Does the Tow Doctor Trailer Side Tester Work on a Trailer with LED Lights

Question

Question:

CAN THIS TEST TRAILERS WITH L.E.D LIGHTS? THANKS,PIGEON

asked by: PIGEON

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Tow Doctor for the trailer side is # HM50928. The other one, # HM50918, is the vehicle side.

For the trailer side model it does not work if the trailer has LED lights. LED lights draw too little power for the tester to work properly.

You could test the trailer side by using a separate 12 volt wire and applying power to each function. If the function does not work doing this test you know there is a wiring issue.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

I do have options for you but we do not have an all inclusive tester kit that will test flat and round trailer connectors on both the trailer and vehicle. Instead you will want to use part #HM50928 for the trailer end and part #HM50918 for the…

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Answer 2

We do have the type of trailer wiring tester you are looking for with the Hopkins Tow Doctor part #HM50928. You can plug a trailer 7-way into this and it will simulate a tow vehicle to let you know if all of the wiring is good.

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Answer 3

It definitely sounds like there is a ground issue somewhere on your Ford F-150 or trailer. A weak ground will usually show itself when additional power draw is put on the system, such as in your case when activating the running lights on top of the…

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Answer 4

You said you checked the brake magnets. When inspecting them did you notice if the windings inside the magnets are showing? If so this is most likely the reason that the short is showing up on the controller when the vehicle is moving. This would…

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Answer 5

Hubs and drums that can be turned (machined) will have a specification on how much they can be turned cast into the metal of the drum somewhere. Otherwise it is at the brake shop's discretion. Drums do not have to be turned unless there is some…

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Answer 6

Are there any visible signs of wear on the magnets like exposed windings then that would indicate they need replacing. Magnets can go bad without showing visible signs of wear though. To see how to troubleshoot them check out the help article I…

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Answer 7

If the surface on the inside of the drum where the shoe pads make contact isn't smooth then a brake shop may be able to turn the drums. If that surface or the surface where the magnet makes contact (called the armature surface) is discolored then…

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Answer 8

On a trailer electric brake assembly like the Dexter 6,000 Pound #23-105 you were looking at the magnet itself should be at the bottom. The arm that is attached to the magnet should then be located on the front side of the trailer (towards the…

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Answer 9

There is no specific torque rating for the castle nut that holds your hub in place. We recommend tightening the castle nut down until it stops, and then backing it off to the next notch wheel the tang washer will fit into the castle nut. Over…

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Answer 10

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 11

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 12

It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side…

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