I strongly suspect a grounding problem with my trailer lights. Brake and turn signals work fine. With head / parking lights on (the brown wires),the problems start. I have the Peterson two wire fixtures and the "ground" is supposed to come from the mounting lugs (I guess since there is no other electrical return path). How are you setting up your ground wires on the trailer? I suspect my trailer is not a very good grounding source. Thank You,, Jerry
Trailer grounding
- Thread starter Jerry21707
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I solved my grounding problems by running two wires to every light on the trailer and grounding the trailer to the tow vehcle through the ground wire in the connector. Make sure the trailer body is included in the grounding system. Basically hooked up as a standard 120v house system with the exception that a connection to the trailer is included in the ground. The trailer has been wired that way for about twenty years. I can go out and hook up the trailer and every thing works.
Integerity of the wires
I would also check the integrity of the wiring. I had a similar problem and discovered that the wiring was cut where it entered the square tubing in the trailer tongue. This sutuation caused damage to my Van's wring module (85$). Good luck
I would also check the integrity of the wiring. I had a similar problem and discovered that the wiring was cut where it entered the square tubing in the trailer tongue. This sutuation caused damage to my Van's wring module (85$). Good luck
Trailer wiring advice/experience
I have always had to fix/replace the wiring on each trailer I purchase - it's almost a "given" that it doesn't work properly. When wiring, run the ground wire from the connector to each light. You can run it to one light and "daisy chain" it to the others. Solder the connections and they will last much longer than simply twisting them. Use dialectric silicone (sold for spark plug wires at automotive stores) and smear some on the sockets and bulb bases - also the connector. This will end any problems with corrosion. Smear some on the vehicle connector as well and you'll never have to worry abot it either. Done right, it'll work reliably for many years. Chris PS Use the dialectric silicone on your exterior boat lights (nav, steaming, anchor etc) and you'll never have corrosion problems there either - the stuff is a godsend...
I have always had to fix/replace the wiring on each trailer I purchase - it's almost a "given" that it doesn't work properly. When wiring, run the ground wire from the connector to each light. You can run it to one light and "daisy chain" it to the others. Solder the connections and they will last much longer than simply twisting them. Use dialectric silicone (sold for spark plug wires at automotive stores) and smear some on the sockets and bulb bases - also the connector. This will end any problems with corrosion. Smear some on the vehicle connector as well and you'll never have to worry abot it either. Done right, it'll work reliably for many years. Chris PS Use the dialectric silicone on your exterior boat lights (nav, steaming, anchor etc) and you'll never have corrosion problems there either - the stuff is a godsend...
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