Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring on 2008 Snowbear 6x8 Utility Trailer

Question

Question:

- Just re-wired a 2008 Snowbear utility trailer 6x8 with a new harness, exactly as it was before with 14/16 gauge bonded wire. The Snowbear has a Flat Connector, 4 Pole, with 5 Wires. TRUCK-side has a regular 4-Pole Female Connector. This has worked perfectly before, just FYI. * New Wiring scheme: Left Side - Yellow + Brown. Right side - Green + Brown. White - grounded to frame. NOTE - I did not connectinch the 2 SIDE Yellow Lamps on the side of the trailer, as they are very corroded, so I did not replace, nor re-connect the wiring, from the Peterson Tail Lamps. BTW, I did remove their OLD wires from the lamps. * Trailer Connector 4 Pole + 5 Wires - could not find it locally, so i placed a new order with you. PROBLEM - After using the OLD Trailer Snowbear Connector 16 gauge, with the new wiring 14 gauge, here is what works, and what doesnt: 1. Truck/trailer Running Lights work fine. 2. Truck/trailer Stop Lights work fine. - - Truck/trailer Turn Signal Lights, do Not work properly, when connecting all 5 wires. A. Disconnecting the Right-Side Brown Wire to just a 4 Wire Trailer -to-Truck connection, does allow Turn Signals and Brake Lights to work, BUT, Not when I turn on the Running Lights. B. Turning on the Running Lights causes this Light Signal works fine, but the Right Signal is barely noticeable, Plus it makes some of the Trucks other Back Lights to signalinch too. The Plug-in Wiring schemes to the Peterson Tail lights are different for the Light and the Right. There are 4 Holes for the wire connections on the back of each tail light. Right Peterson - The Green and Brown are connected next to each other. Left Peterson - The Yellow is in hole #1 and Brown wire is in #4 Hole. * About the eTrailer Peterson light Video DEMO - does not demonstrate Where-to connect the wires into the back of the Left and Right Petersons. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PROPER DIAGRAM, IF POSSIBLE PLEASE. * About SNowbear - they stopped making the trailers in 2010, just snow plows now. I called them in Ontario but no longer have any support. Would you send me a Diagram or Schematic on how the Correct wiring for the this 4-pole/5wire trailer connector, or if there is another Work-around. I would really appreciate it as there are no Local trailer shops here on this Island. I apologize for the length of my email, but am trying to include as much info as possible that will hopefully create some Solutions for me. Mahalo Thank you

asked by: David M

0

Expert Reply:

The only difference between the run-of-the-mill 4 pole trailer connector and the one you describe is the fact that the one on your trailer split the running light circuit into two legs, one for the drivers side, using the yellow/brown wire and one for the passenger side, using the yellow/green wire.

No worries about the length of your email, the more information, the better.

When you mention that functionality of the lighting system changes with the running lamps on, it's a red flag that there's a ground problem in the trailer wiring. When the running lights are on, you're pulling maximum amperage through the system. If there's a problem, that's when it's going to show up.

First, take some time and review the wiring harness installation. The white wire on the trailer connector should ground to CLEAN BARE metal on the trailer tongue. This connection should be tight, and not corroded. The yellow/brown and the yellow wire will run along the driver's side of the trailer, and connect to the Peterson # PM444L taillight as I've shown in the photo. The green/brown and the green wires run along the passenger side, and would attach to the lamp as shown. The mounting studs of each trailer need to be in direct contact with the trailer frame, or you'll need to run a jumper wire from the stud to the trailer frame.

Does your Snowbear trailer have a tilting bed or deck on it? If so, it would explain the problem you're having. The lamps are on the tilting portion of the trailer, but the ground connection from the trailer connector is on the stationary part of the trailer. Over time, the pivot points become worn, and don't provide a good continuous ground connection. To solve the problem, take a length of wire, and put a ring connector on either end. Use this jumper wire to connect the tilting and the stationary portion of the trailer.

I'll also link you to our Trailer Wiring and Trailer Connector Troubleshooting FAQ articles.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

click to enlarge

Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring on 2008 Snowbear 6x8 Utility Trailer

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching