How to Wire Back Up Lights on a Trailer Equipped with Standard 4 Pole

Question:

I have a 08 F150 with a 4 pin and 7 pin. I would like to add a set of backup lights to my trailer. How can i add the lights? The truck came with a pig tail and 4page installation instructions that tells me only color or the wire and not how to. I have been told that i need to add a electronic brake box. What would been the best way to compleate this.

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

Using a circuit tester, find out if the center post of the 7 pole connector is wired for reverse lights. If it is, then you can convert your trailer to a 7 pole using the diagram on our Trailer Wiring FAQ page that I have provided a link for. If the 7 pole is not already wired, the simplest solution would be to switch your trailer to a 5 pole system.

Re-wire your trailer using part # 20017, using the same colors as before, but the added blue wire will be run to the new reverse lights on the trailer. Then use a 4 pole to 5 pole adapter, part # 20036. Connect the standard 4 pole to your truck and run the loose blue wire to the reverse lights on your F-150.

expert reply by: Mike L