How to Ground a Trailer Light

Updated 10/08/2018 | Published 10/06/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Self-Tapping Screw - 1/4" -14 x 3/4" Long - Zinc

(79)

$1.66

Deka Ring Terminal - Heat Shrink - 16-14 Gauge - 1/4" Ring ID - Nylon Insulation - Blue - Qty 1

(43)

$2.25

Question:

I have purchased two tow smart light kits and they will not light. where should the grounds on the back lights be connected? also what if the trailer is painted will that be a problem?

asked by: AJ

Expert Reply:

I was not able to reference the tow smart light kits you are referring to but a trailer taillight will ground one of two ways. They can either ground using a single wire (usually white) or through the mounting hardware. If they ground using a single wire then that wire will need to be attached to a bare metal part of the trailer frame with a screw like part # FA1131822 and a ring terminal like part # DW05737-1. If there is any paint on the ground location then you will need to sand it down first with some sandpaper, preferably 80 grit. The same sanding will need to be down on the mounting surface if they attach via the mounting hardware as well.

expert reply by: Conner L