wiring trailer lights

Dupont

i treated my self to a new set of lights today but was wondering what way to connect the two of them. do you connect the wire to 1 and run it to the plug and then splice the other side into it? i also want a way that is the best for keeping water out and no connections coming loose. the lights have 3 wires coming out of them

Bumpstop

It depends on the type of lights. 3 wires could be lights, brake lights and ground. Or it could be lights, brake lights, and indicator, with the body of the cluster being the ground.
The best way to splice cables is soldering and vinyl mastic tape.
I would prefer to splice the cables together and run one cable to the plug.
The main problems with trailer wiring is vibration and moisture ( hmmm that might be another thread ).
At the very least use a heat shrink insulation material.

101sean

As Bumpstop says, try and do it properly and you'll save a load of grief later. Joint the wires together in a waterproof junction box, your local agri co-op should have something, or properly splice them and a separate lead to the plug.

The main problem with trailer lights from what I've seen is they are either poorly made or very vulnerable. Either way if you seal and protect them, it makes bulb changing harder :rolleyes:

CJhaughey

I also cover the screw connectors with vaseline helps stop corrosion and water damage.

Jim from Cork

And make sure cables are routed up into the lights. Not down into the lights as water will run down the cable and into the lamps.;)

Dupont

Jim from Cork wrote: »

And make sure cables are routed up into the lights. Not down into the lights as water will run down the cable and into the lamps.;)

good tip how would you connect the back of light wires to main cable wire so that they are waterproof(ish)

snowman707

Dupont wrote: »

good tip how would you connect the back of light wires to main cable wire so that they are waterproof(ish)

amalgamating tape or heat shrink tubing

scudster

It might be worth shielding the cable at vunerable locations along its route to the drawbar. Such as anyplace it has to cross edges or where itll be rubbing etc. A length of black wavin pipe under the trailer for the cable to run in would be handy.

Dupont

i have my solder,heat shrink and junction box.i have looked at other threads and got the wiring diagram for the cable to the socket but what way to wire lights into it? one light has black,yellow,red wire and the other has black,yellow,white

Buford T Justice

If you open the light fittings themselves you should be able to see which of the wires join to which of the bulbs. You will also be able to see which is the common ground.

101sean

Black will be the earth, that's universal. For the others, get the test meter out or make temporary connections and see what lights up.

twofish101

Not 100% sure but in trailer lighting 7 core cable white is the earth, why not strip back the wires on the lamp and test them on a battery.