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. A 4 way plug connects your trailer and tow vehicle and provides the required running lights turn signals ground and brake lights.
Trailer Wiring Diagram And Installation Help Towing 101
4 way trailer plug wiring diagram. Can trailer 4 way be ran to trailer with 8 wires for trailer wiring installing a trailer wiring harness on a 2012 ford focus installing a brake controller on a 2002 dodge ram 1500 equipped with a factory 4 way. Dont skimp on wire size for your brakes. The black sometimes red 12v and blue electric brakes wire may need to be reversed to suit the trailer. The most common wire thickness for a trailer is 16 gauge but i bought thicker wiring for added durability. In the trailer wiring diagram and connector application chart below use the first 5 pins. Well walk you through the wiring process its easier than you think.
Check with a test light or vom. Installing your 4 pin trailer wiring system is easy if you follow the correct procedure. The basic purpose remains the same whether your truck and trailer is using a 4 way 5 way 6 way or 7 way connector. Most of us arent electricians but that doesnt mean wiring a trailer or replacing corroded wiring is beyond us. This car is designed not only to travel 1 location to another but also to carry heavy loads. 4 way wiring diagram trailer 4 way flat trailer plug wiring diagram 4 way flat trailer wiring diagram 4 way round trailer plug wiring diagram folks understand that trailer is a car comprised of quite complicated mechanics.
By law trailer lighting must be connected into the tow vehicles wiring system to provide trailer running lights turn signals and brake lights. One way to check for faulty wires is to use a circuit tester. Make sure that all cables are electrically conductive. If your vehicle is not equipped with a working trailer wiring harness there are a number of different solutions to provide the perfect fit for your specific vehicle. Round 1 14 diameter metal connector allows 1 or 2 additional wiring and lighting functions such as back up lights auxiliary 12v power or electric brakes. If it is not no amount of wiring will get the lights to work.
Complete with a color coded trailer wiring diagram for each plug type this guide walks through various trailer wiring installation solution including custom wiring splice in wiring and replacement wiring. Trailer electrical connectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This report will be discussing 4 way wiring diagram trailer. Buy a 4 pin wiring kit with wires at least twenty feet in length so its long enough for your trailer. For a single axle 14 gage is good but for tandem axles use 12 gage wire. That way the trailer brakes are ready if the tow vehicle has a 7 pin connector.
Lets see what types of connectors the trailer light wiring industry uses today. 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. 6 way systems round plug. The first thing you need to do is make sure that your connector works properly.