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How to Rewire a Utility Trailer
When talking about trailer rewiring, it is all about:
- Remove the trailer lights and old wiring
- With the help of trailer frame, harness the route of new wiring
- Installation of the new trailer lights
- Testing the lights
The article is about the processes and steps required for rewiring the trailer light. The same can also be used for wiring boat trailers, utility trailers, and others.
The basis of installation is on the utility trailer light kit principle. The principle is also used for wiring a boat trailer. The steps depend upon the requirements of the individual trailer
Step 1, Start with the Sketch of the trailer wiring
Take a piece of paper and come up with a sketch of the trailer. Then draw the layout of different wiring systems through the diagram.
The wires should be labeled with different colors for different purposes.
When you plan to either wire the trailer or rewire it, the diagram will be a guide. The diagram can be made for the trailer wiring that is 4-pin.
Step 2, Time to change the old lights and wiring
You can remove the lamp from the old trailer. This can be done by doing away with the bolt of the hardware attached to the frame.
The running lights can also be removed with the same procedure. The wire is then cut from the lights.
When you decide to unclip the wire, start it from the front of the trailer. Find a way near the tongue of the trailer.
In case the wiring is passing through the tongue, take help from the old wire. Use the old wire to insert the new wire in the trailer.
Step 3, Come up with a new layout of the wiring
With the help of the frame, take the new wiring from the back of the trailer. You can take help from the sketch that you have drawn previously.
Both brown and yellow wires should be taken from the driver’s side.
Also, brown and green should route through the passenger side. The white color will go through the tongue of the trailer.
The length of the wire on both sides of the trailer should be equal and the same. On the front side, the wire should be enough for easy plugging.
Step 4, Mounting the ground wiring
You need to strip the ends of the white ground wire. Do away with the present coupler bolt and ground bolt.
That was being used for the old ground war. You then have to wrap the wire all around the bolt so it could tighten.
The purpose can also be achieved by using the ring terminal. This way wire can be attached to the bolt.
To ensure minimum damage to the wire, it has to be tucked up below the coupler.
Step 5, Time to install the marker light
Using the available bolts, Mount the marker lights of the new trailer. You can also use the available holes from the existing marker.
In case of non-alignment of the holes, you might need to come up with new drilling holes.
With the bolting on of the wire, the splinter present in the market links to the wiring of the trailer.
The splinter of the driver-side light would to with brown and yellow lights. Where those on the passenger side will splinter to the brown and green lights.
Step 6, Attachment of the wire with the Frame
Starting from the front side to the back, you need to clip the wire into the frame.
You need to ensure that the wiring of the trailer remains intact. It should also be well protected so doesn’t go away with debris or on the road.
Step 7, Installing the Taillights
The specification of each taillight to the driver and passenger should be ensured. This is essential as far as mounting of taillights is concerned.
You need to put the taillight in the right position. Then strip the ends as well as for trim the wiring of the trailer.
The wires are then out inside the appropriate places. The brown and green color for the passenger side. Yellow and brown for the driver’s side.
When both wires are connected, tail lights are bolted into the mainframe of the trailer.
Step 8, Testing Lights
You need to ensure that the lights of the trailers are working properly. It is true for requiring all utility trailers, boat trailers, and others.
You connect the trailer with the vehicle and check if all lights are working properly.
You need to check all the lights accordingly. Start by checking the brake lights, and right as well as left-turn signals.
Also, check the running lights. In case any light isn’t working, go for check the electrical tester.
Rewire a Utility Trailer Light Kit is not easy for a person, recommend a professional guy to install
Would you like a free install version, try our
Wireless Rechargeable Magnetic Mounted Trailer Kit
FAQ
What is the color code for trailer wiring?
For trailer wiring
- Green comes in the category of the right turn signal. It is also for the light of the right brake.
- Yellow is for the light of the left brake plus the left turn signal
- Brown is taken for the taillight whereas
- White is the ground wire
How do you wire a trailer light?
This can be done by taking the brown wire and putting it inside the connecting point of the taillight. Also inside the brake/signal light breaking point, you inset the yellow wire.
The situation is different in the case of the side trailer light of the passenger. In this case, you put the green wire inside the connection point of the signal or brake light.
How much does it cost to rewire a utility trailer Or boat?
It takes around $50 to $200 to rewire a utility trailer. The overall cost also depends upon the:
- Design of the trailer
- Total labor cost
How do I fix my trailer light kit stop working?
You start with a ground check for fixing the lights of your trailer. When the wires are not properly grounded, many issues arise at that very spot. Then check the wiring plug of the vehicle to ensure it’s working.
In case the lights of the trailer are broken or wiring is damaged, you rewire the trailer with a new wiring system.
How many wires do you need for trailer lights?
You require four wires for trailer lights. Mainly four wires are needed for:
- Turn signals
- Taillight of the trailer
- Properly working and the illumination of the brake lights.
This 4 wiring system is so designed that both the right turn signal and right brake light appear green.
Do trailer lights need to be grounded?
You will have to ground every lamp, by following:
- When the mounting stud is connected directly with the frame of the trailer
- The jumper wire connected with the frame from the lamp
Then from the front side of the trailer, you ground the trailer connector. This way trailer frame can also be used as a ground wire.
It was interesting when you mentioned that you will need to ground every lamp for trailer lights since the mounting stud will be directly connected with the frame of the trailer. I’m starting to do deliveries for my woodwork shop, and I need a utility trailer for the heavy furniture. Hopefully, I’ll be able to fund a trusted auto dealer for utility trailers.
Hi! When my former employer call me yesterday, he asked me if he should buy himself a utility trailer for his new company. I believe you were right by reiterating that we can use our trailer frame to harness the revised route of its wiring in case the old one is broken. Maybe this is the kind of information he needs to make the right selection in the near future, provided I share this article with him.
Great article! Given the usage of a boat trailer, I’m ensuring that my trailer is working in full operation and also preventing any potential damages to my boat when transporting.
It certainly was helpful information when you told us that it usually costs around $50 to $200 to rewire utility trailers in case we ever need them for repairs. Speaking of, I need a tilt equipment trailer for my furniture store soon to use for deliveries. I’ll have to keep this in mind once I buy a tilt equipment trailer for sale.