Is a Wiring Harness Required for Trailer Lights or Do They Come With a Trailer Hitch

Updated 07/26/2010 | Published 07/23/2010

Question:

Will I need an electical pigtail, is it required. I dont have a trailer yetshould I wait until I purchase my trailer?

asked by: Corey

Expert Reply:

The wire that you see in the pictures for the Curt Trailer Hitch, # C11290, is called a fishwire or bolt leader. It is used to pull bolts and other hardware needed for hitch installation into place in hard to reach or otherwise inaccessible places on the vehicle frame. I have included a link to the installation details for this hitch below.

The Curt Trailer Hitch, # C11290 will allow you to tow a trailer but you will need a separate wiring harness to power the lights on the trailer. The most common harness is a 4-Flat. This is what you will find on small trailers that do not have electric brakes but do have brake lights, running lights, and turn signals. Trailers that have electric brakes will be equipped with a 7-Way. Even if a 7-Way is required by the trailer, you will still have to install a 4-Flat first. I have included an FAQ article with information on the various style harnesses and their functions.

Wiring harnesses are mostly vehicle specific though some harnesses can fit on more than 1 vehicle. To find the correct wiring harness, I will need to know the year, make, and model of your vehicle. You will need to have the wiring ready to go on the tow vehicle before bringing the trailer home so once you find the trailer you want, check what kind of wiring harness it requires before buying it.

expert reply by: Michael H