How To Wire A Trailer Hitch

Wiring can be a frightening concept for many people. Basic wiring systems on trailers are actually very simple.

Many auto parts stores now carry a plug and go connector for most popular makes of towing vehicles. For those who feel adventurous, this article will describe the "old fashioned" way to wire a trailer hitch.

First, decide what kind of plug you will be using. If your trailer comes with a plug, you will need to match it. If not, the most common plug used is a flat plastic plug with 3 round type plug female holes and one male prong. The mating plug would have 3 round prongs and one female round type receptacle. The one different style pole on each plug will be the ground. Turn on your parking lights on your truck.

Find the bundle of wires located at the back of your truck just inside the frame and body. Using a circuit tester, locate the wire that is "hot" with the lights on. With a pigtail connector, connect a piece of wire long enough to reach the location of your trailer connection, after you have turned off the lights. That wire connects to the female receptacle, which is most commonly in the receptacle next to the ground connector. You can test before permanently connecting by touching the trailer connectors one at a time until you find the one that causes the tail lights to light.

Next, turn on one of your blinkers and find the wire that flashes your tester. Connect a pigtail in the same manner and test on the trailer to find the connecting pin that makes the proper blinker on the trailer operate with the truck. Now, find the other turn signal wire in the same manner.

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