Trailer Lighting Systems, 4 and 5 Wire, Explained

When you need to connect a trailer to your motorcycle or trike, you'll need to know if the lights on the trailer are "4 wire" or "5 wire." This video explains how the two setups work and how they are different. If you have questions, feel free to ask them using the comment box. Below you'll find links to the motorcycle trailer wiring kits, plugs and receptacles I offer at Open Road Outfitters. Thanks for watching!

[chroniclesofthewildman]

Wow! You have taught me a thing today! I hold the belief that I should learn a new thing everyday OR teach something to someone that they didn't know everyday. My motorcycle trailer is a 5 pin setup and now I know what that means. Thank you!

[dilberttf]

Thank you, thank you! This is the only video on Youtube that explains the low /high intensity feature :) Solved my ongoing boat trailer brake light issue .

[vf]

I came here after ordering the wrong trailer wiring kit for my Harley. I received a 5 wire kit and have a 4 wire trailer. Being lazy I decided there must be a way to use the wire harness I have. I discovered the local auto parts stores have 5-4 or 4-5 wire converters for under $20. Hope this comment helps others

[tonybruce]

I TRULY APPRECIATE YOU!!! I had been struggling trying to hook up my 5 wire trailer for my Harley. You made it so simple and easy to understand. Thanks

[AztecWarrior]

It's not like you can't use a five wire harness like this but it is usually used for trailer lights that have back up lights. The fifth wire is connected to your reverse lights.

[youcanthide]

What a simple comprehensive explanation. Well done.

[misters]

Very Nice Demonstration.... (I was today years old that I learned a stinking 9V battery will run trailer lights!)

[readplanet]

Thank You for the educational video Dale. Have A Good Day! 🛻🚚🚛

[rodrigomeca]

Thak You, came here to know about the override in the 4 way connector :P, learned smth today

[raystroud]

I checked power on the trailer side for my running lights. It shows 12v. When I connected the left and right brown wire I lose all voltage. I've cleaned each ground connection at 6 amber side markers 2 red markers and the rear lights that are LEDs just like in your video. I ran new left and right wires through the frame and made sure of good connections. I have a center 3 red light bar at the rear also. The lights were flickering sometimes before the went completely out. Brake and turn signals still work. I also installed new plug on the truck and trailer. Why does it lose power when I connect the running light wires whether it's one side or both wires? I'm baffled and just subscribed. Thanks

[Towaide]

Great video. Towaide sells an electronic control panel that can control a four or five-wire system

[troycannon]

Dale-
I have a four wire trailer behind a five wire bike (brake wire is #5).
Trying to figure an easy way for brake lights on the trailer without ALL signal lights illuminating when I apply the brakes. Thanks!

[claudesnelling]

Hooked it up and now don’t have power in the right turn including in the truck so I got that going for me

[ahmedabdi]

Thanks so much for the information you provided however I am having trouble finding a solution when the liftgate mechanic changes my brake, turn and reverse light unfortunately the brake light didn't work as it should when i brake it stays on not bright up at all

[SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

So my Boat trailer has the 3 male and 1 female adapter. I see alot of videos they have a 3 female and 1 male attachment on the boat. I have a plug on my truck that has an attachment that fits with my boat trailers set up. I am just curious what's going on with videos showing the opposite trailer attachment then what my boat is set up as. I haven't changed the boat set up but am now running into this problem as I watch other videos on rewiring the trailer. Thanks

[jamsatsolutions]

What about if the Indicator wire also Carry the Brake Signal⁉️

[billkoetting]

Is the white ground wire the fifth wire? The basic problem with lights that don't work is the Ground. I have the white ground wire shortened from the plug on my trailer and attached it to the trailer frame. All the lights attached to the frame are then grounded with no independent ground wire from the light. Sometimes when a light attached to the trailer doesn't come on, a separate wire is attached to the grounded frame, and the other end is attached to the light or the trailer metal bed frame. Paint on the trailer frame is often the grounding problem and has to be ground off to bare metal and then sealed after the connection is made, I use black liquid plastic.

[timdoring]

Wish I had found this video sooner. I have a bike that has a 5 pin connector on it, and my trailer has a 4 and he gave me a 5 to 4 adaptor. It seems to work but I am concerned of any damage it could do to the isolator on the bike or the bike it self. Any suggestions?

[WarriorWoodshop]

Often on the 5 wire system the 5th wire is the brakes, true, but that is for the electric brakes not a separate brake light. That is why it is blue in most cases, for the brake controller and brakes. 99.9% of utility trailers, cargo trailers, and RV trailers, excluding semi trailers will have a combined brake/turn light. Very seldom (that .1%) will you find a separate brake and turn signals on a non-commercial trailer.

[jamsatsolutions]

How do u wire it so tue brake does Not override the Turn Signal⁉️