How Much Slack Is Needed In Trailer Wire Connection To The Tow Vehicle?
Updated 06/17/2020 | Published 11/28/2016
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
- 7 Blade
- Plug and Lead
- Bargman
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: junction box
- Search Results: brake line kit
- Search Results: brake line
- Search Results: optronics glolights
- Search Results: brake hose
- Search Results: 4 wire flat connector
- Search Results: relay
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: What to Know About the Bargman 7-Way, RV-Style Connector w/ 10' Heavy Duty Insulated Cable
- Q&A: How Long Should Trailer Wiring Stick Out Past The Trailer Tongue?
- Shop: Trailer Wiring Junction Box - 7 Color Coded Terminals - ABS
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Line Kit for Single Axle Trailers - Drum Brakes
- Article: The 5 Best Trailer Drop Hitches You Can Buy
- Shop: etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Brakes - Uni-Servo - 10" - Left/Right - 3.5K
- Video: A Closer Look at the 30 amp. In-Line Circuit Breaker
- Shop: Bargman 7-Way, RV-Style Connector w/ 10' Heavy Duty Insulated Cable - Trailer End
- Article: Breakaway Kit Installation for Single and Dual Brake Axle Trailers
- Video: A Closer Look at the Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Drawbar for Curt Vertical Trailer Hitch Recievers
- Video: Installation: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Video: Review of Hopkins Trailer Wiring - Endurance Multi Tow 7 Way RV And 4 Way Flat - HM45MV
- Video: Review of Hopkins Trailer Wiring - Endurance Multi Tow 7 Way RV 4 Way Flat Connector - HM75MV
- Video: Tekonsha Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - 20135 Review
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Air Filter
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.