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.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer hitch hardware
- Search Results: kodiak brake lines
- Search Results: kodiak 225 brake pads
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Search Results: spare tire mount
- Search Results: kodiak 10 disc
- Search Results: kodiak 225
- Video: Review of TecNiq Trailer Lights - PCP2 Amber LEDs Clear Lens Side Marker Light - TN93PV
- Shop: TecNiq PCP2 Side Marker Light - Amber LEDs - Clear Lens - Self-Ground
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - DA75 Trailer Disc Brake Actuator Black - DM53CV
- Q&A: How Long Should Trailer Wiring Stick Out Past The Trailer Tongue?
- Shop: Kodiak 10" Hub-and-Rotor Assembly - 5 on 4-1/2 - Dacromet - 3,500 lbs
- Shop: Kodiak Ceramic Brake Pads - 3,500 lbs to 6,000 lbs
- Shop: Demco DA75 Trailer Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes - Black Powder Coat - 2" Ball - 7,500 lbs
- Shop: Kodiak Disc Brake Caliper Rebuild Kit for 3,500 lb to 6,000 lb Trailer Brakes
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit - Single Axle - 18'
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Curt 2-Wire to 3-Wire Converter Installation on Trailer
- Q&A: Can Two Of The Curt 2-Wire to 3-Wire Converter C56196 Be Used To Convert RV To 3-Wire System
- Shop: Kodiak 13" Hub and Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - Dacromet - 9/16" Bolts - 7,000 lbs to 8,000 lbs
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Curt 7-Way Trailer Plug Extension
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Curt 7-Way Trailer Plug Extension
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: How to Select the Proper Length Safety Chains for a Trailer
- Video: Fastway Zip Coiled Trailer Breakaway Cable w/ Plunger Pin Review
- Video: Review of Demco Brake Actuator - DA75 Trailer Drum Brake Actuator Black - DM88CV
- Q&A: Recommended ShockStrap Ratchet UTV Tie-Downs for Polaris RZR
- Video: Breaking Down the Mounting Bracket for Buyers Products 3-LED Mini Strobe Light
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Shop: Brake Controller
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.