How To Wire A Trailer With Lights & Brakes - It Still Runs

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How to Wire a Trailer With Lights & Brakes by K.K. Lowell itstillruns article image

Images by KK Lowell

Small trailers must be equipped with lights. Many also have electric brakes. Wiring to these lights and brakes can become cracked and brittle and need replacement. Parts are available online or at local trailer supply stores to install or upgrade the wiring on your trailer, allowing you to do it yourself.

Step 1

Install the 6 conductor cable in the trailer frame. Split it to allow the brown yellow and blue wires to go down the left side of the trailer and the green wire to the right. The black wire will not be used.

Step 2

Connect the green wire to the right turn/stop lamp.

Step 3

Connect the yellow wire to the left turn/stop lamp.

Step 4

Connect the blue wire to the trailer brakes.

Step 5

Connect the brown wire to the tail lights on both sides of the trailer and to the side marker lights. If the trailer is over 80 inches wide also connect the brown wire to the triple light bar in the rear center of the trailer.

Step 6

Connect the white wire to the trailer frame using a self-tapping screw.

Step 7

Splice all wires to the same color wire on the 5-pin connector.

Step 8

Tape all connections.

Things You'll Need

6-conductor trailer wiring cable 5-pin trailer connector Solderless butt connectors Electrical tape

Warnings

Wire color codes may not be the same on the truck as on the trailer. If you're adding a 5-pin truck side connector, use a test light to determine the circuit colors.

Writer Bio

K.K. Lowell is a freelance writer who has been writing professionally since June 2008, with articles appearing on various websites. A mechanic and truck driver for more than 40 years, Lowell is able to write knowledgeably on many automotive and mechanical subjects. He is currently pursuing a degree in English.