How do you wire a trailer with a 6-pin trailer plug?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How do you wire a trailer with a 6-pin trailer plug?” We will also discuss the wiring process with the junction box and talk about the types of wires and their uses. Additionally, we will describe the types of trailer connectors and list their wiring codes.
How do you wire a trailer with a 6-pin trailer plug?
To wire a trailer with a 6-pin trailer plug, you will need to follow the steps described below.
- Prepare for the process
- Locate the junction box
- Fix the trailer connections
- Fix the vehicle connections
Prepare for the process
- Wiring a trailer with a 6-pin trailer plug is not too difficult but you will need to prepare for the process. The first step is to make sure that you have everything in place before you begin to work.
- Make sure that you have a breakaway kit handy in case your trailer gets disconnected. You will also need to have a junction box to get all the wiring organized.
Locate the junction box
- The second step is to locate the junction box to replace the existing wire. The junction box is usually located at the front.
- Once you find the junction box, you will need to remove the nuts from each terminal.
- Remove the old wiring by removing each terminal from the junction box.
Fix the trailer connections
- You will need to get the trailer connections fixed. Be sure to follow the color codes while wiring the 6-pin trailer plug.
- Be sure to cut any excess wiring from the new cable and use a crimper to strip the wires of insulation.
- Be sure to crimp ring terminals onto the new wiring. Place the terminals onto their corresponding studs in the junction box.
- Ensure that the ground wire is connected properly and the brake wire is also connected properly to the brake wire output.
- The most important part is to connect the wires to the right ports. Be sure to refer to the 6-way trailer wiring color code. Note that some color codes can vary accordingly.
- Below is the 6-way trailer wiring color code diagram.
6-way trailer wiring color code diagram
Fix the vehicle connections
- Once you have an idea about the connections, you will need to get to the vehicle and ensure that everything is connected in the right place.
- If your vehicle already has a 6-way connector, you can go ahead and plug the trailer end into the vehicle end connector.
- If you have a four-way connector, you will need to add a 6-way adapter kit. Several adaptor kits are available and they can be used for 4-way connectors.
- These adaptors will help to convert your 4-way into a 6-way. It is also important to check the function of your vehicle wires with a circuit tester before connecting.
- Be sure to activate each function like the brake lights and turn signal.
- In case you have no connecter, you will need to install a 6-way plug. You can also install a 4-way plug and use a 6-way adapter.
- You might want to use a mounting bracket if the vehicle connector is under the vehicle. This will help to prevent damage that may occur if the connector is left hanging.
- It is also good to apply a small amount of grease to all electrical connections. You can also use a little grease on the plugs and the connector to prevent corrosion.
Wiring with a junction box
- Note that wiring with and without a junction box requires a different approach. If you are wiring with a junction box, you will need to follow a few simple steps.
- Remove the nuts from the junction box stud on each of the studs. Make sure to cut the excess wiring from the new cable if you are replacing the existing wire.
- You will need to place the terminals on the corresponding studs in the junction box. Ensure to connect all the wires to the right sockets.
- If you are not using a junction box, you will need to connect the 6-way to the existing wiring. You will require a heat gun and butt connectors to get the wiring in place securely.
- Use a couple of wire clips to secure any excess wire from the new connections.
Types of wires and their uses
Trailer wires might appear in various sizes and they are usually classified as their type and gauge. The thicker wire is usually the smaller number. Each type of wire is used for a specific purpose. Here are the various types of wires and their usage.
White wires
- White wires are called ground wires, these wires are also known as negative wires. The purpose of the white wire is to connect to the vehicle battery’s negative side.
Brown wires
- Brown wires are connected to the lights that are always on when you travel. The brown wire is only set to power the lights. If you are using a larger trailer, you might need to consider using a thicker gauge.
Blue wires
- Blue wires are usually used for reverse lights. However, some trailers have blue brakes. On the side of the vehicle, the blue wire goes to the brake controller.
Red wires
- The red wires are used as auxiliary power in most cases. Auxiliary power is used for charging the breakaway battery, interior lights, RV batteries, and other power accessories.
Green wires
- Some trailers have green wires on their system. These wires are used for right turn brakes. Green wires are also the most important.
Types of trailer connectors
Various types of trailer connectors are available and it is important to know about each connecter, especially if you are wiring a 6-pin trailer plug. It is also important to know the wiring codes of these connectors. Here are the various types of trailer connectors and their wiring codes described below.
4-way flat trailer connectors
The 4-way flat trailer connectors provide a secure connection between the plug tab and the receptacle. These are commonly found in trailers and can also be upgraded to a 6-way trailer connecter with the help of an adaptor.
- Wiring code
- White – ground
- Yellow – left turn signal
- Green – right turn signal
- Brown – running and brake lights.
5-way flat trailer connectors
The 5-way flat trailer connectors are mostly found on utility trailers and campers. These are required for brakes and are generally considered a temporary setup.
- Wiring code
- White – ground
- Brown – running lights
- Yellow – left turn signal and brakes
- Green – right turn signal and brakes
- Blue – electric brakes.
5-way round trailer connectors
The 5-way pin round connectors are used for basic functions. These connectors are more popular in RVs and two vehicles. They can also be used for trailers with surge brakes.
- Wiring code
- White – ground
- Brown – running lights
- Yellow – left turn signal and brakes
- Green – right turn signal and brakes
- Blue – electric brakes
6-way round trailer connectors
There are also 6-way round trailer connectors that come with the ground pin and two additional pins to provide extra functions. These connectors are used for horse trailers and other towed vehicles to provide power for a charging line from the motorhome.
- Wiring code
- White – ground
- Brown – running lights
- Yellow – left turn signal and brakes
- Green – right turn signal and brakes
- Blue – electric brakes
- Black -12v power
7-way trailer connectors
7-way trailer connectors are common types of connectors that are usually found in SUVs, RVs, and trucks. These trailer connectors arrive with all the features of the other connectors. There are two types of 7-way connectors one with flat pints and one with round pins.
- White – ground
- Brown – running lights
- Yellow – left turn signal and brakes
- Green – right turn signal and brakes
- Blue – electric brakes
- Black – 12v power
- Orange or red – auxiliary/backup lights.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How do you wire a trailer with a 6-pin trailer plug?” We have also discussed the wiring process with the junction box and talked about the types of wires and their uses. Additionally, we have described the types of trailer connectors and listed their wiring codes.
Citations
http://www.countrytrailer.com/uploads/6wayplug.pdf
