you have no lights at all, check the trailer light harness at the tow vehicle.
How to test for a broken wire?
To test for a broken wire, check the color of the wire going to the socket and then find that wire on the connector in front. Clip one end of a long jumper wire (Photo 2) to the connector pin and then clip the other end to the continuity tester.
How much does it cost to replace a wire harness?
If all else fails and you're finding badly corroded parts, you can buy a new wire harness for about $20. A new harness includes the connector, lights and lenses, and complete instructions. In most cases, it can be installed in about two hours.
Can you have problems with your trailer lights?
If your utility trailer is starting to show its age, you no doubt have had problems with your lights. Properly functioning trailer lights are a must for safety, so check your lights every time you use your trailer. Some problems, such as a burned-out bulb or a bad trailer light ground wire, can be a snap to fix—others can be a real pain ...
How to repair trailer wiring?
So to make a long-lasting repair on exposed wiring, follow these three steps: Crimp the exposed wires using an uninsulated butt connector. Solder the connection to ensure strength and conductivity.
Why aren't my lights working on my trailer?
If one or more of your lights aren’t working, you may just have a blown bulb, or you could have a problem with the trailer wiring harness on the tow vehicle or on the trailer. If you have a trailer lighting or braking problem, check the tow vehicle’s trailer wiring harness first.
How to check trailer lighting?
To check the trailer lighting system, plug it into the tow vehicle, and use the DVOM to check for voltage across whatever bulb’s socket you are having a problem with. Pro tip: While checking exterior wiring on a vehicle or trailer, do not pierce the insulation with your DVOM probes.
What should be on your mind when towing a trailer?
While towing a trailer, safety should be first and foremost on your mind. Tire pressure, trailer brakes and trailer lights are all critical to ensuring you and your cargo arrive in one piece. Trailer lighting, turn signals and brake lights inform other drivers of your intentions.
Do you need to check a trailer converter box?
If the tow vehicle is equipped with a trailer converter box, you will need to check inputs and outputs of the box itself. Once you determine the problem, make any necessary repairs, but never by-pass a faulty converter box — always replace it.
Can you fix trailer wiring?
Diagnosing and repairing trailer wiring isn’t particularly complicated, but will require patience. Following this guide, you will be able to easily correct any problems with your trailer lighting or brakes and make lasting repairs.
Where to pull wiring out of trailer?
Once unclipped, pull the wiring out at the front of the trailer, near the tongue. Tip: if the wiring passes through an enclosed portion of the tongue, you can use the old wires as a lead to easily pull the new wires through.
How to protect trailer wires from moving?
Clip the trailer wires onto the frame, moving from front to back. Make sure the trailer wiring stays fairly taut and sheltered by the trailer frame to protect them from moving parts and road debris.
What is a CURT trailer light kit?
CURT trailer light kits come with everything you need to rewire your trailer and have it ready to hitch up to your vehicle. These kits include combination lights, marker lights, a wiring harness and frame mounting clips to easily route wiring through your trailer to the coupler. CURT trailer lighting kits are designed to work with trailers up to 80” wide. Whether you are building your own trailer or rewiring an older trailer, these kits make the process simple. With each kit, we include easy-to-follow instructions, and provide an online video that shows the complete process of how to rewire a trailer. Use a CURT trailer light kit for your boat trailer, motorcycle trailer, snowmobile trailer, livestock trailer, utility trailer or even for your camper.
What wires do you use for a trailer marker?
With the lights bolted on, splice in the marker light wires to the trailer wiring. The driver-side marker light power wire will splice to the yellow and brown wires. The passenger-side marker will splice to the green and brown wires.
Why is my trailer light not working?
Many trailer light wiring problems occur because the wires are not properly grounded. Next, test your vehicle wiring plug to make sure it is working. If your trailer wiring is damaged or trailer lights are broken, you may wish to rewire the trailer with new wiring and lights.
How much does it cost to rewire a utility trailer?
Having a utility trailer rewired can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on labor costs and the design of the trailer.
What terminal to use to attach wire to bolt?
You can also use a ring terminal to attach the wire to the bolt.
What is horse trailer service?
Horse Trailer Service: Keep your horses and livestock safe and comfortable with our comprehensive horse and livestock trailer service. We provide a full range of maintenance, repairs and installations to keep you and your precious cargo rolling.
Can you repair a trailer wiring?
Repairing the wiring on your trailers can be difficult and frustrating, so we recommend you bring your trailer in for maintenance for any light or electrical issue. Our technicians have the knowledge and experience to make sure you're properly well-lit whenever you're on the road.
What is the wire on a 4 pin trailer?
As you can observe from this 4-pin trailer wiring diagram, the white wire is connected to the ground. The green runs at the back to connect with the right turn. The brown wire, which is responsible for handling the taillights, leads to both the light bulbs at the back, and the yellow wire runs back to the left to indicate a left turn. They are all connected by a 4-way connector.
What wires are used for trailer lights?
While the black wire connects with the battery, the blue wire connects with the electric brakes, and the white wire is connected with the ground. Connecting these in the correct order will ensure that the trailer lights work perfectly in sync with your primary vehicles.
What is a Trailer?
A trailer is an unpowered vehicle and is supposed to be towed by another vehicle: SUVs, pickup trucks, or jeeps commonly tow trailers. They can also be recreational vehicles depending on their type.
What is a 4 way connector?
4-Way connectors are the most basic connectors used for hooking up your trailer with the primary vehicle. The 4-Way connector allows you to control the three essential light functions: the break, right turn, and left turn. The fourth wire (White), as shown in the diagram, is the ground wire. Usually, light-duty trailers use this connector.
What is the extra wire on a trailer?
The extra wire is connected with the backup lights that help disengage the hydraulic coupler of the trailer when the vehicle starts to reverse; this turns off the brakes of the trailer. So this wire also serves as the reverse light.
What is the 4th wire on a brake?
The fourth wire (blue) is the one that indicates when the brakes are applied . The last set of wires (yellow) leads to the left side to indicate the left signal. These are connected via the 5-Way connector.
What is trailer extension?
A trailer is a separate extension vehicle that needs to be linked with the primary vehicle. The trailer is attached to the primary vehicle by the appropriate hitch. To make the trailer’s electric output work, we use different connectors to ensure that depending on the outputs we require. The minimum output connector is the 4-Way connector, providing electrical output to the trailer's signals and ground and tail lights.
