How to Identify Wire Functions on Vintage Camper Trailer

Question:

These have 3 wires, Black, White and red, I would be hooking these up to an old vintage camper I am restoring with Brown and yellow on the left and brown Thanks!

asked by: Dave

Helpful Expert Reply:

The waterproof Optronics GloLight LED Trailer Tail Light # STL101RCFMB does use a 3-wire plug # AL45PWTB for connection. The light has white, black and red wires, which are ground, tail and stop/turn leads, respectively.

On your trailer you will need to test the wires with a 12V battery to see what function each one carries. Often a brown wire is for running lights (taillights) and this would connect to the center pin. Stop/turn signals should go to the pin labeled stop/turn and the ground wire on the trailer should go to the pin labeled ground. Since trailer wiring colors are not always standardized it is best to test the existing trailer wiring to confirm function. Wire color alone is not a reliable way to confirm connections.

The linked article will help you sort out the wiring.

expert reply by: Adam R