Troubleshooting LED Clearance Lights on Boat Trailer
Question:
I have a LED side light on my trailer thats not working. All the other lights are working including the side light on the other side. Given it is a boat trailer im thinking the wiring is broken somewhere as i have checked all the connections. I know the light itself works as I have tested it on the other side they are interchangeable. Im going to run a lead directly to the plug into the car. I need to be able to test this prior to running a new lead to the plug. Question - when i connect the light directly to a 12v battery it doesnt illuminate. There is a push in plug for the connection that im not using and im wondering if that is necessary to wire to and not directly into the lamp itself? Do you think that would be the issue or should the lamp illuminate when directly wired to a 12v battery?
asked by: The P
Expert Reply:
Any trailer light, whether standard incandescent or high-efficiency LED, should light up when it is connected directly to the terminals of a charged 12V battery. Direct connection avoids all other potential causes for problems, such as broken wiring, a weak ground or corrosion, and tells you whether the light functions independent of any other concerns with the trailer's wiring. But since your light works when installed on the other side of the trailer, but not when directly connected to the battery, this suggests that your problem may be related to you not using the wiring connector.
Lights such as # MCL52AB use a 2-prong plug # A46PB for connection. There is also a 3-prong plug # A47PB for lights with that connector type.
Once you have your lights all functioning you might want to use dielectric grease # 11755 on those plug connections to help prevent entry of moisture and dirt.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dielectric Grease for Electrical Connectors, 2 oz.
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring
- Dielectric Grease
- LubriMatic
more information >
Right Angle 2-Wire Pigtail for Optronics Trailer Lights - 2-Prong PL-10 Plug - 6" Lead
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Wiring
- Plugs and Pigtails
- 6 Inch Long
- Two Wire
- Right Angle Pigtail
- Optronics
more information >
Right Angle 3-Wire Pigtail for Optronics Trailer Lights - 3-Prong PL-3 Plug - 10" Lead
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Wiring
- Plugs and Pigtails
- 10 Inch Long
- Three Wire
- Right Angle Pigtail
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
LED Trailer Clearance and Side Marker Light w/ Flange - Submersible - 5 Diodes - Round - Amber Lens
- Trailer Lights
- Clearance Lights
- Rear Clearance
- Side Marker
- Round
- Recessed Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 2 Inch Diameter
- Amber
- Optronics
more information >
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Replacement Marker/Clearance Lights For a 2006 Ranger Trail Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement 5-Way Connector for Ranger Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Dimensions of the Ram Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Trailer Coupler Adapter
- Q&A: Is There a GloLight LED Trailer Tail Light with a Chrome or Stainless Steel Trim Ring
- Q&A: Difference Between Conventional and Modular Trailer Wheels
- Q&A: Correct Tankless Water Heater Replacement for Atwood 6 Gallon 16" x 12"
- Q&A: Can Red Identification Light Bar be Used as Marker & Reverse Lights
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Our Team Picked The Best Camping Gear of the Year - Here Are Their Top Choices
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How Much Solar Power Do I Need For My RV?
- Article: Where to Position the Trailer Axle?