Recommended Way to Test Trailer Lighting With a Car Battery to a 4-Way Trailer Connector

Published 11/20/2014

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Question:

My trailer is out in back of yard, can I use this method to test the trailer lights without out any grounding? Am I correct in taking any standard length of electrical wire or the same gauge wire as trailer lights-what is that gauge? to run a jumper from positive post of car battery to the three male plugs. What about the female prongground? Does a jumper wire need to be run from the female to neg post of car battery-to have a complete circuit? Thank you for your answers!

asked by: Ran M

Expert Reply:

The 5-way flat trailer connector in-line circuit tester # 20115 you referenced won't be needed. You would need to have a 12V power source and your jumper wire which will let you know if you have working trailer lights. The most common gauge trailer light wire for 4-way or 5-way trailer connector is 14-16.

You will need to make sure that you secure the ground wire to the trailer frame. See picture to the right.

I recommend a circuit tester such as # PTW2993, if you are checking for breaks in the trailer wiring while connected to a power source.

Take a look at the FAQ about trailer wiring I included.

expert reply by: Chris B