Correctly Wiring a GPS Tracker

Updated 10/21/2020 | Published 10/19/2020

Question:

I want to wire a gps into my 7 point trailer plug i have three wires black to negative white to ignition source and red to 12v can you help me understand where to splice these wires

asked by: Matt

Expert Reply:

If you are installing a GPS tracker on your trailer, you need to wire it directly to your trailer wiring junction box. You will need to verify the function of the wires on your trailer using a circuit tester such as # PTW2993. A typical trailer wiring junction box follows the following wiring color conventions:

- White: Ground
- Black: 12V power
- Yellow: Auxiliary or reverse signal
- Red: Left brake and turn signal
- Green: Running lights
- Brown: Right brake and turn signal
- Blue: Trailer brakes

In your case you would connect the black wire to the ground terminal and the red wire to the 12V power terminal. For the white wire, you could connect it to the running lights terminal, but this would require running your taillights whenever the tow vehicle is running. Instead, it would be better to run that wire to your vehicle's ignition wire. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for how to locate the ignition wire.

You can use ring terminals to attach the wires on your GPS tracking device to the terminals in your junction box and quick splice connectors to wire to the vehicle ignition wire.