Troubleshooting Dim Trailer Running Lights

Question

Question:

I have a little tent trailer all of the signals and brake lights work fine. But, when I turn on the running lights, the tail lights are very very dim. You can hardly see the light in the dark.

asked by: Max

0

Expert Reply:

This sounds like a ground issue. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light.

Make sure that the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Answer 1

Since the trailer was off of the ground it would not take much voltage to stop the wheels from spinning so they may be getting power but they may not be getting enough power due to a short or wiring issue. But 9 times out of 10 weak trailer brakes…

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Answer 2

It comes down to how much weight the trailer will be at when it's loaded and ready to tow and how much capacity the tires have. If you can determine the max your trailer will weigh and then add up the capacity of all of your trailer tires…

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Answer 3

When looking for a trailer tire that has a higher speed rating you will want a tire with a speed rating of M. This is an 81-mph rated tire. For a 15-inch tire I recommend the Provider ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire, part #TR225LRE. This is a Load…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 7

Hey Parrish, There was a design change in the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #76227 so it unfortunately only comes with one hitch pin hole now and there unfortunately are no other compatible hitches available with a second hole for a…

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Answer 8

Yes, the 12 volt accessory circuit of your trailer wiring would be able to keep a 10 amp breakaway kit battery topped off like the part #3802311. Usually the 12 volt accessory circuit of a 7-way is protected with either a 30 amp or 40 amp fuse.

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Answer 9

Did you have a 4-pin connector that had 5 wires or was it a 5-pin connector? There is a big difference since you normally see a 5-pin connector on a boat trailer with the 5th pin used for an electric reverse lockout solenoid on a brake actuating…

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Answer 10

I pulled one of the #RP63971 weight distribution shanks from our warehouse to measure, and the distance from the center of the pin hole to the rear edge of the shank is 4 inches. I am including a picture showing the measurements I took while I had…

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Answer 11

I have a great option for you. Take a look at the Hopkins Quick Fix connector #HM48190. All you have to do is remove the screws on this connector, place the wires in the correct locations, and then put the cover and screws back on. The white wire…

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Answer 12

The 12V wire at the vehicle-end trailer connector being hot even when the truck is off can vary depending on the application. For all aftermarket hardwiring installations of a 7-Way wiring harness, the 12V wire will be hot at all times, even when the…

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