How to Connect Backup Lights When Trailer Isn't Wired For Backup

Updated 05/30/2023 | Published 05/27/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Fusion LED Trailer Tail Light - Stop, Tail, Turn, Backup - Submersible - Oval - Red/Clear Lens

(504)

$52.40

Stainless Steel Trim Ring for Optronics STL68RB Trailer Tail Light

(22)

$17.36

Curt Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 5-Way Flat - Vehicle End

(103)

$16.01

14 Gauge Wire - Yellow Primary - Per Foot

(47)

$0.48

14 Gauge Primary Wire - Blue - per Foot

(47)

$0.55

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3397)

$121.19

7-Way Molded Trailer Wire Connector, 4' Long

(380)

$34.55

Hopkins Wiring Harness with 5-Pole Flat Trailer Connector - Trailer End - 18" Long

(26)

$17.83

Question:

My trailer has tail lights that are mounted low at the bottom. I want to raise the lights higher up I like the STL68RB. My trailer is not wire for back up lights. How do I connect so the back up lights operate correctly. I also need the trim brackets.

asked by: Harry H

Expert Reply:

In order to use the backup lights on the # STL68RB you will need to run additional wire on your trailer. Depending on your trailer connector you may also need to swap out the connection. Starting off lets knock out the trim ring since you mentioned it, which is the # A68SSB.

Moving on to the wiring, if you already have a 7-way you can run the yellow # DW02412-1 from the connector on your 7-way back to the lights. Yellow is a common reverse color and this will connect to the brown wire on the # STL68RB.

More than likely you have a 4-way right now so that will require upgrading to either a 5-way or 7-way. On the vehicle side, you can upgrade to a 5-way using the # C57187 or 7-way using the # ETBC7. On the trailer side you can add a 5-way with the # HM37918 or 7-way with the # H20043. If you decide to add a 7-way you can use the yellow wire linked above. For a 5-way if you want to stick with standard colors you could use the blue # DW02414-1.

If I were to choose a connection I would add the 7-way over the 5-way so you will have both a 4-way and 7-way connection on your vehicle. This will also allow you to pull a trailer with electric brakes if need be in the future so there would be no need to add yet another connection down the road if you wanted to do that.