Installation Of Trailer Lights And Wiring On Utility Trailer

Question:

HI I am trying to run new wires and lights on a utility trailer. I bought the exact lights that were on the trailer which have a red wire and a black wire. I have connected the yellow wire to the red and the yellow/brown wire to the black and got nothing. I then reversed that and got nothing. The trailer is mounted on the truck hitch so should be grounded. I also attached the white wire to the trailer just and case. I have not connected the green and green/brown just yet on the right side.

asked by: Guy

Expert Reply:

When you are installing a 2-wire light on your trailer and they have a red and a black wire, the black wire will be for the running lights, and the red wire will be for the brake and turn signal function. It sounds like the lights are grounded through the mounting hardware on the trailer frame.

I have attached a helpful article that explains how trailer wiring should be run. I have also attached a drawing that shows how wiring is typically run on a trailer you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L