Wiring Up 4 Taillights

[chorizon]

OK, I've searched and searched and can't find a definitive diagram for this. So now I ask the experts! How do I wire up 4 taillights on my TD. I've run 4 conductor wire already, I hope this is enough. Please help! I'd like mine to look like this:


My plans call for a 6-pin connector, but the TV has a 4-Flat and a 7 Pin Round.

[dmckruit]

I would just run a splitter in the wiring before each set of lights and then wire them up as normal. You would also need to run the ground wire to each. If you don't want the inner lights to light with the turn signal and brake, just wire them for the tail lights.

This diagram may help.

http://www.accessconnect.com/trailer_wiring_diagram.htm

[chorizon]

D'oh! I should have seen that. I was thinking maybe there was some DOT regulation on how the lights should be wired. That is indeed a simple solution.

What had me stumped on my diagram was it had the stop-lights running back to a pin on the 6-way plug called "stop". They were specific and pointed out that this was not the "trailer-brakes" pin.

I just couldn't see it knowing that all I really had was the usual 1) Ground 2) Left Turn/Stop 3) Right Turn/Stop and 4) Running Lights.

Thanks for clearing that up DM!

I would've posted my diagram, but it was copyrighted by Kuffel Creek.

[wlooper89]

I would just run a splitter in the wiring before each set of lights and then wire them up as normal. You would also need to run the ground wire to each. If you don't want the inner lights to light with the turn signal and brake, just wire them for the tail lights.

That sounds good to me. My store bought six-wide LG came with four tail lights. The factory wired them with a splitter each side and the two pairs function the same as a single light on each side would function. All four are on with the running lights as in the photo below. All four come on brighter for brakes and they blink in pairs for turns. There is no requirement to have more than one light on each side but it may improve visability to other drivers. The extra lights may also be useful if a bulb goes out during travel. My trailer lights are all the old fashioned incandescent type.

The photo in the original post appears to be a little different. Apparently the inner two tail lights only illuminate if the tow vehicle lights are on, and do not function as stop or turn signals. That sounds good too if that is your preference.

This photo shows my light arrangement. The three light wide ID bar below the license plate is only required for trailers 80" or more in overall width.



Bill

[wlooper89]

My plans call for a 6-pin connector, but the TV has a 4-Flat and a 7 Pin Round.

I would go with a 7 Pin connector like the tow vehicle. That way it will be easy to add brakes or trailer battery charging if you want. The seventh pin is called "Aux". Some people use it for a backup light but that is not required on a trailer. No harm in leaving some of the pins not connected.

I put a connector and cable like this on my trailer, which came with a flat four wire connector.
http://www.etrailer.com/pc-TEC~H20046.htm
A junction box for connecting wires may also be useful. I used one like this to connect to the existing trailer running light wiring and to connect the wires for trailer battery charging. Ring connectors available at Home Depot work well with a junction box. They can be crimped and also soldered if desired onto the wire ends.
http://www.etrailer.com/p-38656.htm

Bill

[chorizon]

My store bought six-wide LG came with four tail lights. The factory wired them with a splitter each side and the two pairs function the same as a single light on each side would function. All four are on with the running lights as in the photo below. All four come on brighter for brakes and they blink in pairs for turns. There is no requirement to have more than one light on each side but it may improve visability to other drivers. The extra lights may also be useful if a bulb goes out during travel.

The photo in the original post appears to be a little different. Apparently the inner two tail lights only illuminate if the tow vehicle lights are on, and do not function as stop or turn signals. That sounds good too if that is your preference.

This photo shows my light arrangement. The three light wide ID bar below the license plate is only required for trailers 80" or more in overall width.



Bill

Bill, your light arrangement is exactly what I'm going to do with mine. I prefer it to the pic in my original post.

I had it stuck in my head that since my plans called for the 2 inside lights to be running lights, then maybe it must be the rquired way of wiring 4 taillights. Does that make sense?

After reading DMs and your post I was thinking that would be the way to go. I was following a Corvette a couple days ago and realized they use the same configuration!

If its good enough for a 'vette its good enough for my TD! I will also be using a 7-prong plug as well, that's sound advice. Thanks alot!