Dodge Ram Trailer Wiring Color Codes Explained

All heavy-duty vehicles require trailer connector wiring to properly link and control signals such as taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and other electrical components. If your Dodge Ram is not equipped with a functioning trailer wiring harness, there are a couple of different solutions you can choose from.

Using color codes, this guide will walk you through the various ways you can wire your Dodge Ram and other trailer towing vehicles. 

Dodge Ram Trailer Wiring Color Codes

To wire a Dodge Ram’s trailer lights, you can use any of these methods:

1. Dodge Ram 4-Pin Trailer Wiring

This is the standard wiring method for a 4-wire trailer plug. In a 4-pin wiring system: 

• Green wire – connects to the right turn/brakes
• Yellow wire – connects to the Left turn/brakes
• Brown wire – connects to the Taillights
• White wire – indicates Ground and must be connected to the trailer tongue

2. Dodge Ram 5-Pin Trailer Wiring

5-pin trailer wiring and 4-pin wiring follow almost the same procedure. The only difference is that the 5-pin trailer comes with an extra blue wire for backup or reverse. 

Not all Dodge Ram have reverse lights, hence, inspect your trailer configuration before commencing 5-pin wiring. In a 5-pin wiring system:

• Blue wire – connects to the Reverse lights
• Green wire – connects to the Right turn/brakes
• Yellow wire – connects to the Left turn/brakes
• Brown wire – connects to the Taillights
• White wire – is Ground and must be wired to the trailer’s tongue.

3. Dodge Ram 6-Pin Trailer Wiring Diagram

6-pin trailer wiring comes with two extra wires. One controls the +12-volt auxiliary power, the other connects the trailer’s brakes. This method of writing is common on gooseneck trailers.

• Brown – connects to the taillights
• Blue – connects to the electric brakes
• Green – connects to the right turn/brakes
• Yellow wire – connects to the turn/brakes
• White wire – is Ground 
• Black  – controls the +12 volt auxiliary power

4. Dodge Ram Round 7-Pin Wiring

The 7-way round trailer plug is different from the 7-way RV blade plugs. Ensure you check your trailer connector before deciding which one is best for it.

In a 7-pin wiring system:

• White wire – is Ground
• Brown wire – connects to the Taillights
• Green wire – connects to the Right turn/brakes
• Red wire – is for Auxiliary power
• Yellow wire – connects to the Left turn/brakes
• Black wire – connects to the Reverse lights
• Blue wire – is for Electric brakes

5. RV Blade 7-Pin Trailer Wiring Diagram – SAE

This is the alternative wiring option for a 7-pin trailer wiring. One way to differentiate this method from the traditional one is to study the color of the wires. 

Unlike the traditional 7-pin trailer wiring configuration, the SAE consists of a red and yellow wire.

• Brown wire – connects to the Taillights
• Yellow wire – connects to the Left turn/brakes
• White wire – is Ground
• Blue wire – connects to the Electric brakes
• Green wire – connects to the Right turn/brakes
• Orange wire – connects to the +12 volt auxiliary power
• Gray – connects to the Reverse lights

6. RV Blade 7-Pin Trailer Wiring Diagram – Traditional

RV Blade 7-pin trailer wiring is the standard and one of the most popular wiring configurations for 7-pin trailer plugs. It also features red and black wires you won’t see in the SAE.

• Green wire – connects to the Taillights
• Red wire – connects to the Left turn/brakes
• White wire – represents Ground
• Blue wire – connects to the Electric brakes
• Brown wire – connects to the Right turn/brakes
• Black wire – connects to the +12 volt auxiliary power
• Yellow wire – connects to the Reverse lights

Types Of Trailer Wiring

1. Custom Wiring Installation

This is the custom plug-and-play harness or ‘T-connector’ installation that requires no splicing and provides a standard connector output like the 4-way flat. This mode of wiring is the most suitable for installing trailer light wiring.

A complete custom wiring kit must include components such as vehicle-specific plugs and an electrical converter in their right sizes. Without these tools, you cannot complete the installation.

Types Of Custom Wiring

Despite being the most basic form of trailer wiring, custom wiring can be done in 3 ways:

Custom Wiring Harnesses 

A custom wiring harness makes use of multiple plugs connected to the ‘T-like’ design of the Dodge Ram taillight. This form of custom wiring draws power directly from the taillights or a direct battery connection to form a standard trailer wiring connector. 

Although the process requires two or more connection points, any degree of splicing or soldering is taboo.

Custom Wiring Connectors

For those whose Dodge Ram does not come with a standard trailer wiring connector, there is always a special socket (from the manufacturer) designed for custom wiring connectors. All you have to do is insert a single plug into the factory socket and your standard trailer wiring connector is set.

Original Equipment Trailer Wiring for USCAR

Original equipment trailer wiring for USCAR is a type of custom wiring that works specifically for vehicles with standardized USCAR sockets. This socket provides a connection point for a CURT OE wiring harness.

Like a T-connector, the plug-to-socket connection does not include cutting, soldering, or spicing of any form. It also provides wiring output like that of a 4-way flat or 7-way RV blade.

2. Taillight Converter Splice-in Wiring

From the name, you could tell that this form of trailer wiring involves splicing and soldering. Taillight converter splice-in wiring course through an existing vehicle wiring to establish a standard trailer connector.

If your vehicle’s model does not have custom wiring, you need a taillight converter to carry out the proper trailer light wiring connection. A taillight converter, also known as an electrical converter, does the job of slicing through your Dodge Ram and establishing a trailer plug wiring connector (usually a 4-way flat).

The system is designed to convert your vehicle’s initial complex wiring system into a simple one compatible with Dodge Ram. 

3. Replacement Vehicle and Trailer Wiring

If a trailer wiring plug or socket is damaged, you can replace them with a CURT splice-in plug and socket. In this process, the plugs belong to the ‘trailer side’ while the socket belongs to the ‘vehicle side’. 

Plugs and sockets are also available in all standard formats capable of splicing into any tow wiring. It takes an expert to know the right fit for your Dodge Ram.

Trailer Wiring Color Codes

Color-coded wiring options are designed to make trailer wiring an effortless procedure. Connecting a wrong color wire results in taillight malfunctions and confusion while towing. 

Only the ground wire has a fixed or constant color, which is WHITE. Other wires vary in color depending on the configuration of your ride. To better understand this, you need to know the various Dodge trailer light wiring methods.

Wrap-up

After wiring up your Dodge Ram, we recommend you insert the plug into the socket and test the function of each wire. If each wire reflects the right result, you are good to go. If not, correct the mistakes noted and wrap up the installation.