Originally Posted by AkMtnHntr
First thing you should do is determine if the trailer uses a ground through the connector or the trailer tongue. This can cause quite a bit of confusion and throw you off on your troubleshooting.

This link really covers just about every application out there.

http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx

I highly recommend using sealed splices instead of the cheap crimp type, if you have to use the crimp type put a piece of heat shrink over it to seal the splice.

Wrap the spliced area with some electrical tape and finish using a section of wire loom tied off with wire ties. That's how I always fix my trailer wires and it makes it look professional too.


Not very many trailers are grounded through the tongue anymore, and really that's a pretty poor way to ground the system. While the tongue-ball is a pretty secure mechanical connection it's not a very good electrical path, especially as you're driving down the road and the coupler is rattling/vibrating around on the trailer ball.

Last edited by ajmorell; 04/03/15.