When you drive a tractor trailer, there are many things you need to know to ensure the proper operation of this large vehicle. As well as making sure the vehicle is in top working order, everything that needs to be plugged in to make sure the truck is supplying electricity to the trailer, among other things. A pigtail is the connection that goes from the truck to the trailer to allow power.

The pigtail connector, so called because it resembles a pig’s tail, is just one component of all the connections that need to be made. However, it is the connection that supplies all the electrical needs to the trailer. The coil on the cable allows the truck to turn without the cable being disconnected.

The cable itself is green in color and has a plug at the end that consists of many holes. The plug fits into the matching outlet on the front of the trailer. The plug and the outlet are known as female and male; the female plug fits into the male outlet.

The ponytail line is approximately two to three feet long when uncoiled. When the vehicle is in motion, the coils allow the truck to turn without the connections becoming disconnected. If an operator is traveling and notices in their mirrors that there are no lights on the trailer, the flex cable has most likely become disconnected.

To bring electrical power to the trailer, the pigtail connects to the tractor, which is connected to the alternator inside the engine. It is the alternator that is responsible for all the electrical energy of the entire vehicle. The truck connector is hardwired to the truck, usually at the rear of the cab.

With a powered trailer, this ensures that the running lights and brake lights will be operational while the truck is in motion. It will also supply lighting to the interior of the trailer. It is very dangerous to operate a tractor and trailer without proper lighting.

A tractor trailer operator is very well educated in the operation of his vehicle. Ensuring that the flexible connection is properly secured is just one of many checks that must be performed prior to operation. In order to have a properly functioning trailer, all connections to the tractor must be secure.