Trailer Wiring

[davefrombc]

I added a pdf of  the wiring of the various connectors used in vehicle socket  and trailer plug wiring to the  "Other ATV files"  section in downloads.

[blasirl]

Do you have a link for this?

[jen]

I have rewired my two trailers.  One was because it was old when I got it and needed all new LED lights.  The other trailer had damaged lights so I rewired it.

Some of my MUST DO items when rewiring"-: 

1. I never use trailer wiring...that cheap stuff that has no "rating labels "  I only use 14 AWG  stranded  TW  or THHN  conduit wiring.

2.  I only use electronic rated solder or expensive cripm on terminals that you get at electronic supply houses.

3. Shrink tube 

4. Chinese "finger lock" cable sleaves over wires with Chinese stress relief at terminal boxes

5. I use CRC contact cleaner on fitting when getting ready to trailer.

[davefrombc]

Back in 2019 I posted up a pdf  of  various connectors, sockets  and and trailer plug wiring in the "other files "section..

Here a a link to that file 

 

[jen]

I like nice boxes at the hitch area for termination on larger trailers with brakes. The seven pin connector  with cord can be terminated in this box.   Boxes will come with teriminals  for the lights and brakes.   Makes TSng easy.   Electrical Cord Connectors with metal Chinese stress relief at the boxes for seven pin cord as well as trailer wiring. provides a great installation.  I also bring out BAT(-) from that box  and  lug (1/4 X 20 bolt) to trailer frame at hitch area as well as other places on trailer frame.   I like to tin BAT (-)  wires and loop around GND bolts instead of terminals ....

With that done you can kick back and think about the poor girls at the Office!

[jen]

With my trailer for use with my SXS and my Foreman i want to convert the trailer lights to just flashing when i tow it on roads.  It probably would be nice to not use SXS or ATV  12 vdc power...Just thinking any ideas?   The lights ae LED's

[jen]

BTW....Amazon sells (~$40.00) a wireless trailer light kit.  Completely wireless. Brake and turn signal lights Transmitter plugs into vehicle trailer receptacle. Lights magnetically  attach.

[Gwbarm]

Interesting, not sure how long i would trust that, but if transmitter stays in the car i guess it would be OK, but im the worst at loosing remotes.

[jen]

I expect we will see more wireless trailer lights as Wirig is normally the failure.

[Gwbarm]

I have never had a wiring failure only bulb and socket corrosion but with LED lighting that is probably a thing of the past.

[jen]

Personally, I prefer and have less trouble with LED lights..  Observe polarity when wiring ...No socket to corrode as You pointed out.  Trailer wiring problems ?  Yes...  however, two  tailers i have worked on were not factory wired.   The other two were factory wired.   One was just old and abused. The other a victim of just dragging the trailer though rough terrain, barnyards and corn fields probably explained wiring failures.  Most common wiring problems are BAT (-) connections.

[Gwbarm]

I have not wired one with LED lights havent really wired one in a while actually, although the last one i did was rathar challenging it was a tilt trailer so i had to leave enough wire for it to tilt, i was afraid the wire would hang down too far and tear loose but i devised a wire holder that would hold the wire in place and allow it to slide through the wire loom when tilted. The wireless lighting would have been good for this one.

[WeeBee]

Corroded sockets & BAD Grounding are my most common problems -Also wiring for trailers to Asian vehicles primarily Toyotas!