Trailer lights

[d_glover25]

Re wired a trailer yesterday and ran accross problem. Hopefully someone has made the same mistake. Everything works , running lights, left and right signal except when brakes are applied the left light goes completely out and the right one gets brighter as it should. The left amber running light stays on though. Everything works except the left rear brake light. Feel stupid for askin and I hope this is the right forum for this. I just need to get it on the road soon. Thank you.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Trailer lights

If you have both right & left turn signal lights, you should have brake lights. Sound like the trailer wiring is OK, check your tow vehicles diagram.

 

[G-Daddy]

Re: Trailer lights

When all else fails check your grounds - to all lights.

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer lights

What G-Daddy said.

Using the chassis for a ground return, which almost all trailers do, is the cause of most lighting troubles.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer lights

ever since i started running an independant ground wire from connector to every light, i've had no problems. don't depend on the trailer frame or the hitch to ground the lights to the vehicle. use the white wire on the plug. also unplugging the lights when you get to the ramp, while unstrapping, save many blown bulbs.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer lights

this can be invaluable

http://www.iboats.com/Seasense_Ez_T...d.217589--list_time.1174828700--view_id.56357

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer lights

Remove the bulb from the non-functioning tail light and make sure it's inserted correctly. If you look at the two little locating pins on the bulbs you'll see they are offset from each other which prevents improper insertion into the lamp socket. Unfortunately, the sockets are made so poorly the bulb can be inserted incorrectly creating the problem you have. If that's ok, then you have a ground problem at that light.

 

[d_glover25]

Re: Trailer lights

So, split the white ground wire and run it to all lights?

 

[d_glover25]

Re: Trailer lights

If its not the bulb of course.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer lights

i run one continuous ground wire, from light to light, grounding it the the mounting bolt on the light, and connect to the white wire.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer lights

You should be able to clean up the ground at the offending light and have it work properly. Really no need to run a ground wire to every light. That is what that huge metal trailer is for!

Remove the nuts that attatch the light to the trailer...scrape to bare metal and reattatch the nuts.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer lights

I agree with Bruce. The only other thing to consider is when two points of a trailer frame are bolted together rather than welded, that joint can pose a grounding issue (or lack of it) so a jumper or ground strap around those points are recommended. Tilting trailers for example need a ground jumper to tie the two hinge points together as that point would present a poor ground. Using stainless internal or external tooth (star) washers at the lamp mounting bolts also helps maintain a solid ground. I seal all holes on the lamps on my trailers and coat the sealing area on the lens with grease to prevent water getting into the lamp. I also disconnect the trailer harness before backing into the water. With the brake lights on, water on a hot bulb will cause them to pop.

 

[dabhand]

Re: Trailer lights

I recently upgraded both my boat trailers to the LED lights.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94137

The LED bulbs have a much longer lifespan, so the can seal the housing permanently. The also are much brighter. So far I love the results. I still unplug them before launching though.