It's the green wire.

[gpfishingdude]

I found out that the right brake and turn signal weren't working on the trailer so I checked the green wire and found out I had to jumper past the problem area somewhere between the front and back on the old pontoon trailer. I ran a new wire along the outside of the frame but I would rather run a whole new wiring harness through the frame like the original. Anybody had any luck doing this or should I just figure out how to run them along the outside and keep them tight to the frame? I can see where they would be protected better on the inside.

 

[minuteman62-64]

Re: It's the green wire.

If your issue is how to fish the wires through the frame, just do it like the electricians. Attach the new wires to one end of the old wires and pull the old wires out - which will pull the new wires in.

 

[batman99]

Re: It's the green wire.

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Yes. Wires are better protected inside a hallow frame (or hallow axle cavity) but their natural rubbing from road vibrations over time can wear down their outer covering, and they do short out. Or, mice can build nests inside the hallow cavity and chew through the wires as well. If pulling wiring into a hallow boat trailer frame, its always best to bundle new wires inside plastic loom, then pull all of into the hallow cavity - using a wire fish reel. And if 14 guage wire is needed, always best to use its thicker next size up. re: Thicker 12 guage 12V wiring. Especially since the rear boat trailer wiring is often dipped in / out of water.

Since 12V wire is low cost, I'd pull ALL new wires down the frame's hallow cavity and ensure the bundle is within plastic wire loom ( http://images2.cableorganizer.com/wire_loom/split-colored-loom/images/wire-loom_cables.jpg ) as well. re: NEW Brake/Signal light and running light wiring . For a good video on using a wire fish in wall cavity (same idea for boat frame hallow cavity), surf: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCM_6fVeBtM

For electric brake wiring (if your trailer has electric brakes), do visit RV Trailer Supply stores and ask to view their double insulated electric brake wiring. I install this stuff on my many RVs, Utility and Boat brake wiring. re: http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Deka/10-2-1.html Note: Fish Wire / Fish tape reel can be purchased from many home hardware type stores... re: http://www.mcmelectronics.com/content/productimages/s4/3918914.jpg

TIP: To keep mice out of trailer frame hallow cavities, simply jam some rolled up galvanized wire mesh inside each opening. Thus, allowing water / moisture to flow in / out of the hallow cavity but this rolled up wire mesh keeps the unwanted critters out.

Hope this helps...

 

[gpfishingdude]

Re: It's the green wire.

Thanks! I will be sure to open those how to sites when I get home. I have practically rebuilt the whole trailer anyway including new tires so I don't mind doing the job right and hope that the new wiring will hold up for as long as we need it to. Thanks again Tom

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: It's the green wire.

If you really want to get anal and you have the room; running the wires inside of clear/rigid PVC tubing/pipe will protect the wires from rubbing on the insides of the frame.

 

[saumon]

Re: It's the green wire.

If you really want to do it right, another good practice on a boat trailer is to run dedicated ground (white) wires to each light, instead on relying on the frame grounding method.