Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring with Brittle Ground Wire That Keeps Breaking
Updated 06/17/2020 | Published 06/16/2020
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
My ground wire on my boat trailer was left too short and It has come loose from the grounding screw. Thought I could just splice onto the wire and extend it but when I try to cut the white plastic sheathing off the pigtail ground wire, it crumbles..no matter how gently I try to do this. Thought it would be individual wires inside the sheathing but seems to be a single very fragile wire. How can I fix this— short of replacing the entire pigtail connection on my trailer?
asked by: Rusty H
Expert Reply:
If the wire is that fragile, I recommend replacing it now. If you can find a part of the wire to splice into then you can absolutely do that, but if it is too fragile then it won't provide a good ground and the other wires in that harness are likely made of the same material. If you can find a solid point of the wiring you can splice in # 16-1-1 with butt connector # 05731-5 and ring terminal # DW05737-1.
I recommend the 35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 42" Ground # A35W42B if you have a 4-way trailer harness or # A40W5B if you have a 5-way trailer wiring harness. I've attached help articles if you need help wiring your trailer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
35 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 42" Ground
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Q&A: Why Does 4-Pin Trailer Wiring Have 5 Wires
- Q&A: Do Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Lights Come With Bracket and Wiring
- Q&A: Mounting Pattern on Trailer Side of CE Smith Extra Long Trailer Tongue
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Dimensions of etrailer Single Axle Trailer Fender w/ Side Steps # HP93RR
- Q&A: Circuit Tester for Testing Trailer wiring Circuits
- Q&A: Wishbone Trailer Wiring Harness to Run 2 Sets of Trailer Lights
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire does 4-Way Trailer Wiring Use
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations