How to Make Best Ground Connection for Re-Wired Boat Trailer

Updated 08/14/2017 | Published 08/11/2017

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Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.

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Self-Tapping Screw - 1/4" -14 x 3/4" Long - Zinc

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Question:

Have had this boat trailer for 20 plus years, lost lights this year. Replace whole wiring today. Didnt hook it to Ball on truck, but hooked harness up,,got nothing...do I need a better ground...my truck lights my other trailers..ground on boat trailer, is ring terminal to coupler bolt, better if I do a self tapper into frame....thanks

asked by: Alan K

Helpful Expert Reply:

It does sound like your new trailer wiring needs a stronger ground connection. If the coupler and frame are both steel you can use one of the coupler mounting bolts to secure the ground ring terminal for your main wiring harness but you may need to sand off any primer or powder-coat to allow for a bare metal to bare metal connection. This bare metal contact is necessary for a trouble-free ground.

You can certainly use a self-tapping screw like # FA1131822 to secure the ground. You can use dielectric grease # 11755 on the bare surface to protect it from corrosion.

If the trailer frame is aluminum then you will want to run a ground wire to all lights (or one main ground that connects to all lights) since aluminum trailer frames do not always conduct well enough to establish a reliable ground.

expert reply by: Adam R