Cant find much info on trailer wiring

[Maxmax]

I bought a magnetic set of trailer lights , they come with a four wire connector , Ive looke around a little but cant seam to find much info on patching into our kind of lights ....any clues ?

[timsrv]

In some rare cases, a trailer might have separate brake and turn lamps, but 99.9% of the time they share bulbs..........this is called a "2 wire system". On the contrary, our vans use different bulbs for turning (amber) and stopping (red)........this is a "3 wire system". In order to make the trailer lights work correctly you will need a "3-2 Tow Light Converter". If you plan on towing something with low current needs (under 3A) and only tow occasionally, then a "non powered 3-2 tow light converter" (http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-48925-Light-Converter-Extension/dp/B0002Q81XK/ref=au_as_r?_encoding=UTF8&Make=Toyota%7C76&Model=Van%7C942&Year=1987%7C1987&ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&vehicleId=2&vehicleType=automotive) will work fine. For higher currently loads and/or extended towing times, you could benefit from a "powered 3-2 tow light converter" (http://www.amazon.com/56190-3-Wire-2-Wire-Powered-Converter/dp/B004IYB968/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452067422&sr=8-2&keywords=3-2+tow+light+converter). The powered converters draw trailer power from the van battery (rather than the lighting circuits), so it's easier on the van wiring and your lights will be brighter. The only downside to the powered converter is you will need to pull another wire from the battery to power it.

When hooking things up, there isn't a "magic spot" on the van where you can use a "Hoppy" or other brand of profession harness tap. You will simply pull the tail light fixtures out and identify wires there. Most of these converters come with Scotch Locks, but I don't recommend those (they're unreliable). I would suggest using high quality terminals and crimping with a quality crimper. A good alternative could be soldering & shrink tubing/taping. When I did my van I drilled 3/8" holes in the bottom of the inner body (under the tail lights), put grommets in the holes, and dropped the wires out from there. I also put a little silicone on the wire to keep moisture out. There's room in the tail light cavity to leave the converter in there & out of harms way. Most of these converters are well marked and easy to figure out. Good luck. Tim