Troubleshooting Wiring Ground Connection From Towing Vehicle to Towed Vehicle Installation

Published 09/19/2018

Question:

Do the converter box and 4 flat really need to be grounded to the chassis? Cant it all just run off the towing vehicles ground through the wiring harness?

asked by: Jake S

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster 6-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles with Separate Lighting # 154-792-118158 does need to be grounded to the vehicle chassis at both locations. Without a solid metal to metal ground, the converter and the trailer wiring may not function properly. It is possible they could work being tied together and connected into the towing vehicle ground through the 4-way wiring harness, but that is putting a lot of faith in your tow vehicle ground connection and the gauge of wire to carry distance.

Normally on electrical components it is recommended to give you a solid ground connection at every possible location so a weak ground doesn't impact your entire system function. It is very common to have multiple ground locations to give you the best signal at each point of contact.

expert reply by: Jason S