If you own a trailer, you know how important it is to have it wired correctly. Trailer wiring can be confusing and frustrating, but it’s not as complicated as it seems. In this article, we will discuss the 4 prong trailer wiring diagram and how to wire your trailer correctly.
What is a 4 Prong Trailer Wiring Diagram?
A 4 prong trailer wiring diagram is a diagram that shows the connection between the trailer plug and the tow vehicle. It is called a 4 prong wiring diagram because it has four wires. These wires are responsible for powering the trailer lights, turn signals, and brake lights.
Trailer wiring used to be simple, but with the addition of new safety features like electric brakes, it has become more complicated. The 4 prong trailer wiring diagram is the most common wiring diagram used for trailers today.
What are the four wires in a 4 prong trailer wiring diagram?
The four wires in a 4 prong trailer wiring diagram are:
- The white wire is the ground wire
- The green wire is the right turn signal and brake light wire
- The yellow wire is the left turn signal and brake light wire
- The brown wire is the tail light wire
How to Wire a 4 Prong Trailer Wiring Diagram
Wiring a 4 prong trailer wiring diagram can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. Here is a step-by-step guide to wiring your trailer correctly:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You will need the following supplies to wire your trailer:
- A 4 prong trailer wiring harness
- A screwdriver
- A wire stripper
- A wire crimper
- A multimeter
Step 2: Locate the Trailer Wiring Harness
The trailer wiring harness is usually located at the rear of the trailer. It is a rectangular plug with four pins. The pins are usually labeled with the color of the wire they correspond to.
Step 3: Strip the Wires
Using the wire stripper, strip the ends of each wire on the trailer wiring harness. Make sure to strip about 1/4 inch of insulation from each wire.
Step 4: Connect the Ground Wire
The white wire is the ground wire. Connect it to the trailer frame using a screwdriver.
Step 5: Connect the Tail Light Wire
The brown wire is the tail light wire. Connect it to the tail lights on the trailer using a wire crimper.
Step 6: Connect the Turn Signal and Brake Light Wires
The green wire is the right turn signal and brake light wire. The yellow wire is the left turn signal and brake light wire. Connect these wires to the turn signal and brake lights on the trailer using a wire crimper.
Step 7: Test the Trailer Lights
Use a multimeter to test the trailer lights to make sure everything is wired correctly. If there are any issues, go back and check your wiring connections.
FAQ
What is the difference between a 4 prong and 7 prong trailer wiring diagram?
A 4 prong trailer wiring diagram has four wires, while a 7 prong trailer wiring diagram has seven wires. The 7 prong trailer wiring diagram is used for larger trailers with a larger battery or more safety features. The additional wires are for electric brakes, reverse lights, and auxiliary power.
What happens if I wire my trailer incorrectly?
If you wire your trailer incorrectly, you could damage your trailer or tow vehicle. It could also cause safety issues while driving, such as faulty brake lights or turn signals.
Do I need any special tools to wire my trailer?
You don’t need any special tools to wire your trailer. All you need is a screwdriver, wire stripper, wire crimper, and a multimeter. These tools are inexpensive and can be found at any hardware store.
How often should I check my trailer wiring?
You should check your trailer wiring every time you use your trailer. This will ensure that everything is working correctly and prevent any issues while driving.
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| White | Ground |
| Brown | Tail Lights |
| Green | Right Turn Signal and Brake Light |
| Yellow | Left Turn Signal and Brake Light |
