What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

[IraRat]

Because I extended the tongue on my HF trailer, the supplied wiring kit runs short. It just about reaches the coupler, and I have to extend it 2 feet or so.

This wire looks pretty standard for trailer lighting, as it's the same gauge as the converter I have to connect in the truck to convert my separate 3-way vehicle lighting system to the trailer's 2-way.

Does 18 (stranded) sound right to you? I went to HD and everything was too thick--the thinnest they had was 16. And I looked online at Radio Shack and everything is sold in large rolls, and I only need like 10 feet of the stuff.

Can I get away with splicing 16 in there, since HD sells this by the foot? And since I have a junk box of electrical crap. including speaker wire, would THAT be okay to use for this?

It's gonna kill me to spend 8 bucks for wiring when I only need about 2 bucks worth.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

Bigger won't hurt anything, no worries.

 

[IraRat]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

Thanks! Back to HD for me!

And Mods--it's okay if you remove my status of "Petty Officer 2nd Class"" and replace it with "Idiot."

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

Most if not all the trailer light wiring I've dealt with was 16ga. I would like to find some made from 14ga.

 

[colbyt]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

It is out there, you just have to Google it. 4 wire 14 gauge trailer wire. That will even give you a ground that works.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

Why not just buy a ready made extension that you can plug into both ends (your vehicle and what's already on the trailer) so you don't have to do any splicing?

 

[batman99]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

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For all my trailers (utility, boat, RV), I create my own wiring runs using thick 12 gauge for lights and 10 gauge for electric brakes and 12V live wire). I pick my own wire colors and install wiring runs within PEX piping as well. I use thicker wire for boat trailers because it thicker wiring contains thicker outer sheath. Overkill? Maybe. But works for me...

 

[NYBo]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

Why not just buy a ready made extension that you can plug into both ends (your vehicle and what's already on the trailer) so you don't have to do any splicing?

That's what I did for for the reverse problem (factory harness on vehicle ends at the hitch). Works great and is removable when not in use.

 

[IraRat]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

Because it takes about 5 minutes to solder and cover 4 wires, and it costs pennies.

Why buy and use an extension when it's totally unnecessary?

 

[Jonnybbad]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

I default to frugal mode also... not cheap, but frugal. I would say extend your wires by soldering and shrink wrap would be a better job done anyways.

 

[Ripfence]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

If it matters, mine is 16ga. I haven't had to extend it but, if I did, I'd solder it, use shrink tubing and add some silicone just for fun. That said, 16 should be fine. If the wire is going to be exposed to sun and salt I'd probably get some marine gauge wire just in case.

 

[sweet addiction]

Re: What gauge wire to extend trailer lighting?

16 Ga. wire, dielectric grease and adhesive lined heat shrinkable waterproof butt splices = Bullit proof fix.