i have 3 grounding spots on each of my two utility trailers. I also had problems with the trailer lights once. I was sure it was a trailer side problem. it turned out to be the wiring harness I purchased that plugs into the rear wiring harness in the tow vehicle.
my advice - each component (light) in a Direct Current wiring harness should have it's own ground. In other words, do NOT use the ground wire from "Component A" to power "Component B". If you only have one wire (1 brown wire, for example) but want to power another light, use a 3-way splitter that splits that single wire into 2 wires. Then, each light should either be grounded to the frame of the trailer or wired back to the white wire, coming from the plug. If you have a light that is dim but not flickering, it might be wired in a grounding, daisy-chain where both lights are using a common ground. Hope this helps!
Yes the 5 way plug has the brake lights just like the 7 way, the 7 way has extra options for trailer brakes and an even a extra terminal that can be used for back up light, or camera power.
@@dogpatchfab -- There's 3 types of plugs -- 7-way, 5-way, and 4-way... My understanding of the 4-way is that it does not have a separate brake light, but if wired correctly on the vehicle side, it kind of simulates it by using the using the tail lights (brown) while also lighting up both tail lights (yellow and green) at the same time... I'm needing to rewire my trailer and put new lights on it because my dog ate my trailer lights and wiring... Yeah, I know, it sounds like the excuse a kid would have for not having his homework for the teacher ("My dog ate my homework"), but it really is true... The crazy ass dog liked the taste of plastic and chewed up the lights and then started on the wiring... So, I need to replace ALL of it... I don't even have the original 4 or 5 pin connector (it happened a couple of years ago and I am just getting around to doing it)... Yeah, procrastination... I'm damned good at it... I'm planning on wiring everything up to a 7-position box on the trailer tongue and then creating shorter cables for 4, 5, and 7 pin connectors... If I do it right, anything I might need to change would be a simple matter of moving cables around in the connection box... I'm also going to be using some square steel tubing to run the wires, just in case the dog I have now develops a tastes for electrical wires...
As a retired mechanic for a construction company, I found that the color code for aftermarket RV style 7 way connectors don't always match the standard color code. As long as you know that, you should be okay.
I've learned from experience that if we go into long detail, in this case, showing me pull wire through opening and such, that the majority of people will have their intelligence insulted and that I was too basic. So, we tend to stick to what isn't so intuitive. Thanks for weighing in and stopping by. Best Regards, DFJ
Some of us who have done a decent amount of DIY projects just want a quick rundown on what wire goes where. I'm rewiring a couple of trailers that have chewed up wires that are really dirty. Plus, you never know if they were wired correctly by the last person. It's really nice to have this to that rule. While an in-depth guide is great for some people, some of us don't want to fast forward through a half-hour plus video to find the segment we need. Both are helpful to have, but this quick video is exactly what I needed. Thanks
YOU are a lifesaver! "And when the headlights are on..." I've been beating my head against the wall trying to figure out why, when I splice in my running lights, they don't go on. NOBODY on RUclips mentions "headlights" rather than the "auto" lights. Glad I watched til the end. Thanks DF Jay
That, Dirt Farmer Jay, was so clear. I'm currently setting up a four wire having bought a seven to four wire adapter but now I know someday I can wire up for a seven wire and know what's what! The 12 V added power is intriguing and don't see me doing electric brakes or the back up lights but now I know! Thank you for the video, Jay.
Howdy, Good video, have one question sir ; 2 wires for 1 plug on the flat 4-way. My lites work fine...except...break and all 4 bulbs come on Meaning mash the breaks turn & break lite up. Turn either way using signal, break turn lite up. Still with me.?
I think I follow you. The first place to check is to assure you have a good ground THROUGHOUT the system. That means the ground on the vehicle, the connection to the connector from the vehicle, the connection to the connector from the trailer side, and the connection to the trailer frame. You really need to inspect all 4 points closely to assure there is connection. If there is a break anywhere at these 4 points, then they system will "find ground" in some really befuddling ways. Do the check, correct any problems, and come back to me. If the issue still exists, we can go from there. Best, DFJ
Just as long as the white wire is securely attached to the metal frame on both sides of the plug/harness, it will work. I like to put that attachment in a sheltered place to it doesn't get scraped or abraded. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ
Nope, indeed they are separate filaments or even bulbs. Tail lights stay on ongoing at dusk and through the night when the vehicle is in operation, brake lights come on, night or day, when the brakes are applied. Best, DFJ
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Great video, short and simple!
i have 3 grounding spots on each of my two utility trailers. I also had problems with the trailer lights once. I was sure it was a trailer side problem. it turned out to be the wiring harness I purchased that plugs into the rear wiring harness in the tow vehicle.
Just bought a used trailer but lights won’t come on only brake and emergency lights come on when applied
my advice - each component (light) in a Direct Current wiring harness should have it's own ground. In other words, do NOT use the ground wire from "Component A" to power "Component B".
If you only have one wire (1 brown wire, for example) but want to power another light, use a 3-way splitter that splits that single wire into 2 wires. Then, each light should either be grounded to the frame of the trailer or wired back to the white wire, coming from the plug.
If you have a light that is dim but not flickering, it might be wired in a grounding, daisy-chain where both lights are using a common ground.
Hope this helps!
This is a great approach! Thanks for jumping in and sharing your knowledge. Best Regards, DFJ
So the 4-way ones do not show brake lights when the towing vehicle uses them? Only the 7-way one does?
