Troubleshooting Wiring for a Reverse Lockout Solenoid on an Old Boat Trailer

Question:

I have a tandem wheel boat trailer . Im trying to rewire this old 1988 trailer . The wheels have rotors and calipers . On the wiring to the solenoid is a black wire going in and on the back side a black wire coming out . My question is front wire needs to be attached to the blue wire to reverse lights ? .At the back of the solenoid is another black wire . Where does this wire go ? Trailer for ground ? thanks

asked by: Robert

Helpful Expert Reply:

Reverse lockout solenoids will have two wires as you have seen. One wire is grounded to the trailer and one wire is attached to a reverse light wire coming from the tow vehicle. On most lockout solenoids it does not matter which wire is grounded and which wire is connected to the reverse light wire.

Since I am not sure what solenoid you are using or how old it is, I recommend tracing both wires as far as you can. The ground wire should be attached to the frame somewhere on the trailer. It may also be ran to the main trailer ground.

expert reply by: John H