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Old 08-22-2016, 07:48 AM   #1
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Trailer wiring for boat trailer behind camper ?

I am planning on trailering my small 16 ft aluminum boat and 9 hp merc behind my camper trailer, and have already welded a robust enough hitch to bumper (and frame of trailer)
But now I need to figure an easy way to plug in to boat trailer so it’s brake and signal lights will work.
I see two ways maybe to do this . 1) Some how splice into the camper trailer lights and then join that all into the four wire plug presently on the boat trailer . Has anyone done this ?
2) Or Buy some cheap portable lights (like they use for emergency tows) and apply to the boat trailer somehow. Anyone think that will work?


I will only be using this rig on smaller secondary highways to get to my various lake fishing and camping spots ( 50 mph highways)
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Old 08-22-2016, 08:11 AM   #2
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First and foremost check state and local laws for tandem trailers!


I'm the first to admit that I've done some risky stuff in the past, but tandem towing on PUBLIC ROADS bends the needle on my 'unacceptable' meter.


Electrically, you'll be putting double the expected load on your tow vehicle's lighting system. And a totally unexpected load on the TT's lighting system.

Much safer choice: Second tow & driver.
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Old 08-22-2016, 08:14 AM   #3
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I was going to ask, which side of the bridge you live on?
Don't know the laws in Canada but in Michigan, you can't do that unless you have a fifth wheel trailer. (Michigan Legislature - Section 257.721)
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Old 08-22-2016, 08:22 AM   #4
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Live in Canada (Ontario) and see many campers towing additional boat trailers (including those with USA plates) ...........so thanks for the motherly advice , but asking for wiring advice from those that can do it.
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Old 08-22-2016, 08:29 AM   #5
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The JAYCO FW's that come with the hitch ( not cargo receiver) have the 4 wire plug spliced right into the rear wiring.
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Old 08-22-2016, 08:31 AM   #6
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Thumbs down

Wow, ok hoser. Hope you have fun figuring it out yourself then.
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Old 08-22-2016, 08:38 AM   #7
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No need for name calling loosenuts..........I am just asking a question , to those that may have a helpful answer, for those of us that take their rigs deep off the beaten path and love fishing.
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Old 08-22-2016, 08:47 AM   #8
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I don't know but you might ask some campers in your area. I did see lots of trailers tandeming fishing boats last month between the Soo and Wawa. The OPP did not seem to mind.
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Old 08-22-2016, 09:32 AM   #9
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Ok, let's calm down... everyone is entitled to their opinions and thoughts. Your TV may or may not accept the additional lighting load. Check with Jayco to see if the frame on your TT will accept the additional trailer.

I would hate to be on the road and all your lights go out. Carry a bunch of EXTRA fuses with you. I have seen a few setups like this and the driver was inexperienced or the setup had a problem as the boat was swaying back and forth.

They make units that interface between the TV and TT that uses the main 12Volt supply from the TV and through electronics it sends the voltage to the trailer's lights, brakes, turn signals.

Just drive safely.

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Old 08-22-2016, 10:20 AM   #10
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No need to be snarky either Jake. I don't give motherly advice. I try and help people not do something irresponsible like break the law. And most responsible people here don't like to advise someone on how to do something dangerous or illegal.
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Old 08-22-2016, 10:20 AM   #11
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A good place to research all things TRAILER is ETRAILER.com - Nice folks there and very helpful...

ETRAILER also has very nice library of video's on how to install their products...

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Old 08-22-2016, 10:55 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Loosenuts View Post
No need to be snarky either Jake. I don't give motherly advice. I try and help people not do something irresponsible like break the law. And most responsible people here don't like to advise someone on how to do something dangerous or illegal.
Well Charles Please only reply to my inquiries if you have an answer or if you know the laws that apply outside your state. I was not the one who started the name calling and request that you maintain some decorum .

In meanwhile I want to thank those that were helpful (eg Roy Braddy)
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Old 08-22-2016, 11:43 AM   #13
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It used to be quite legal in Ontario if your kit does not exceed 75 feet.

Now..

Driver's Handbook
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Old 08-22-2016, 12:45 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kim Gass View Post
It used to be quite legal in Ontario if your kit does not exceed 75 feet.

Now..

Driver's Handbook
And in 38 of the lower 48 states, but length varies and some do require a FW, but not all.
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Old 08-22-2016, 12:59 PM   #15
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So someone from one of the 30 or more states where it is legal and that frequents this site must have done some wiring that worked well....that is all I am asking. Or my next step is to befriend a tourist or local that I see parked at gas station and ask them.
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Old 08-22-2016, 01:03 PM   #16
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Its actually legal in a few canadian provinces too just not in Ontario. Unless you have a commercial plate for your tow vehicle.

As for wiring help. That is fairly straight forward.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Jake View Post
So someone from one of the 30 or more states where it is legal and that frequents this site must have done some wiring that worked well....that is all I am asking. Or my next step is to befriend a tourist or local that I see parked at gas station and ask them.
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Old 08-22-2016, 01:06 PM   #17
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https://www.etrailer.com/question-121360.html
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Old 08-22-2016, 01:14 PM   #18
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If you have a modicum of understanding of how towables are wired, it is an afternoon's work to add a 4-pin connector to the taillight feeds. Probably only a matter of matching colors.


If you don't have a clue on how the tow and trailer's electrical systems interact. You'll spend 2 days not understanding someone who does.




-------------
You've got 3 hots and a ground on a 4 pin setup.
A) Running Lights, usually brown
B) Left Stop/Turn (Yellow, IIRC)
C) Right Stop/Turn (Green, IIRC)


Although I may have yellow and green reversed.


You'll have to unbolt the tail lamps from your TT. Find the 3 feeds and fish wires down to your new 4-pin connector. Find a local ground and you are all set.


Then the problems start. Blown fuses, flasher too fast or slow. If the line is not fused, a damaged flasher or letting the smoke out of the wires.


------------------


Read up on trailer wiring, turn signal wiring and understand how to use a VOM, DVM and a test light.


Also read about how adding a relay will reduce the amount of current one circuit has to carry.


Once you understand all that, you'll have no trouble with your endeavor.
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Old 08-22-2016, 01:40 PM   #19
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Thanks Mike, I have completely rewired a couple of trailers (the boat and a old utility trailer) so basics I know, but impact of all this in series had me worried on impact of fuses or lack thereof in the camper. Looks like I need to jump in and try with TV hooked up and a trial bulb setup wired in , and extra fuses on hand. Quite frankly the boat trailer is so small and narrow you could easily see the camper lights, but just want to do things best I can even if just used on back roads up her. thanks
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Old 08-22-2016, 01:55 PM   #20
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Quote:
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Thanks Mike, I have completely rewired a couple of trailers (the boat and a old utility trailer) so basics I know, but impact of all this in series had me worried on impact of fuses or lack thereof in the camper. Looks like I need to jump in and try with TV hooked up and a trial bulb setup wired in , and extra fuses on hand. Quite frankly the boat trailer is so small and narrow you could easily see the camper lights, but just want to do things best I can even if just used on back roads up her. thanks
Once you bring the TV into the equation, leave an automatic battery charger hooked onto it. You'll thank me when you go to start it up after an afternoon of lamp testing.

Easier would be leaving the TT plugged in to shore power for the initial work. BATT+ is available at the 7-pin connector. A simple 14ga jumper can send +12V to any lighting circuit. And the converter will keep the battery charged. Keep the 7-pin pinout VERY handy and KNOW which side your are on.
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