stupid question - trailer lights

Mc Tool

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Aug 7, 2024
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i had to look it up

Why the Difference Exists

    • Tow Vehicle (3-Wire System): Many cars, trucks, and RVs—especially imports or vehicles with amber turn signals—have distinct circuits for the left turn signal, right turn signal, and the brakes.
    • Standard Trailer (2-Wire System): Standard flat 4-way trailer wiring combines the stop and turn functions onto a single yellow wire (left) and a single green wire (right). [1]

Why You Need a Converter

    • If you plug a 3-wire vehicle directly into a 2-wire trailer without a converter, your turn signals and brake lights will not function correctly.
    • Stepping on the brake might override your flashing turn signal, or turning on your blinker might cause your brake lights to flash.
    • A 3-to-2 Wire Taillight Converter safely merges the separate brake and turn signals from your vehicle into the combined circuits required by the trailer. [1]
Oh yeah ,I forgot you guys wire up your lights all wrong😁 , coz we separate the brake , tail and turn lights . Gotta say tho that I see quite a few US import cars and some big trucks now have the flashing brake light set up too 🙂
 

airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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Oh yeah ,I forgot you guys wire up your lights all wrong😁 , coz we separate the brake , tail and turn lights . Gotta say tho that I see quite a few US import cars and some big trucks now have the flashing brake light set up too 🙂
Just recently noticed the flashing brake lights on some vehicles. Probably a good idea as to many are not paying attention or on their phones. Something is needed to wake people up !
 

Mc Tool

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Aug 7, 2024
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Just recently noticed the flashing brake lights on some vehicles. Probably a good idea as to many are not paying attention or on their phones. Something is needed to wake people up !
I meant that ....in NZ we have yellow turn signal indicators , the US imports ( Dodge Challenger for instance ) dont , they flash the brake light at the rear and the side light ( we call them park lights ) at the front . Different but still obvious what the intention is .🙂
 
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