Adding Reverse Lights And Junction Box To a Trailer Without Existing Reverse Lights And Wiring

Question:

I would like to add backup lights to my boat trailer. It has a 4 way plug. Tow Vehicle is a 2017 Ram 1500 with both 4 way and 7 way recepticals. Can i buy LED backup lights, 2 way pig tail, enough wire and the 4 way to 7 way junction box? Wire the current 4 strands plus new backup lights to the junction box and use trucks 7 way recepticals?

asked by: Tom K

Expert Reply:

You are correct, that is exactly how you would install that setup. To add reverse lights to your trailer from a 4 pole to a 7 pole on your 2017 Ram 1500 you are going to need a junction box with a 7 pole connector. I recommend is the Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector Item # HS381-9000. What makes this kit nice is the 7 pole plug comes with the junction box. You would just need to add your new reverse lights and wiring from the lights to the junction box. It also comes with ring terminals to connect your new wiring connection.

For the lights I recommend the GloLight LED Backup Light for Truck or Trailer - Submersible - 22 Diodes - Clear Lens Item # BUL111CFPG. This light comes with the bezel to mount it to a flat surface, it would just require drilling a hole for the wiring.

You will also need the 2-Wire Pigtail for Optronics Backup and Utility Trailer Lights - 2-Prong PL-3 Plug
Item # A45CB for each of the lights. Each white ground wire can be grounded anywhere on a clean metal surface. Each red wire will need to be extended up to the junction box and connected to the appropriate reverse light pin.

To extend your wires up to the junction box, since you only have 2 wires to extend, I recommend using Jacketed 2 Wire (Brake Wire) - 12 Gauge - per Foot Item # 12-2-1. With having both wires inside the jacket it will make it easy to run up to the junction box and it will protect the wires from damage.

I also recommend using Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 10
Item # DW05745-10 to connect your wires at the lights. It helps protect your connection from corrosion.

As far as your existing four pole end on your trailer, you simply cut the four pole end off, attach a ring terminal to each and connect them to the appropriate pins in the junction box.