How Much Slack Is Needed In Trailer Wire Connection To The Tow Vehicle?
Question:
I am installing a new seven way harness on an old trailer missing the harness. How many inches past the tongue should the harness extend to allow for turning but prevent dragging?
asked by: B M
Helpful Expert Reply:
The length of wire desired depends on your vehicle connection and your personal preference. You want enough slack for turning, but not so much for dragging as you mentioned. A little extra slack isn't a problem and not enough could lead to stress and wire connection problems. In general, you will want between 16 inches and 24 inches of wire beyond the tongue depending on where your connection point is on your tow vehicle.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7-Way Molded Connector w/ 15' Cable - Trailer End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 11 - 20 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Bargman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Video: What to Know About the Bargman 7-Way, RV-Style Connector w/ 10' Heavy Duty Insulated Cable
- Video: Breakdown of the Redarc Tow-Pro Trail Brake Controller with Custom Harness
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Bargman 7-Way, RV-Style Connector w/ 10' Heavy Duty Insulated Cable - Trailer End
- Video: Trailer Valet XL Trailer Dolly with Chain Drive Comprehensive Review
- Video: Review of Redarc Trailer Brake Controller - Tow Pro Liberty Proportional With Harness - RED82CR
- Video: Review of Redarc Trailer Brake Controller - Tow Pro Liberty Proportional With Harness - RED72CR
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
- Shop: Drawbar for Curt Vertical Trailer Hitch Recievers
- Video: Installation: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Video: Manufacturer Discussion with Trailer Valet
- Shop: TowSmart Locking Boomerang Hitch Pin and Coupler Lock - 1-1/4" and 2" Diameter
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: How Long Should Trailer Wiring Stick Out Past The Trailer Tongue?
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: wire protector
- Shop: Air Filter
- Search Results: curt ball
- Q&A: Can the Trailer Valet XL Be Used on Gravel Inclines
- Search Results: hitch pins and clips
- Search Results: wiring harness
- Search Results: hitch pins
- Search Results: hitch pin
- Search Results: shirt
- Q&A: Does The Curt T-Connector C45FV Fit The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
on Trailer Wiring
Steve G.
6/14/2020
Can you go a little longer and use zip ties to take up the slack? That seems better than buying a wire that is too short and then you have to buy a longer wire.