electrical problem with trailer lights

[hardwater fisherman]

i have a 2000 chevy blazer at the end of last season i had some troubles with the lights. this year i put on all new lights with new wires on my boat trailer. the troubles got worse. the left and right flashers both work until i turn on the tailights.and when the brake is applied it works but if running lights are on the lights go out. and the brake lights work until i turn on the flasher then the two lights flash like i had on the four ways.the lights on the truck function correctly and with a tester they seem ok at the plug when i plug in the trailer it doesnt work well at all.not shure if its a problem with the electrical on the truck or what.

 

[FAC]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

trailer lights are very simple, make sure your grounds are all good that's were the majority of problems are. Then make sure the rest of the wires are in good condition. By then you will most likely have found your problem.

 

[Bondo]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

Ayuh,... You have a Bad Ground between the trailer,+ the tow unit...

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

the lights i used ground to the trailer by the nut on the back of the lights .i think i will try grounding directly to the center pin on the seven way and see if that works.

 

[nlain]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

As stated above, bad ground, your idea of grounding every thing to the center pin of the plug is good if that is the ground connector in the 7 way, make sure the center pin of the plug on the vehicle side has a wire to a good ground on the vehicle, you should be good to go then.

 

[hardwater fisherman]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

im shure the center pin is grouned because i was using the pin to test the plug it was ground. i will try it that way and see what happens.

 

[Bondo]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

im shure the center pin is grouned because i was using the pin to test the plug it was ground. i will try it that way and see what happens.

Ayuh,... According to this page, You're wrong about that....

You might just be backfeeding to ground...

The White wire should be Ground, not the Blue 1...

 

[mike343]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

The center pin is not the ground

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

The Center pin is NOT the Ground, it is Reverse.

If the notch is up, Ground is the Bottom Pin on the Port side!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

3 main reasons for trailer light issues.
#1. Bad Ground
#2. Bad ground.
#3. Bad ground.

Buy one of those 3 dollar plug in testers to make sure the tow vehicle is good. You can then rule one half of your issues out and work on the other half.
Try trailer in a known good vehicle.
Try vehicle in a known good trailer.
See which end has the issues. (Could be both)

 

[rabristol]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

"Waterproof boat trailer lights are not waterproof". I found this out after a few years of replacing lights. Do yourself the a big favor and weld poles to the trailer and relocate the lights so they don't touch the water when you back it into the water. Next thing is to remove the bulbs and coat all metal parts with a marine grade coating. Next thing: use marine grade wire, tin coated with no connections below the waterline. One more handy trailer hint: let your wheel bearings cool off before dunking the trailer. A vacuum is formed sucking water into the bearings when your hot hubs hit the water. I always pump a little more grease in before and after dunking my trailer. Been there done that on the side of the road fixing bearings. A little more work now and save a whole lot of grief later. One last hint: I pack my plugs with di-electric grease and never have problems with corrosion (salt water boat).

 

[Don S]

Re: electrical problem with trailer lights

2010 thread brought back to life by a spammer who's post is now deleted.