Troubleshooting Wire Functions On Trailer With 6 Wires

Updated 11/09/2021 | Published 08/06/2017

Question:

Trailer has six wires one yellow one brown one black one green one red one white

asked by: Carey L

Expert Reply:

With 6 wires on your trailer, we have a good idea what they go to, however you will want to test the functions. You can use a 12V battery and connect each wire individually on the positive terminal while the negative terminal is connected to ground. I've attached a wiring diagram to help you with functions and traditional colors, however many trailers will have colors that do not match function represented in this article so don't be thrown. That is more common than you think.

Traditionally the colors are:
Brown--tail/running lights
Green--right turn and brake
Yellow--left turn and brake
White--ground
Red or Black--battery 12V
Blue--brake controller output
Purple--backup

Since you have a black and red wire, those functions are most likely battery, brake, or backup. You can eliminate based on if the trailer doesn't have brakes, doesn't have a battery, or doesn't have a reverse light or reverse lockout. Most 6 way trailers do not have reverse. If you need a new connection for your trailer, I recommend # PK11604.

expert reply by: Jason S

James

11/5/2021

I have 6 wires coming from my trailer 1red 1black 1yellow 1green 1blue 1brown. Has always worked fine. Accidentally pulled wires out of pig going to truck. What diagram can you send me to get it right

Les D.

11/9/2021

I have linked you an excellent article that shows the wiring and pin-outs for all sorts of plugs. Also, check out the replacement junction box with 7-way connector.

Helpful Links

faq-wiring.aspx