When it comes to towing your boat, having a properly wired trailer plug is essential for safe and hassle-free journeys. The trailer plug wiring harness serves as the vital link between your boat and towing vehicle, ensuring that signals for lights, brakes, and other electrical components are transmitted correctly. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of trailer plug wiring harnesses commonly used for boats and their functionalities.

If you’re not sure what kind of harness your trailer is going to need, reach out to your Memory Maker or Boat Specialist. They can help.

Trailer Wiring Harness Types

Four-Way Flat Wiring Harness

The four-way flat wiring harness is a basic and commonly used configuration for small to medium-sized boat trailers. It consists of four wires – brown (tail lights), yellow (left turn/brake lights), green (right turn/brake lights), and white (ground). This harness provides essential lighting functions but does not include provisions for electric brakes or auxiliary power.

Five-Way Flat Wiring Harness

The five-way flat wiring harness builds upon the four-way flat configuration by adding an additional blue wire for electric brakes. If your boat trailer is equipped with electric brakes, this wiring harness allows you to transmit brake signals from your towing vehicle to the trailer’s braking system.

Six-Way Round Wiring Harness

The six-way round wiring harness is commonly used for larger boat trailers that have additional features requiring electrical connections, such as hydraulic brakes or auxiliary power. This harness includes the same functions as the five-way flat wiring harness but adds a pin/socket for auxiliary power (usually black) and a pin/socket for a reverse light signal (usually purple).

Seven-Way RV Blade Wiring Harness

The seven-way RV blade wiring harness is the most versatile and comprehensive option for boat trailers. It provides all the functions of the six-way round wiring harness along with an additional pin/socket for charging the trailer’s battery (usually labeled “12V+”) and a pin/socket for a backup or reverse light signal. This wiring harness is commonly used for larger boat trailers equipped with multiple electrical components, including electric brakes, hydraulic brakes, auxiliary power, and battery charging.

Choosing the Right Wiring Harness

When selecting a trailer plug wiring harness for your boat, consider the size and electrical requirements of your trailer. If you have a small trailer with basic lighting needs, a four-way or five-way harness may suffice. For larger trailers with additional features like electric brakes, hydraulic brakes, or auxiliary power, a six-way or seven-way RV blade harness is recommended.

Speak with your Memory Maker or Boat Specialist before deciding which is right for you.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and regular maintenance of your trailer plug wiring harness are crucial for optimal performance. Ensure that all connections are secure, and the wiring is protected from abrasion and exposure to water. Regularly inspect and clean the contacts to prevent corrosion, which can disrupt signal transmission.

Your nearest Legend Boats dealer would be happy to help.

Investing in a high-quality and properly installed trailer plug wiring harness is essential for a safe and efficient towing experience with your boat.

Understanding the different types of wiring harnesses available and selecting the appropriate one for your trailer’s needs will ensure that your lights, brakes, and other electrical components work reliably, allowing you to enjoy smooth sailing on your boating adventures.

Remember to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines and seek professional assistance if needed to ensure a proper installation.