Troubleshooting Travel Trailer Right Blinker Not Working

Question:

Hi! I have a travel trailer that is wired with a seven way connector. On the right side of the trailer the blinker does not want to work and the light just illuminates. Can you help me

asked by: Carter

Expert Reply:

There are a number of possible reasons your right-side trailer turn signal is not working. One quick visual inspection of the inside and outside of both trailer connectors can help you ensure that they are free of any damage or corrosion that could be causing the issue. If a connector is damaged, it is best to be replaced. If there is corrosion, you can try cleaning the affected spot on the connector with a wire brush

To determine where the issue is originating, we will begin at your tow vehicle. We want to test the right turn/stop circuit at the trailer connector on the vehicle-side. To test this circuit, you will want to use a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, to test the pin in the 3 o'clock position. The circuit tester should show power at the pin when the right blinker is activated and when the brake pedal is pressed.

If you do not have power at the vehicle-end connector, then the issue is somewhere on the tow vehicle. You will want to check the fuses and relays associated with the trailer tow lighting to be sure none of them have blown. If the pin on the vehicle-side connector is working properly, then we know the issue is on the trailer.

Since it is only your right blinker and brake light that are not working, while it sounds like your taillight works fine, it is likely the issue is on the wire that carries that circuit. It can be a little more difficult on a travel trailer, but you will want to try and track the wire back from the light as much as you can up to the trailer-side connector. If any of the wire is pinched, torn, or has other damage, it is likely the bare wire has been able to touch a metal surface and short out the circuit and cause the light not to work. Any torn, pinched, cut, or otherwise damaged wiring will need to be replaced.

If the brake light is working and only the turn signal does not function, then it is likely the light's ground is weak. Relocating the light ground to a clean, bare metal section of the trailer frame can help improve the contact of the ground and allow the turn signal to function properly.

I have attached some videos that you may find helpful while troubleshooting your trailer.

If these troubleshooting steps do not provide a solution for you, feel free to let me know and we can look into other solutions.