How Should Peterson Combination Tail Lights V457L and V457 Be Wired To Trailer?

Updated 06/30/2021 | Published 06/28/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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Peterson Combination Trailer Tail Light - 4 Function - White Base - Red Lens - Passenger Side

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

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Question:

Just a couple of questions, I hope I can explain. I have a 4 pin flat wiring plug with 5 ft of white, brown, yellow, and green wiring that Im using to test whether or not my issue is in my truck or the camper. I placed the white on the battery NEG and the brown on the battery POS. I had tail lights, but it was the large filament that was lit. I placed the green and yellow on and the small filament was lit. Is the trailer wired backwards? Whats confusing is, Ive never had this problem before. However, I just ordered two new tail/break light fixtures from you last week Peterson 457. This issue is with the new fixtures in place. Is it possible for the fixtures to be wired in reverse? When I reversed the wires from the trailer into the tail light fixtures green to brown, the small filament lit with the brown and the larger filament lit with the green and yellow as I think they are supposed to. I assume the light fixtures are backwards.?? Can I leave them reversed and be ok? Thanks \

asked by: Brian W

Expert Reply:

Based on the light illuminating and only having the issue once new lights were installed the issue is on the camper side of things and not in your 2005 Chevrolet Colorado.

When installing the Peterson Trailer Tail Light # V457L and # V457 you should connect the brown wire on the tail lights to the tail light wire on the trailer (Brown wire on the 4-way you are using to test) and the green wire on the tail light to the yellow/green wire on the trailer (Yellow and green wire on the 4-way you are using).

When the lights are hooked up the tail light should be the dimmer light when the headlights of your truck are on, and once the brakes or turn signals are activated they should override the tail lights. As long as they are working this way everything is correct.

The issue with things being reversed is if your tail lights are the brighter light, then your turn signals and brake lights will not be visible when the tail lights are on.

I included a video of the lights mentioned that show them being tested so you can compare that to your lights.

expert reply by: Samuel C