Grounding Peterson Trailer Tail Light Part # V457L to Trailer Frame

Updated 07/25/2019 | Published 07/24/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Hook Probe Circuit Tester

(66)

$13.42

Peterson Trailer Tail Light w/ License Bracket - 5 Function - White Base - Red Lens - Driver Side

(1163)

$18.64

Question:

I replaced my trailer tail light with the Peterson part # V457L which is the same or identical to the old part with 2 wires. I did not find a 3rd or ground wire from the trailer. On your video it mentions there is a screw on the tail light for the ground. My question is can I ground the tail light by drilling into the metal frame or bumper and attaching a new ground wire to it, or can I splice into an existing white wire on the trailer next to the tail light wall opening? I have a travel trailer with a 7 pin connection and the white wire I believe is usually the ground on the 7 pin configuration. I am assuming the white wire in the rear of the trailer next to the tail light is the same white ground wire from the front 7 pin connection. I greatly appreciate your help since my trailer brake light does not work whenever the running lights are on which I reckon is due to a grounding issue. Thank you.

asked by: Mario P

Expert Reply:

The Peterson Trailer Tail Light # V457L that you referenced is designed to ground through the mounting hardware which means that a bolt runs through the base which is attached to the ground circuit of the light and when it contacts the metal frame of your trailer the ground circuit is complete. If you wanted to ground this light with a wire you'd need to run the ground wire to the bolt you use to attach the light between the base and the trailer frame.

The white wire on your 7-way wiring would be the ground wire like you mentioned. On a 7-way the ground circuit is the white wire typically and in the 5:00 position as you look at the plug.

expert reply by: Jameson C