How to Wire Trailer Lights Made Easy

How to wire trailer lights. So here I have an older trailer which needed some work, along with re-wiring the lights. This is a fairly simple setup, no license plate light, or clearance lights. Be sure to check with your local laws in order to determine what is required for a lights. I’ve provide three different wiring diagrams at the end of the video for a better understanding. To make this tutorial easier to understand, I will be flipping the trailer on it’s side so everything is easily viewable. This also makes it much easier to work on, so if you have a smaller trailer and can do this, I would definitely recommend it. #trailer #electrical

Amazon links for various products used in the video for both USA and Canada:
USA:
Canada:

Tools/Supplies Needed:
-4 wire trailer light harness
-new lights
-wire cutters
-wire strippers
-split loop poly casing
-electrical tape
-soldering iron
-adhesive filled shrink tube
-drill
-center drill and drill bits
-center punch
-hammer
-paint marker
-retaining loops
-cable ties

Procedure:
-considering this is a tilt trailer I’ll run it up the center and then it’ll split at the back of the trailer to each light
-measure out the holes, use a scriber just to lightly mark the paint
-use a center punch to prevent the drill bit from wandering
-starting out with a center drill and then finish up with the correct sized drill bit
-I’m trying to keep the wire clips somewhat closer together to prevent the wire from being caught up on anything
-I can run the wiring along the side of the tongue as the top of the tongue will be against the bed, the wiring will also need to clear the lock for the tilt
-tape the trailer wiring together is about 16” spacing, this just helps keep everything organized and makes it easier to insert in the split casing
-do this for the full length until it y’s off at the end of the bed
-insert the wiring into the casing, for the length of the tongue and bed
-at the y’d portion, this will continue to one light, trim off the access, and the remaining section will be using on the opposite side
-for the ground wire, I had to extend this
-seal up the split casing at the plug using electrical tape
-also apply electrical tape strips just like we did with the wiring around portions of the split casing too
-use those plastic loop clips with screws and install the wiring into place
-the green and brown wire goes to the passenger or right side of the vehicle and the yellow and brown goes to the driver or left side of the vehicle
-trim off the access wire and casing, remove the wire from the casing and then use the casing for the opposite side
-feed the exposed wire into the casing, this will go against the already installed casing and taped up after holding everything together
-I will be soldering the wires instead, you can use weatherproof connectors too, your choice
-for the wire and casing, it has been cut longer, especially the casing since there is a few inches of wire coming from the lights
-to install the ground, this will go on the bed directly to the frame member
-install an electrical contact loop and the mounting surface may need to be cleaned, you can even apply some liquid tape to the fastened point and around the wire to prevent any moisture penetration
-finally once done, we’re down to testing, ensuring everything works as it should

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© 4DIYers 2013
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[DIYers]

Amazon links for various products used in the video for both USA and Canada:
USA:
Canada:

[danstephany]

Great video. I ran new wiring on my utility trailer. Hooked up the 4-pin harness, grounded at the tongue. New lights. Everything should have worked. But it didn't. I watched so many videos and read on troubleshooting, requirements of grounding, etc. You said one very important thing in your video that others have not. And a point i completely overlooked. If you have a trailer that pivots, tilt body, it needs to be grounded after the tilt. And it hit me. My lights were not grounded after the tilt. I extended an additional ground from the tongue to a point after the tilt and it all worked. Details. Thanks for the great video.

[borislum]

Very good instructions and camera work. I appreciate how you explain the logic for each step and why. Much appreciated.

[ianpottinger]

Everything but the grounding was clear before this video.... it all comes together now! Thank you!

[peterbathum]

thanks for your time here. great help.

[pauls.]

Best video on actually running the wiring I've found!!

[gplayer]

Really appreciate the video post!! Super helpful...considering this is my current project. Well thought out and super clean installation which gave me some good tips. Kudos!!

[Halfwheelhell]

great work and explanation. I think a slightly longer pigtail at/ to the tow vehicle would serve most people better - frequently the connection to the tow vehicle is further away from the ball connection than you wired yours.

[laurijorgenson]

This was an excellent and really helpful video so I can get mine done. Thank you!

[kayci]

I would add that newer vehicles have a built in plug outlet. The plug in the video will not reach as is. I suggest giving the plug end about 2 extra feet to reach the vehicle. Or you will need an additional extension.

[mikeascher]

I have one brown wire. How did I get a green and brown to one side and the yellow and brown to the other when I only have one brown wire?

[donvoll]

Good day from Ont. The Princess Auto got me. Interesting video & detailed. Thanks What part of Canada are you from?

[michaelmiller]

Excellent job. Thanks you for the detailed wiring diagram. Count me as a new subscriber.

[DurisM]

When it is daytime, vehicles have what’s called “running daylight” in the US (meaning even when the headlights are OFF, a dim light is still on). Do I need to wire that for a 4 pin trailer?
Or is it enough to not have any lights on during the day (only brakes, signals when used)?

[omaradan]

Thanks Sir, Great Observed Idea Video Channel I love this post to learn more

[JoseGarcia-cbdz]

I’m hooking a four wire flat bed too a 2001 Silverado any help would be awesome I’m at a loss ????

[mattpaugh]

Hi. I have the exact same wiring kit. Instead of simple clearance lights, I want to have the 2 ambers also blink with the rear signal lights. Do you have a diagram that would show how to do that? I'm assuming a relay would be needed? First time wiring a trailer....

[robwes]

I think I need some additional help. I need to wire always-on LEDs for my trailer, for visibility. Is this an additional step?

[toddrobbins]

Great video. Where did you get the trailer tail lights? I cannot find the round LEDs anywhere.

[gregflores]

Freaking amazing video you made, perfect!!!