Will 12V Wire at Vehicle End Trailer Connector Be Hot Even When Truck and All Lights Are Off

Question

Question:

Does the black 12v wire stay hot, even when the truck isnt running with no lights on?

asked by: Brian

0

Expert Reply:

The 12V wire at the vehicle-end trailer connector being hot even when the truck is off can vary depending on the application. For all aftermarket hardwiring installations of a 7-Way wiring harness, the 12V wire will be hot at all times, even when the truck is off and no lights are on in the trailer. This is because the 12V power wire is ran from the vehicle battery, then typically to a circuit breaker, then to the trailer connector.

In OEM applications, it will vary depending on the make of the truck. For Chevrolet and Dodge trucks, the 12V wire will always be hot, even when the truck is off.

Ford trucks can vary depending on the year and make. Some Ford trucks have a relay that requires the ignition to be on for the 12V wire to have power. Other Fords will have a hot 12V wire all of the time. I believe Toyota trucks are also this way.

expert reply by: Victoria B

0

Scott N.

5/28/2020

I have a 2011 gmc 2500. When a trailer is plugged into truck with power off I still have power to passenger side rear trailer light. I put the light tester plug on truck it showes power to passenger side. All other lights work when truck is on but I have no turn signal on the trailer but the light is on. I know the issue is on the truck side because all lights shut off on trailer when truck is shut off

Reply

Chris R.

6/1/2020

I would give the trailer connector on your Sierra a good visual inspection. Look for any corrosion or debris that may be built up inside the pins, cleaning out as needed. I'm thinking some corrosion might be causing a short on that trailer turn signal circuit that's bleeding over to the truck's tail light circuit. Let me know what you find and we can go from there.

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Answer 1

The light that indicates that the 12 volt circuit is hot is normal and it will not drain the battery. Think of it as the battery having a really long positive terminal that just extends to the rear of the vehicle. If nothing is drawing power from…

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Answer 2

The only pin that should be continuously showing 12V power on the 7-Way connector on your vehicle is the 12V power circuit which is normally the black wire but not always. In 7-way wiring the 12V auxiliary power feed is carried on the contact at the…

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Answer 3

The Battery Isolation Solenoid #PK5231201 that you referenced can be used to charge a battery if needed. Normally this solenoid is used to allow you to allow a circuit to only be active when the vehicle's key is turned on. Basically you wire up…

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Answer 4

A 2 or 2-1/8 inch diameter hole saw will work well for you to install the #PK11893-11932 connector. If you click on the link I provided, you can see a different video showing the connector being installed on a 2012 Ford F350 that mentions the size of…

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Answer 5

You will need a battery isolator, like Battery Isolation Solenoid, part #PK5231201, if you plan on leaving the trailer connected to the truck when the truck is off. If you unplug the 7-Way, the trailer battery cannot drain the truck battery. If you…

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Answer 6

The weight of the TorkLift Talon Custom Frame-Mounted Camper Tie-Downs #TLC2204 is 21.4 lbs, while #TLC3206 weights 29.5 lbs. Other than #TLC3206 weighing 7.4 lbs more than #TLC2204; #TLC3206A is aluminum and #TLC3206 is black in color. Also,…

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Answer 7

There are underbed gooseneck hitches that fit a 2018 and 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 but the B&W #BWGNRK1110 is not one of them. Instead I recommend checking out the Curt Double Lock, Flip and Store Underbed Gooseneck Hitch w/ Installation Kit…

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Answer 8

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 9

I have attached a photo for you below which shows how both a vehicle side and trailer side trailer connector is typically wired. I say typically because this is not always exact and so long as the trailer and vehicle side both match it will not…

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Answer 10

Yes, in order to set your trailer up for use with shore power you will first need an AC distribution panel. For this, I recommend a Progressive Dynamics Series AC Distribution Panel. In order to bring power into the panel you will also need a power…

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Answer 11

The only wires that could be hot all the time on a trailer connector is the 12-volt hot lead, which is usually a black wire, and, if applicable, the auxiliary power wire, which is normally yellow or purple. The blue wire is usually for electric…

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Answer 12

I measured the interior of the Blue Ox Hitch Extender #BX88265 to confirm how much interior space there is available for the shank of your bike rack. Since this extender does NOT have an internal weld stop there is available a full 3-inches of…

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Will 12V Wire at Vehicle End Trailer Connector Be Hot Even When Truck and All Lights Are Off

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