Trailer Wiring

[Cableguy]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w247/cableguy_07/drawtite_diagram.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w247/cableguy_07/7pintrailer.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w247/cableguy_07/6pintrailer.jpg

[Crawdaddy]

excellent graphics Cableguy! I can't think of much to add to that, except for maybe easy tap-in points for the turn signal lights. I'll get to that later though.

[Cableguy]

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

4 Way Systems

Flat molded connectors allow basic hookup for three lighting functions; right turn signal, left turn signal, stoplight / marker and a ground.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images/4%20way%20wiring.jpg
http://www.accessconnect.com/images2/4way_vehicle.jpg 4 way tow vehicle side.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images2/4way_trailer.jpg 4 way trailer side.

[Cableguy]

5 Way Systems

Same as 4 way system listed above but adds a extra red or black auxiliary power wire.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images2/5way_vehicle.jpg 5 way tow vehicle side.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images2/5way_trailer.jpg 5 way trailer side.

[Cableguy]

6 Way Systems

Round 1 1/4" diameter metal connector allows 1 or 2 additional wiring and lighting functions such as back up lights and electric brakes.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images/wiring_6pole.jpg
http://www.accessconnect.com/images2/6way_vehicle.jpg 6 way tow vehicle side.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images2/6way_trailer.jpg 6 way trailer side.

[Cableguy]

7 Way Systems

Round 2" diameter connector allows additional pin for auxiliary power.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images/wiring_7pole.jpg
http://www.accessconnect.com/images2/7way_vehicle.jpg 7 way RV flat blade tow vehicle side.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images2/7way_trailer.jpg 7 way RV flat blade trailer side.

[Cableguy]

Hopefully thats all the wiring diagrams for different applications. Trailer, trailer brakes and vehicle. Although vehichle colours codes on vehicles can vary....Add on if ya got em. We appear to have lost original post about trailer wiring. Sorry for the inconveinence.

[Cableguy]

This guys seems to have some handy tips on colour codes...Vehicle side. He's got some good tips too.


http://www.marksrv.com/wiring.htm

[84fiero123]

Nice job cable guy. Now we don’t have to explain it ever again just post a link to this..

[Cableguy]

Thanks Fiero. If you have something to add throw it in there. I can well imagine you've put a hitch or 2 on :wink:

[Cableguy]

Take time to practice before driving on main roads and never allow anyone to ride in or on the trailer. Before you leave, remember to check routes and restrictions on bridges and tunnels. Consider the following safety tips each time you drive with a trailer.
General Handling

Use the driving gear that the manufacturer recommends for towing.
Drive at moderate speeds. This will place less strain on your tow vehicle and trailer. Trailer instability (sway) is more likely to occur as speed increases.
Avoid sudden stops and starts that can cause skidding, sliding, or jackknifing.
Avoid sudden steering maneuvers that might create sway or undue side force on the trailer.
Slow down when traveling over bumpy roads, railroad crossings, and ditches.
Make wider turns at curves and corners. Because your trailer’s wheels are closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of your tow vehicle, they are more likely to hit or ride up over curbs.
To control swaying caused by air pressure changes and wind buffeting when larger vehicles pass from either direction, release the accelerator pedal to slow down and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.Braking

Allow considerably more distance for stopping.
If you have an electric trailer brake controller and excessive sway occurs, activate the trailer brake controller by hand. Do not attempt to control trailer sway by applying the tow vehicle brakes; this will generally make the sway worse.
Always anticipate the need to slow down. To reduce speed, shift to a lower gear and press the brakes lightly.Acceleration and Passing

When passing a slower vehicle or changing lanes, signal well in advance and make sure you allow extra distance to clear the vehicle before you pull back into the lane.
Pass on level terrain with plenty of clearance. Avoid passing on steep upgrades or downgrades.
If necessary, downshift for improved acceleration or speed maintenance.
When passing on narrow roads, be careful not to go onto a soft shoulder. This could cause your trailer to jackknife or go out of control.Downgrades and Upgrades

Downshift to assist with braking on downgrades and to add power for climbing hills.
On long downgrades, apply brakes at intervals to keep speed in check. Never leave brakes on for extended periods of time or they may overheat.
Some tow vehicles have specifically calibrated transmission tow-modes. Be sure to use the tow-mode recommended by the manufacturer.Backing Up

Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To turn left, move your hand left. To turn right, move your hand right. Back up slowly. Because mirrors cannot provide all of the visibility you may need when backing up, have someone outside at the rear of the trailer to guide you, whenever possible.
Use slight movements of the steering wheel to adjust direction. Exaggerated movements will cause greater movement of the trailer. If you have difficulty, pull forward and realign the tow vehicle and trailer and start again.Parking

Try to avoid parking on grades. If possible, have someone outside to guide you as you park. Once stopped, but before shifting into Park, have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the trailer wheels. Apply the parking brake, shift into Park, and then remove your foot from the brake pedal. Following this parking sequence is important to make sure your vehicle does not become locked in Park because of extra load on the transmission. For manual transmissions, apply the parking brake and then turn the vehicle off in either first or reverse gear.
When uncoupling a trailer, place blocks at the front and rear of the trailer tires to ensure that the trailer does not roll away when the coupling is released.
An unbalanced load may cause the tongue to suddenly rotate upward; therefore, before un-coupling, place jack stands under the rear of the trailer to prevent injury.

