Can a 3-Wire to 2-Wire Trailer Wiring Harness Converter be Bypassed
Question:
can i by-pass a 3 to 2 wire taillight converter in any way
asked by: Kyle
Expert Reply:
The only way to bypass a 3-wire to 2-wire trailer wiring harness converter (assuming your vehicle has a 3-wire or separate tail light system) would be to convert your trailer to a 3-wire (or separate) tail light system. This means you will need a separate tail light circuit, brake light circuit, and turn signal circuits on the trailer. You will also need to use either a 5-way, 6-way or 7-way style trailer connector on your trailer and tow vehicle and substitute one of the pins for the additional brake light circuit.
Keep in mind, this would be a custom setup. You will have to hardwire each of the wires from the trailer connector you choose to use to the tail light circuits on your vehicle. You may also wish to consider the fact that the tail light circuits on your vehicle will not be protected from possible shorts on the trailer. The converter boxes that come on trailer wiring harnesses like part # 119178KIT, have built in circuit protection.
Most trailers use a 2-wire (or combined) system meaning the turn signals and the brake lights run on the same wire. To prevent the need of any additional modification, a 3-wire to 2-wire trailer wiring harness is recommended. It is also the easiest route. If your trailer uses a combined light system, you will have to run new wires for the brake lights the length of the trailer. You will also have to install new tail lights that include a separate brake light bulb.
If you still want to go with a 3-wire setup, you will want a vehicle end and a trailer end 5-way connector like part # HM47890 and the appropriate lengths of 16 gauge wire, # 16-1-1, to make your own 3-wire trailer connectors. The blue wire that is typically used for a reverse light circuit on these 5-way connectors will just need to be spliced into your vehicles brake light circuit. On the trailer side, you will run the blue wire to your new brake lights.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Endurance 5-Way Flat Trailer Wiring Kit - Vehicle and Trailer Ends - Ergonomic Design
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 5 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- 1-1/2 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Best 2007 Honda Civic Trailer Wiring Options
- Video: Roadmaster Hitch Adapters - Hitch Extender - RM-077-8 Review
- Video: Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter Review RM-077-4
- Video: Roadmaster Hitch Adapters - Dual Hitch Adapter - RM-077-6 Review
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Fastway Trailer Hitch Lock and Adjustment Pin Lock Set for Flash E Series Ball Mounts
- Shop: Master Lock Hitch Receiver and Coupler Latch Lock Set - Padlock - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches
- Search Results: hitch locks
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - Flush - 3-5/8" Span - Chrome
- Shop: Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter with 2" or 6" Drop/Rise
- Shop: Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2" or 10" Drop/Rise
- Shop: Roadmaster Dual Hitch Receiver Adapter, 2 " or 8" Drop/Rise
- Search Results: cargo rack
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Search Results: bx7365 alpha
- Shop: Curt 2 to 3 Wire Tail Light Converter
- Search Results: hitch receiver adapter drop
- Search Results: hitch
- Search Results: tow bar
- Search Results: bx7365
- Q&A: Difference Between Dexter Trailer Brake Assemblies and Other Brands
- Q&A: Comparing the eTrailer and Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kits
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - STL13RFHXB Review
- Q&A: Power Issues When Installing LED Lights to Replace Incandescents
- Q&A: How to Wire 3 Wire Trailer Tail Lights