Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4

A 4-way plug connects your trailer and tow vehicle and provides the required running lights, turn signals, ground, and brake lights. Most of us aren't electricians, but that doesn't mean wiring a trailer or replacing corroded wiring is beyond us. We'll walk you through the wiring process--it's easier than you think!

6 Way Systems, Round Plug. Round 1 1/4" diameter metal connector allows 1 or 2 additional wiring and lighting functions such as back up lights, auxiliary 12v power or electric brakes. Note: The black (sometimes red) 12v and blue electric brakes wire may need to be reversed to suit the trailer. Check with a test light or VOM.

Trailer electrical connectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The basic purpose remains the same whether your truck and trailer is using a 4-way, 5-way, 6-way or 7-way connector. By law, trailer lighting must be connected into the tow vehicle's wiring system to provide trailer running lights, turn signals and brake lights.

Installing your 4-pin trailer wiring system is easy if you follow the correct procedure. The first thing you need to do is make sure that your connector works properly. If it is not, no amount of wiring will get the lights to work. Make sure that all cables are electrically conductive. One way to check for faulty wires is to use a circuit tester.

Buy a 4-pin wiring kit with wires at least twenty feet in length, so it's long enough for your trailer. The most common wire thickness for a trailer is 16 gauge, but I bought thicker wiring for added durability. Depending on the size of your trailer and the number of lights, you might want to check on the Internet for the recommended gauge for your specific trailer.

Let’s see what types of connectors the trailer light wiring industry uses today. While the basic configuration is a 4-way flat connector that features one female and three male ends, you may come across connectors with up to seven pins for additional functions that require wiring, including electrically actuated brakes, power source for a winch, etc.

Wiring New 4-Way Connector on Trailer with 5 Wires; See More Q&A Expert Answers >> ^ About Us. 1,056,204. Original Photos & Videos. Produced to make sure you know what you are getting and you get exactly what you need. 35,570. Installations Completed. To make sure products work and fit the way they are supposed to.

You've connected the trailer to the vehicle, but the turn signals and brake lights don't work. You don't know if the wiring is bad or you have bad bulbs. One way to troubleshoot the voltage on the connector plug is to use a circuit tester. On a four-prong plug, one prong connects to the right turn signal, one to the left and one to the tail lights.

Custom wiring is the ideal solution for installing trailer light wiring on your vehicle. A custom wiring harness or 'T-connector' is a vehicle-specific harness that plugs in without any spicing required and provides a standard connector output, such as a 4-way flat.