What are the Functions of Trailer Light Green, Yellow, and Brown Wires
Updated 06/03/2025 | Published 06/23/2012 >
Question:
Installing turn lights to a 4 flat trailer. Old original lights have 3 leads, Red, black and green. New Right side wires are Green and brown. New left side wires are yellow and brown. Which colors should be spliced together?
asked by: William I
Expert Reply:
Normally, the green wire on the right side carries right turn signal and brake light functions and the brown wire carries running light functions. On the left side, the yellow wire carries left turn and brake lights and the brown wire again carries the running lights. With only 2 wires, these lights must ground through the mounting studs.
Make sure to wire in the new lights by function to the existing trailer wiring and not by color.

Roger
6/1/2025
Appreciate your help! I’m wiring My boat trailer lights to the usual flat four plug I understand the color arrangements green yellow brown and white. However one wire is green on one side and brown on the other side. Where is it supposed to hook into? I have it with the green it’s that correct? Or brown? Or is it meant for a five flat? Thanks. Roger C ???

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Wiring Harness with 5-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End - 5' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- No Converter
- Universal Fit
- 5 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Splice-In
- Hopkins
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Review of Air Lift Vehicle Suspension - LoadLifter 7500 XL Rear Axle Air Helper Springs - AL65QF
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Video: Setting Up Your Firestone Ride-Rite Extreme Duty Rear Air Helper Springs - 2025 GMC Sierra 3500
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags w/ Easy Mount Compressor and In-Cab Control - Single Path - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Shop: Q Hitch 5th Wheel Hitch with Custom Installation Kit - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Video: Review of GE Appliances RV Washer and Dryer - Washer Dryer Combo - GE62FR
- Shop: Curt A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ S25 Slider - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs
- Shop: GE Appliances RV Washer/Condenser Dryer Combo - Front Load - 24" - 2.4 Cu. Ft. - White
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Our Team Picked The Best Camping Gear of the Year - Here Are Their Top Choices
- Article: How Much Does a Boat and Trailer Weigh?
- Search Results: side marker trailer lights
- Search Results: a68pb
- Search Results: 7 pin to 4 pin
- Search Results: optronics trailer lights
- Search Results: amber trailer lights
- Search Results: marine grade trailer hubs and drums
- Search Results: bearing race tool
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: etrailer Winch for Boat Trailer that Tows Ski Nautique 206
- Video: Installation: Blue Ox Base Plate Kit on a 2018 Ford F-150
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Article: Replacing the Bearing, Races and Seals on a Trailer Hub
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern


Line C.
5/24/2020
Hi! I only have 3 wires on the trailer (brown, white, green) and 4 on my Chevy van.. extra red.. How do I plug it in ? Thanks!