Making a Complete Ground on a Simple Utility Trailer

Published 11/11/2009

Products Featured in This Question

Ring Terminal - 12-10 Gauge Wire - 5/16" Ring ID

(69)

$0.88

Question:

I have a simple utility trailer that measures 4x8. There is no white or ground wire attached to the bundle of wires coming from the trailer to the 4way adapter. There is a short white wire coming out of the adapter. How and where should I attach a white ground wire to my trailer?

asked by: Paul R

Expert Reply:

The white ground wire just needs to be attached to the frame or tongue of the trailer so that the entire trailer frame and structure becomes an electrical ground. Make sure the ground has direct contact to the metal. Paint can sometimes act as an insulator preventing a good ground connection. Use a ring terminal, like part # 44-5356A, and attach it to the frame with a metal screw.

It sounds like the lights on the trailer are grounded to the trailer body, so by attaching the short white wire from the connector to the frame, the trailer ground would be complete.

expert reply by: Patrick B