Grounding Tail Lights On Boat Trailer

Updated 07/29/2019 | Published 07/26/2019

Question:

I rewired my boat trailer with all new LEDs and wires. I ran a ground wire to all lamps and strung them up to the tongue. I was planning to connect the grounds to the harness and call it good. Should the trailer be grounded to the tow vehicle anyway if it isnt being used as a ground for the lights?

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

The main connector harness for your trailer along with the ground wires from your light assemblies should all be attached to a clean bare metal surface on the tongue/coupler. Running the grounds from the lights up to the coupler to join with the main harness ground is a good idea on an aluminum boat trailer. You do want to still attach the main connector/harness ground wire. The wiring harness on the tow vehicle will also be grounded to the vehicle's frame.

This will ensure a strong ground connection so that all your lights work properly when hooked up to the vehicle.

expert reply by: Chris R