Brake Lights are Dim With Turn Signal Flashing Using Converter 118158 On a Trailer
Question:
1994 GMC K2500 / 1997 Ford Ranger primary tow vehicles I have this converter TowReady #118158 currently wired to my trailer I really wanted amber turn signals and very much like it, and would like to purchase another one but have a few questions and a possible issue. First, the possible issue: I originally purchased this a few years ago and a few months ago noticed my brake lights red dim substantially when the turn signals amber are on, not quite to regular running light brightness, but noticeably dimmer. To put it another way, they basically flash with the turn signals. Im unfortunately unsure if it did this from the start and I just didnt notice it until recently. I cant tell any difference in the turn signal amber bulb / incandescent brightness with the brakes on or off. Without the turn signals the running/brake brightness is quite distinct and steady, and has no problems, nor complaints in that particular aspect. Ive done a fair share of wiring things and Im quite certain I hooked the wires up correctly, the sticker on the converter makes it pretty dang clear which wire goes to what. When I installed the converter the trailer already had LED brake lights I re-used them obviously, but I purchased regular incandescent amber turn signals for the project. I noticed it says it Will not work with vehicles that have LED taillights I didnt notice that at the time of purchase. Is the LEDs why my brake lights dim? Is there a version with an aux-battery power supply like from a 7-way plug that could give it some extra amperage? Would going to all incandescent bulbs help? Is there a problem with my converter? Is it just the current draw of the incandescent turn signals? Should I have installed the diodes? I didnt really think I needed to with a trailer application Whew, I think the covers everything. Generic use question: I was hoping to use this on another trailer Id like to build with all LED lights, including a 3rd brake light, is there a better/more-suitable converter for this? Would all incandescent be better? Last minute edit: Just re-read the features on the converter and thought I could have mis-interpreted things. Neither the GMC or the Ford Ranger have LEDs installed in their tail lights. They both have regular incandescent bulbs. Ive seen a couple use this for strictly trailer use in the reviews/questions, and they dont seem to mention this particular issue. Thank you the great service over the years, Ill be ordering a bunch more stuff in the late fall for the new trailer build.
asked by: Russell D
Expert Reply:
The LED light warning is in reference to flat towing a vehicle that has LED lights. So basically for your situation the trailer (vehicle) LED lights could be the issue. An easy way to determine if it works better with incandescent bulbs would be to replace an LED brake light with an incandescent light of some kind and see if the problem persists.
If it does persist then the issue could be related to the fact that converter # 118158 is not rated very high. This is just the nature of this converter since it was meant for flat towing setups where amperage draw isn't very high. I do recommend checking the wiring to make sure there are no pinched or broken wires or corrosion on the trailer connectors that could be causing the issue.
To use it with a third brake light set up I do recommend sticking with incandescent bulbs.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 7 Round
- 7 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Both Turn Signals Flashing With Hopkins Tail Light Converter Kit
- Shop: Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter
- Shop: Hopkins Tail Light Converter - LED Compatible
- Shop: Phoenix USA Rear Wheel Center Cap - 8-1/4" Hub Diameter - Center Hole Mount - Right Thread
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 90160
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: stl72rb
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Tow Ready 4-Pole Mounting Bracket Installation
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Search Results: 25580
- Q&A: 7-Way Trailer Plug Adapter or Compatibility with Lance Slide-In Truck Bed Camper
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: brake controller
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Video: Curt 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket Review
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Search Results: hitch