Wiring a Switch to the Dash to Control Power to a Gate on a Dump Trailer

Question:

Wanting to install a gate switch on my dash to auxiliary blue wire on pig tail to control a gate on a dump trailer

asked by: Marty

Expert Reply:

For a switch to supply or remove power going back to the gate you can use a simple on/off switch such as # PK34213. This switch is rated up to 50 amp applications. For a switch that has 3 positions you could use on/off/on switch # PK34218 which is also rated for up to 50 amps.

For wire you can use # 10-2-1, which is jacketed 2-wire sold by the foot. The flow of the power will go from the source (battery or alternator) to the input on the switch and then from the output terminal of the switch to the correct wire on the pigtail harness you want to tap into.

The 3 position switch can be used if you want the switch to power up or down the rear gate. Power would come into the switch and the one output would go to the wire that powers the gate up and the other output would go to the wire that powers the gate down. Center is off.

Be sure to first see what the amperage draw of the gate is. If higher than 50 amps you will need a different switch. Fifty amps is as high as the switches we have will go.

You will also want to circuit protect the wiring by install a circuit breaker in line on a power wire. The circuit breaker should be rated at or slightly higher than the maximum amperage draw of the gate.

You mentioned a blue wire but usually the blue wire is output to trailer brakes. The auxiliary power circuit is usually the center pin on a 7-Way. I have included a link to our article on wiring that covers the functions of various connector types.