Does the Separate Ground Wire on Hopkins Trailer Wiring Harness HM11140415 Have to Be Connected

Updated 05/28/2013 | Published 05/22/2013

Question:

I purchased a Hopkins T-connector from you and was wondering if the ground wire needs to be attached to my vehicle. Its currently built into the plug and doesn't include a metal screw attachment. Also there was nothing mentioned in the instructions. I am having trouble with the headlights, turn signals and brakes but all bulbs on the trailer are working.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

If the wiring harness you purchased has a separate ground wire then you will need to attach it to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface to provide a strong enough ground to complete the circuit. Even on plugs that have a ground built in, sometimes a separate ground wire is needed, like on # HM11140415 for example, because the regular ground is not sufficient for the extra load on the system.

expert reply by: Michael H