Connecting Ground Wires From Optronics 25' Trailer Wiring Harness With Tail Lights Ground Strap

Question:

I recently bought the Optronics TLL160RK along with the Optronics 25ft trailer harness. I already have a connection for the harness on my truck but I’m curious if I would need to connect the ground on the 4 pin as both lights already come with grounds on them? TIA

asked by: Cody S

Expert Reply:

You have 2 options for your 25 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness # A25W2GWB when wiring in the Optronics LED Combination Trailer Tail Lights # TLL160RK.

First is the way I recommend since the harness has the full length ground wires is to cut off the eyelet on the tail lights and wire the ground from the tail lights to the harness. Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05744-10 are the best option for a weather tight connection. If you have any side marker lights they will also need connected to ground wires.

The other option is to go ahead and ground the ground wires on the harness to the trailer frame. While many think they do not need a ground connection on the trailer since you have a steel ball connected to a steel hitch and steel frame the paint used on these surfaces is often too thick for the very low draw of the LED tail lights.

expert reply by: Bud M