How to Hook Up Backup Lights on a Trailer
Tow vehicle backup lights are not connected to trailers through conventional flat four-pin hitches, which operate tail/running/tag illuminator lights, brake lights and both blinkers. Rather, to connect tow backup lights, a four- to five-pin adaptor must be sourced, and a connection established to the fifth pin from the tow-vehicle's preexisting harness. Adapters are readily available from auto parts stores, recreational vehicle dealerships and the truck parts aisle of home improvement warehouses.
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Things You'll Need
- Four- to five-pin adaptor
- Cable splice
- Electrical tape
- Soldering kit (optional)
- Shrink-wrap insulation kit (optional)
- Cable ties
Instructions
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1
Insert the four- to five-pin adaptor into the preexisting flat four-pin hitch connector by pressing the matched terminal ends together until you feel a positive resistance.
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2
Locate the tow vehicle's backup light wire. Backup light wires are typically solid purple or purple with a pinstripe; consult your owner's manual to confirm the color code. The wire is usually most easily accessed behind one or both rear lamp clusters.
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3
Connect the loose wire from the four- to five-pin adaptor to the tow vehicle's backup light wire. Use a cable splice and insulate the join with electrical tape, or strip a half inch of insulation from the end of the new wire and at a random point along the preexisting wire then twist them together, solder the connection and insulate the join with a shrink-wrap kit.
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4
Route the five-pin end of the adaptor to a location close to the tow hitch, and secure the run of wire away from hot and moving parts using cable ties.
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Tips & Warnings
It is easy to fishtail or jackknife a trailer when backing up. Reverse slowly to avoid damage to both the trailer and the tow vehicle.
References
Resources
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