[Cableguy]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w247/cableguy_07/boat_truck.jpg

[TrailLeadr]

I wonder if he had a pintle hook on that. Looks like his boat saved his hide.

Can you imagine the conversation at work? So how was it out on the lake over the weekend? Uh, yeah I didn't make it out there. I had to take the truck off the road...literally.

[griffon]

I wonder if he had a pintle hook on that. Looks like his boat saved his hide.

Can you imagine the conversation at work? So how was it out on the lake over the weekend? Uh, yeah I didn't make it out there. I had to take the truck off the road...literally.

Looks like a surge coupler to me. Basic bolt on crap im shocked that it held up like that. :eek:

[griffon]

This guys seems to have some handy tips on colour codes...Vehicle side. He's got some good tips too.


http://www.marksrv.com/wiring.htm

One thing i did not notice on that was the cross color code. If you take a six pin off a trailer and want to add a 7 RV (has 7 flat blades not 7 round pins) there is a cross color code.
I worked with trailers for years and saw many people try to wire color to color and it almost never works.
It is kind of hard to explain and can varry because not all trailer makers use the same wire but ill give you the basic run down.
On the cord from trailer to the plug the brown wire to the green post, green wire to the brown post, yellow wire to red post, white wire to white post, red wire black post, and blak wire to center.
If that does not work for you shoot me an email and ill give you my phone number

[tevz]

2006 2500HD. My truck has what appears to be factory brake control wiring. I am installing a Tekonsha brake control. I have been told not to follow color to to color (red to red etc) . Is this correct?

[bowtiebrian]

Hey guys, I am hoping one (or more) of you could help me out here. Could anyone tell me where to find the fuse for the auxilary feed on a 7-way connector? The problem I am having is when I am hooked up to my 5th wheel, I have power to all the lights,except no power to charge the coach battery. All the fuses I have found look good and are not blown. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Brian

[dwill3015]

Hey guys, I am hoping one (or more) of you could help me out here. Could anyone tell me where to find the fuse for the auxilary feed on a 7-way connector? The problem I am having is when I am hooked up to my 5th wheel, I have power to all the lights,except no power to charge the coach battery. All the fuses I have found look good and are not blown. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Brian

Welcome to the site. I think that would be the large bladed fuse that comes attatched to the factory brake controller pigtail and installs in the fusebox under the hood. Mine is about 1-1/2 inches wide and has a red plastic top.

Hope this helps!

[Cableguy]

Actually what are you driving Brian?

[bowtiebrian]

Hey Cableguy,
I have a 04 3500 Silverado dually with the Duramax.

[SilveradoBrett]

Cableguy these images are amazing. I have a question on the trailer wiring diagram for the flat four pin diagram. Maybe you can clarify, I don't have the best vision but I am looking at the part where you have to have three red marker lights on the back of the trailer if it is greater than "x" inches wide. What is that value? It looks like 60" or 5 ft but I can;t tell for sure. What state is that the law in? I am building a trailer for use in colorado and I am wondering if I need those. Its not a big deal, so maybe I should put them on there anyway just to be safe. Thanks for the help!

[SilveradoBrett]

I forgot to ask one more thing, I figured since it looks like you know alot about trailers you might be able to help me. The trailer I am making is 6 ft wide and 8 ft long. I am thinking about putting 4 totzl marker lights on it, with addition to the turn signal/brake lights. So If I add the three more markers on the rear that makes for a total of 7 markers and 2 main turn and brake lights. Would this total amount of lights cause a problem with the power output. Basically what I am asking is that will all of the lights be dim since there is so many of them running on a single power supply? I am planning on using the cheap lights from walmart that have conventional automotive grade lightbulbs. Would it be better to use the more expensive led kind since they will require less power. Or would I be better off running two power sources one for the drivers side of the trailer and one for the passanger side of the trailer in order to provide enough power for all of the lights. Thanks for your help!

[Steve]

I got my trailer 1/2 re-wired, but I think I'm going to do it again with a better plan.

[Steve]

Bumping this popular topic.

[Grizzly Guy]

CableGuy I really like the wiring schmatics,but could anyone tell me where the wires are under the dash to hook up a brake controller,,I have an 08 with HD trailering pkg,,truck is a 1500 Z71 4x4 with the 5.3 and active fuel management,,thanks

[Bredin]

some pics arent working anymore...

is there anyway to get hold of them again?

I can even host them on my web server if needed

[Grizzly Guy]

thanks for the update Cable Guy

[trainergeneral]

excellent post but maybe you could help me out my 2009 silverado has no r/h brake or signal power at the trailer plug only , rest of lights and truck is ok .. thanks

[aethompson1]

My owners manual says there is an auxillary cable on my 2009 3500HD with the factory installed trailer brake controller that I need to take to the dealer to have hooked up. I need this cable to charge the deep cycle battery on my dump trailer. Does anyone know where it is and what is the magical trick that only the dealer can do?