Wire Installation Tips

By law, trailer lighting must be connected into the tow vehicle’s wiring system to provide trailer running lights, turn signals and brake lights. This is accomplished by tapping into the tow vehicle’s harness power to the trailer wiring system. Connectors are used between the two to allow disengagement when not towing.

Various styles of connectors are available with four to seven pins to allow transfer of power for the lighting as well as auxiliary functions such as electric trailer brake control, backup lights, etc. Choose a connector that has the required number of pins for the functions required. The male end (plug) is mounted on the trailer side and the female end (socket) on the vehicle side.

6 Way Connectors

Round 1 1/4″ diameter metal conductors are available that
allow 1 or 2 additional functions such as back up lights and electric brakes.

7 Way Connectors

Additional pins for auxiliary power, trailer battery charging, etc. are
available using larger 2″ diameter, round connectors.

7 Way Trailer Plug, Flat Pins

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Tags: automotive,electrical,Shop,trailer
Categories: Shop
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Like most people who drive lots of miles through open rural country, I carry spare replacement fuses. It’s a good idea and I think of it as cheap insurance. When you’re 20 miles from the nearest yard light, that can be a longer walk than I prefer.

When I bought a new pickup last year, I moved the spare fuse supply box from the old pickup to the new one. Well, sometime between 2000 and 2005, automotive makers changed the standard fuse design without telling me. That set me up for a potentially long walk. Luckily when I blew a fuse, I was in the front yard during daylight.

Here is the older version. It is desginated ATC.

While this is the newer version. It is designated ATM (m for mini, I suppose)

I suspect that the ATM will fit older fuse holders, but I’m certain that the ATC will NOT fit the newer holders! Check your spare fuses and be certain they are the right version.

Tags: automotive,electrical,fuse,fuse_design,fuse_holders,Product Review,replacement_fuses,spare_fuses
Categories: Product Review
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