Recommended Gauge of Wiring for Trailer Lights
Updated 11/14/2016 | Published 11/12/2016 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I am building a tiny house on a trailer that is 10foot x 35. I am a little confused about the lighting requirements. It seems that I can put one assembly in the middle of the trailer, on the rear, and then some lights on the side of the trailer, at their widest points. is that correct? What gauge of wire do I need? I am going to buy the components separately because there is not enough wiring in your kits for such a long trailer.
asked by: Tom
Expert Reply:
Trailer wiring generally uses 16 gauge wire, part # 16-1-1. However, with a long trailer like yours you may want to go with a larger like 14 gauge # DW07550-1 or even 12 gauge # 12-1-1.
Each size is sold by the foot.
You will need to have the lights at the rear of the trailer of brakes and turn signals. Also since the trailer will be 10 feet wide you need clearance lights on each side.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire does 4-Way Trailer Wiring Use
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer wire
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Search Results: wire
- Shop: 12 Gauge 2 Conductor Jacketed (Brake) Wire Per Foot
- Shop: 12 Gauge 7 Conductor Jacketed Wire - Per Foot
- Search Results: trailer breakaway kit
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes
- Search Results: wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box
- Shop: Hopkins 7-Way Blade Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 8' Long - Auto Standard
- Video: Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit with Switch Review
- Video: Trailer Wiring Junction Box Review
- Shop: Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit
- Video: Review of Bright Way Trailer Breakaway Kit - Kit with Charger - 3802311
- Shop: B&W Ball and Safety Chain Kit for Ford, GM, Chevy, and Nissan Titan XD Underbed Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: gooseneck ball
- Search Results: b&w gooseneck ball
- Search Results: b&w gooseneck ball
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Over 80 inch and Under 80 inch Trailer Tail Lights
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Why Does 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Have 5 Wires
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes