If you’re towing a trailer, it’s important to understand how to wire it so that it’s properly connected to your vehicle and functions safely. It’s also important to know how to inspect your trailer’s wiring to ensure that you’re not connecting the wrong wires or missing necessary circuitry. To help you with this, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from the different trailer connectors to how to test your wires to ensure they’re properly grounded and connected.
3-Section Wiring Diagram and Connector Application Chart
The first thing you need to do is make sure your vehicle has a compatible 4-pin or 5-pin trailer connector. If it does, then you can use the diagram below to figure out which wires are needed and where they need to go on your trailer. If it does not, then you can purchase a trailer wiring kit that includes a connector with the required wires.
You will need a pair of pliers to open the bundle of wires and then remove any tape or clips on each wire. Next, you will need a black multimeter and a red probe. Place your black probe on the negative pin and put your red probe into the other positive connector holes. Once you’ve done this for each hole, then you should have a reading of 0.3 Ohms on the positive pins and 3 Ohms on the negative.
Once you’ve confirmed that all of your wires are connected and offer the necessary power, you can then check the wiring for any damage. The most common type of damage is corrosion or rust. To avoid this, you should sand and clean the connections and connectors before applying any sealant or paint.
After you’ve completed this, you can then wire your trailer correctly using the correct color plugs and connecting them to the correct wires on your vehicle. This will ensure that your taillights, turn signals and brake lights are properly working.
Generally, the red and blue wires are used to provide power to your trailer. You can also connect a white wire to the ground for a breakaway system. A breakaway system provides an extra battery source to your trailer that keeps it charged when you’re not using it.
Another type of wire is used for reverse or backup lights on your trailer. This can be a great solution for people who want to be able to park their trailer in reverse without needing to take the trailer out of gear, but it’s best to consult your owner’s manual for more information on this type of wiring.
Finally, the last wire in this diagram is a blue wire that is typically used for electric brakes on a trailer. This can be a great option for someone who wants to be able to reverse their trailer in traffic but doesn’t want to use their braking power when they’re not driving, as this can save the tow vehicle some fuel and prevent overheating.
