How to Wire the Trailer Lights

As a novice driver, those complicated wiring problems of trailer lights may have bothered you for a long time. Today, let's discuss how to wire and install trailer lights.


Explanation of Trailer Light

The trailer lights, not just a light for trailers, generally speaking, involves tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, side marker lights, and wires, plugs, connectors, and etc.

trailer lights

Why Do Trailer Lights Fail?

Natural Aging

Over time, the electronic components in trailer lights may fail due to natural aging. When the bulb burn out, the insulation layer of the wire become wear or break. Therewith, it ultimately leads to short circuits or other electrical problems. Especially when exposed to sunlight, rain in the outdoor environment for a long time, this aging phenomenon become more obvious.

Physical Damage

During the use of the trailer, it is inevitable to encounter collisions, vibrations, and other situations. Then all of these factors cause damage to the lights or wires. For example, when the tail is hit, the tail light housing may be broken; when driving on a bumpy road, the wire connections are prone to loosening or breaking. In addition, improper installation methods may also cause physical damage, such as tightening the screws too tightly and damaging the lamp holder.

Electrical Faults

Poor electrical connections are one of the common reasons for trailer light failures. If the wire connectors are not firmly fixed or the waterproof treatment is improper, moisture intrusion will lead to corrosion or short circuits. Besides, the use of inferior wires or plugs increases the risk of electrical faults as well. Then subsequently affects the normal operation of the lighting system.


Types of Connectors

The following are the main types of connectors for trailer lights:

  • Flat 4-Pin Connector: This is the most common type of connector, suitable for most small trailers, likes boat trailers or camping trailers. It provides functions for tail lights, brake lights, and side marker lights.
  • 7-Pin Round Connector: Apart from supporting basic lighting functions, this connector also adds functions with reverse lights and auxiliary power supplies. And it is suitable for medium to large trailers.
  • 12-Pin/13-Pin Connector: Specially designed for heavy-duty trailers, it provides more types of electrical connections, such as ABS sensors, brake control, etc., and is suitable for professional transport vehicles.

It is very important to choose the appropriate connector to ensure the effective transmission of electrical signals between the towing vehicle and the trailer and avoid compatibility problems.


How to Connect Trailer Lights

Preparation Work

Before starting, you should make sure you have prepared the necessary tools and materials. The tools and materials you need are screwdrivers, wrenches, electrical tape, waterproof connectors, etc.

Remove the Old Lights

First, remove the existing lights and wires. If it is the bolt-fixed type, please loosen all the fixing bolts first, and then gently remove the entire assembly; for the snap-on installation, you need to find the release button or lever and press it to easily remove it. Notice that during the removal process, you can try to avoid damaging the surrounding structure or paint surface.

Layout New Wires

According to the specific situation of the trailer, reasonably plan the routing of the new wires. It is sincerely recommended to start wiring from the front of the trailer, extend along both sides of the vehicle body to the rear. Absolutely it ensure that each light can obtain a stable power supply. To prevent the wires from being affected by external factors, you can use cable ties to fix them in appropriate positions.

Install New Lights

Place the new lights in their original positions and refasten them in the reverse order. Check whether all screws or snaps are tightened or locked in place. For the parts with wire connections, you should use waterproof connectors and heat shrink tubing to protect each connection point , as well as to avoid short circuits or corrosion problems. After done, check the functions of all lights again.

Connect to the Towing Vehicle

After that, the next is to connect the trailer to the towing vehicle. According to the type of connector selected, insert the plug on the trailer end into the corresponding socket on the towing vehicle. Make sure the plug is fully inserted and locked to ensure the effective transmission of electrical signals. Start the towing vehicle and test the functions of all lights. After confirming that everything is normal, it can be put into use.


Conclusion

In brief, we hope these tips help you understand and perform the wiring process of trailer lights. If you still think it so complicated, a wireless trailer lights will suffice you.

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