Trailer Wiring Question

[imported_Warren]

Hello.......I have a question about the ground on a trailer.....<br /><br /> I installed LED lights on my trailer a couple years ago and ran a ground wire from the plug to the ground wire on the lights......They've worked fine and never had a problem......<br /><br /> My question is.....Do I/Should I be grounding out the trailer also or is it not necessary?????<br /><br /> I'm in the process of installing side lights on it and they have the post gound type connection.....Because of this I will have to either run a ground wire to each of the light posts via a spade or ground out the trailer....I know the ball will transfer some ground but probably not good enough to keep the lights running.........Thanks for any info.....Warren

 

[Gone Again]

Re: Trailer Wiring Question

Warren<br />Make a good clean, tight connection on each of your lights. Scrape a little paint off where the grounding stud makes contact and use a star type lock washer. Then do the same on your ground wire on the tongue of the trailer and connect it to the white wire on your trailer plug. This will make for a solid ground using the trailer and eliminates having to run a wire to each light. Never depend on the ball for the ground!

 

[imported_Warren]

Re: Trailer Wiring Question

Thanks for the reply "Gone Again".....I'll be sure to go ahead and ground out the trailer.....<br /><br /> I am using the new 4 prong flat light plug.....The lights i'm trying to install(older model) have 2 wires coming out of the light and a seperate amber bulb for the turn signal.....<br /><br /> Am I supposed to twist the wires together for both filiments for the brake and running lights????......The 4 prong connector does not have a seperate wire for running and brakes.....Is it a low/high voltage wire from the light transfer box on the truck?????

 

[burp]

Re: Trailer Wiring Question

Warren, Here is a website that has some good info on trailer wiring...... http://haystackhill.com/Wiring.html

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Wiring Question

NO! The dual filaments (one bright & one dim) must remain speparate. Dim is the tail/running light. Bright is combo brake/turn. You can connect the amber circuit to the brake/turn signal (or simply not use it) although the highway patrol may not like the amber light coming on with the brakes. Also amber lights are not proper as marker lights at the rear. HOWEVER, if your tow vehicle has separate stop, turn, running lights, you will need a five pin connector and a separate wire needs to be run for the amber turn signal.