How to Wire Reverse Lights on a Trailer with a 4-Way Trailer Connector

Question

Question:

I bought 2 of the 4-1/2 inch trailer lights and they had a single wire setup. I was wondering how I make them work with a 4 pin connector as reverse lights.

asked by: Colin N

0

Expert Reply:

We do have a solution for you, however, you will not be able to power reverse lights on a trailer with a 4-pin trailer connector. The reverse lights on a trailer must receive power from the reverse lights on the tow vehicle.

To do this, you will want to install a 5-pin connector on the trailer and on the tow vehicle. There are many options, but I recommend installing the Hopkins Endurance 5-way Flat Wiring Kit, # HM47890, for a uniform look. You can simply cut off the 4 pin connectors on your tow vehicle and trailer and splice in these 5-way connectors. You will need a total of 10 butt connectors, # 05732-2, to splice the wires together.

Once you have the stop, turn and tail light functions wired into these connectors, you will need an additional length of wire to reach the reverse lights from the 5-way connector on your trailer. I recommend purchasing an appropriate length of 12 gauge wire, # 12-1-1.

The last step is to connect a wire from the vehicle side 5-way connector to the reverse light circuit on your tow vehicle. For this, you can use the same 12 gauge wire that I previously mentioned. To find the reverse light circuit, you will want to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2979 to probe the wires at one of your tail light assemblies. Once you find the wire that is hot when the reverse lights are on, you can splice in the 12 gauge wire using a quick splice like part # SWC501915-1.

I have attached an video of our installers installing a 5-way trailer connector on a vehicle for you to check out. The vehicle in the video is likely different from your vehicle, but the video should give you an idea on how to locate the reverse light circuit to power reverse lights on your trailer.

expert reply by: John H

0

James W.

11/4/2024

I can understand having to run another wire for the reverse light. But I have a built in 4 pin connector on my bumper . It’s a 2015 Silverado 1500. Will a 5 pin connector fit where my 4 pin connector is?

John H.

11/20/2024

@JamesW A 5-pin won't fit without cutting the opening more where the 4-pin currently sits and I'd be a little worried about the lid not closing all the way because the outer pin will be closer to the side. If I were you, I'd just run an entirely new 5-pin connector (# HM47890) down by the trailer hitch and hang it on the safety chain loop when you aren't using it.

Answer 1

The metric trailer tire size corresponding to your 18.5 x 8.5 - 8 tires is size 215/60-8. In this size we offer both tires only and pre-mounted wheel/tire combinations that you can see on the linked page. The tires-only are available in two weight…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The only trailer component that determines the speed rating of the trailer is the tires. All you have to do is simply replace your current tires with one that is rated for highway use, like the Kenda Loadstar #AM3S120 that you referenced, and you are…

view full answer...

Answer 3

I do have a possible solution for you to add sway control to your straight tongue trailer, but unfortunately adapters like part #RP58393 are not designed to be used with friction sway control units like you would find in the Kit #83660. If you have…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In order to find the correct replacement leaf spring for a trailer you first need to start by noting the type whether that be slipper or double eye. Then, you'll need to measure their unloaded length via jacking up the trailer. If the springs are…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hey Bob. I have a solution for you but they don't make a specific kit for a 1-3/4" diameter axle like they do with the 2-3/8" item #K71-384-00 you were looking at. To make your own conversion kit for a single 1-3/4" diameter axle…

view full answer...

Answer 6

It appears TMW is a overseas company which I could not find much information. The 46210 is a common hub number for a 3,500lb idler hub with 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern. This would use either the Idler Hub #AKIHUB-545-35-G-K for standard spindles or…

view full answer...

Answer 7

It can be a flat end as long as the flat part is long enough that it can reach past the wet bolt just fine. For your application it looks like the 4-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles #e69SR is the closest that we have as…

view full answer...

Answer 8

Hi Ross; the #SP-179275 and #e69SR are identical. The only real difference between the two slipper springs is going to be the cost. Since there will be no difference in performance in salt water I would say get whichever one is cheaper.

view full answer...

Answer 9

The CE Smith Axle part #CE33201GA-HUB that you referenced can fit wheels that are between 13 and 15 inches in diameter that have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. I attached a link to a page that has all of the wheel and tire combos we offer with the 5…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The wheel mounting flanges on the hubs that come with the CE Smith Trailer Axle part #CE33201GA-HUB are only compatible with wheels that are between 13 and 15 inch in diameter. Basically the flange is too big to fit behind a 12 inch wheel.

view full answer...

Answer 11

The closest size we have to a 25.5" slipper spring is 24-5/8". Do understand that this may be the correct size for your application since as leaf springs sag and get flatter they also get longer in length. Also the amount of leaves a spring…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Hey Adam, 24-5/8" is a standard sizing for 2,000lb leaf springs so the 4-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 24-5/8" Long #e69SR is what you need. It unfortunately doesn't look like we offer a slipper spring…

view full answer...