What Is Difference In Wiring For Replacement Lights On Trailer

Updated 04/21/2016 | Published 04/19/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Optronics Double Bullseye LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light - 10 Diodes - Red Lens

(159)

$18.22

Low Profile LED RV Tail Light - Brake, Tail, Turn - Passenger - Rectangular - Surface Mount - Red

(450)

$48.09

Question:

I want to change the lights on my trailer I want to go with led lights. I have looked at what you have and they are nice. The question is in regards to wiring. The lights I have on the trailer right now some have just one wire and some just have the two. LED lights looks like they all have three do I have to rewire my whole trailer?? Can you help me? Thank you

asked by: Dennis L

Expert Reply:

The wiring on any lights you put on your trailer depends on the functions you are using the lights for.

It sounds like you are wanting to replace the clearance or marker lights on your trailer. If you have one wire, it will be attached to the running light wiring and the light will be grounded through the mounting hardware.

If you have 2 wires, it will typically be attached to the running light circuit and the second wire will be a ground. and attached to any clean bare metal surface. If it is a light that has the brake, turn, and tail light then the light is grounded to the trailer with the mounting studs, one wire runs to the running light circuit, and the other wire is for the turn and brake light.

One example of a 2-wire LED clearance light is part # MCL46RB. This has 2 wires. One wire(white) has a ring terminal on the end of it and is attached to the trailer as a ground and the black wire is attached to the running light circuit.

For a tail light you can check out part # RVSTLB60. There are 3 wires at the back of this light. White is for the ground, green is for the turn and brake light, and black is for the running light circuit.

If you want to let me know what lights you wish to replace and what the mounting is like on your trailer I will be glad to make some recommendations that will work for you.