Wiring A Trailer To 6v System

Need to wire my Jeep for a trailer, currently 12v. Using standard 4 prong plug. Can I just replace the bulbs with 6v bulbs or do I need to put in larger wire gauge also?

 

You could figure out the bulb wattages and how much maximum current is being drawn, then size the wiring according to it's amperage rating.

Technically, when you half the voltage, you should double the wire capacity, but the wires are probably not at full capacity in this case.

Just guessing, I imagine the standard wire could probably cope with the minimal current drawn by tail lights alone.

 

Yep, should be ok. The brake lights and indicators draw the most current, and they are momentary/intermittent. The power dissipation will be the same - P=IV, so half the voltage and double the current will dissipate the same number of watts. Plus the wires are likely in free air, so heating isn't much of an issue. I expect the wire size is determined mostly by the acceptable resistance - larger wire has less resistance, and less voltage drop for a given current - I expect that's what indicates an "acceptable" wire size for a given current. The lights will not be quite as bright as with a larger wire size...

 

My cj5 is a 6volter, I tow my boat trailer with it some times works fine with bulbs that are in it. I also tow same trailer with the truck which is newer.bulbs are a little dimer when jeep is towing boat trailer then truck.

 

Wired the CJ5 for trailer lights. Works ok with 12V bulbs, changed to 6v bulbs and works perfect, nice and bright.

 

Was it dim with the 12 volt bulbs? I'm always afraid I'd forget to change them back on my boat trailer and blow out bulbs.

 

i'll try to remember, but it was much brighter with 6v bulbs in it. The lights on the trailer allow me to remove the bulbs easily to change.