How to Wire Up a Truck for a Trailer
Having a trailer can be a convenient addition to your truck, as it adds carrying capacity and increases the versatility of your vehicle. But there's more to installing a trailer than just bolting a hitch to the frame and putting a ball mount in the receiver. You have to wire the trailer properly so the taillights, turn signals and brake lights work correctly, otherwise you risk getting a ticket. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2004 Toyota Tacoma, but the process is similar for other vehicles as well.
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Things You'll Need
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Vehicle-specific trailer wiring harness
- Drill with Phillips-head attachment
- Self-tapping screws
- Zip ties
Instructions
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1
Unscrew the taillights using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull out the taillights and unplug the electrical wiring using your hands, then set the taillights to the side.
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2
Slide the left side of the vehicle-specific trailer wiring harness up from the bottom of the bed into the hole where the left taillight mounts using your hands, then clip the trailer harness into the stock taillight harness. Put a self-tapping screw through the ring terminal attached to the ground wire from the trailer harness and screw it to the sheet metal behind the taillight using the drill. Run the right side of the trailer harness to the passenger side of the truck, and repeat the wiring process.
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3
Reinstall the taillights using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Route the trailer harness connector on the trailer wiring harness over the frame and next to the hitch on the vehicle, securing it to the frame along the way using zip ties. Leave the trailer harness connector near the hitch with some slack, so that it's easily accessible when you connect a trailer.
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