Hmmm. I'm sorry I gave that impression. All versions of the wiring harnesses will always have a brake light function wired in to them. Best, DFJ
Thanks@@DirtFarmerJay
Yes the 5 way plug has the brake lights just like the 7 way, the 7 way has extra options for trailer brakes and an even a extra terminal that can be used for back up light, or camera power.
@@dogpatchfab -- There's 3 types of plugs -- 7-way, 5-way, and 4-way... My understanding of the 4-way is that it does not have a separate brake light, but if wired correctly on the vehicle side, it kind of simulates it by using the using the tail lights (brown) while also lighting up both tail lights (yellow and green) at the same time... I'm needing to rewire my trailer and put new lights on it because my dog ate my trailer lights and wiring... Yeah, I know, it sounds like the excuse a kid would have for not having his homework for the teacher ("My dog ate my homework"), but it really is true... The crazy ass dog liked the taste of plastic and chewed up the lights and then started on the wiring... So, I need to replace ALL of it... I don't even have the original 4 or 5 pin connector (it happened a couple of years ago and I am just getting around to doing it)... Yeah, procrastination... I'm damned good at it...
I'm planning on wiring everything up to a 7-position box on the trailer tongue and then creating shorter cables for 4, 5, and 7 pin connectors... If I do it right, anything I might need to change would be a simple matter of moving cables around in the connection box... I'm also going to be using some square steel tubing to run the wires, just in case the dog I have now develops a tastes for electrical wires...
As a retired mechanic for a construction company, I found that the color code for aftermarket RV style 7 way connectors don't always match the standard color code. As long as you know that, you should be okay.
Thanks for weighing in!
Reverse light?
Great video found the rip in wire in 30 seconds after this my right turn was not working.
So the video title is how to wire trailer lights correctly. But clearly says in this video he won't show you how to wire them?
I've learned from experience that if we go into long detail, in this case, showing me pull wire through opening and such, that the majority of people will have their intelligence insulted and that I was too basic. So, we tend to stick to what isn't so intuitive. Thanks for weighing in and stopping by. Best Regards, DFJ
Some of us who have done a decent amount of DIY projects just want a quick rundown on what wire goes where.
I'm rewiring a couple of trailers that have chewed up wires that are really dirty. Plus, you never know if they were wired correctly by the last person. It's really nice to have this to that rule.
While an in-depth guide is great for some people, some of us don't want to fast forward through a half-hour plus video to find the segment we need. Both are helpful to have, but this quick video is exactly what I needed.
Thanks
Thank you soooo much. This was a great video. Explaimed everything i needed!!!!!!
I have found another Super Hero..Thanks.. You did Great... Point On..
YOU are a lifesaver! "And when the headlights are on..." I've been beating my head against the wall trying to figure out why, when I splice in my running lights, they don't go on. NOBODY on RUclips mentions "headlights" rather than the "auto" lights. Glad I watched til the end. Thanks DF Jay
Glad to be of help! Mystery solved...
Soo does the amber marker lights hook to the brown wire? Since its grounded through the bolt.
What if my left signal makes my trailers right signal and vise versa
Apply Dap 8889 bathroom tub and tile chalk to the wires at the wire harness , it will secure and waterproof them .
I like the way you explained so please I need a circuit drawing for signal light for factory fitted signal cct
My truck turn signals make both trailer lights blink as if I've turned on my hazards. I've sanded every white/ground area.
Mick, you might find this to be helpful:
www.etrailer.com/question-207035.html#:~:text=Expert%20Reply%3A,two%20circuits%20are%20touching%20somewhere.
@@DirtFarmerJay Thank you for responding. I'll check it out.
That, Dirt Farmer Jay, was so clear. I'm currently setting up a four wire having bought a seven to four wire adapter but now I know someday I can wire up for a seven wire and know what's what! The 12 V added power is intriguing and don't see me doing electric brakes or the back up lights but now I know! Thank you for the video, Jay.
Glad I could help!
Thank you, Never knew what the color's meant.
Happy to help!
Excellent ❤. How to check ground of towing and trailer. Thanks
Thanks for the thanks!
Howdy,
Good video, have one question sir ; 2 wires for 1 plug on the flat 4-way. My lites work fine...except...break and all 4 bulbs come on
Meaning mash the breaks turn & break lite up.
Turn either way using signal, break turn lite up.
Still with me.?
I think I follow you. The first place to check is to assure you have a good ground THROUGHOUT the system. That means the ground on the vehicle, the connection to the connector from the vehicle, the connection to the connector from the trailer side, and the connection to the trailer frame. You really need to inspect all 4 points closely to assure there is connection. If there is a break anywhere at these 4 points, then they system will "find ground" in some really befuddling ways. Do the check, correct any problems, and come back to me. If the issue still exists, we can go from there. Best, DFJ
Do the white wire have to be wired or just attached to metal. Thank you
Just as long as the white wire is securely attached to the metal frame on both sides of the plug/harness, it will work. I like to put that attachment in a sheltered place to it doesn't get scraped or abraded. I hope this helps! Best, DFJ
Thank you very much for the info
Very helpful $$$
Glad it was helpful!
Yellow l innit for left green has a r in it 4 right
You got it. Yellow is the left turn signal, Green is the right. Best, DFJ
Good morning from Southeast South Dakota
Hello there!
@@DirtFarmerJay -- Well, Howdy from the Republic of Texas...
@@seanseoltoir Howdy!
Tail lights are break lights ?
Nope, indeed they are separate filaments or even bulbs. Tail lights stay on ongoing at dusk and through the night when the vehicle is in operation, brake lights come on, night or day, when the brakes are applied. Best, DFJ