Where Do Vehicle and Trailer Wiring Harness Ground Wires Connect
Published 08/16/2018
Question:
I keep reading that the white wire ground from the trailer wiring needs to be connected to a clean metal part of the vehicle. Then what do I connect the white wire from the vehicle side 4point wiring to?
asked by: LaRyna
Expert Reply:
The ground wire on a trailer's wiring harness (usually a white wire) should be firmly attached to clean bare metal on the trailer frame. The white ground wire on the vehicle's wiring harness should similarly be attached to clean bare metal on the vehicle, or to an existing factory grounding point, or even directly to the battery negative terminal.
When the trailer and vehicle are connected together through their 4-pole wiring the trailer will ultimately be grounded to the vehicle battery.
Bad grounds, on either a vehicle harness or a trailer harness, can cause all sorts of weird behavior from trailer lights or even prevent an electric jack from working. You can protect ground connections from corrosion by applying dielectric grease like # 11755 to that clean bare metal surface before you connect your ground wire ring terminal. The grease blocks water and dirt from causing corrosion at that connection.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: wire loom wiring
- Shop: 7-Way Vehicle Power Adapter for Furrion RV Observation Camera
- Q&A: Why Does Furrion Vision S Camera Kit Require Adapter for Newer Chevy Truck
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Check Trailer Wiring Message on 2021 GMC Denali Sierra 2500 After Driving
- Shop: Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 7 Function - 14 Diodes - Driver Side
- Shop: 35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 42" Ground
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the 35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness
- Video: All About the 35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness
- Video: All About the Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector
- Q&A: What Wire Gauge is Used on the 35 ft. Wishbone 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness, # A35W42B
- Q&A: Is Mini LED Identification Light Kit for Trailers Over 80" Wide For Running or Brake Lights
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Parallel Multi Conductor Wire - 14 Gauge - Green-Yellow-Brown - per Foot
- Shop: etrailer 7-Way RV Style Connector with Molded Cable - Trailer End - 6' Long - RV Standard
- Shop: Pollak Wiring Harness Extension - 7-Way RV - 3' Long
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes
- Shop: Combination LED Trailer Tail Light - Submersible - 6 Function - 11 Diodes - Passenger Side
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Fifth Wheel Towing Made Simple with Daniel
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
