Trailer Lighting Options for 1962 Airstream Undergoing Renovation

Question:

Hi, I have a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 with a 7 pin trailer connector I need to connect to our, renovation in progress, 1962 Airstream. The truck uses the same wire for the brake and turn signal, the trailer has a separate brake light and turn signals. Is this the appropriate part to vehicle to vehicle convert the trailer to keep the separate brake lights? Is it heavy duty enough or isnt that a concern? What would I need to convert the trailer to LED lights? Will this converter work with LED lights? Vehicle to Vehicle Tail Light Converter, code: 118158. Thank you.

asked by: Pat

Expert Reply:

The vehicle-to-vehicle taillight converter part # 118158 will do what you want: separate the Ram's combined stop/turn signals into separate signals that can be fed to separate stop and turn lights on your vintage Airstream.

This converter will not work with a vehicle that has LED lights but it WILL work on a trailer that has this high-efficiency type lighting. Vehicles with LED lights use much lower power signals along with lighter-gauge wiring that would not be able to operate the converter. But at the output side that feeds a trailer using LED lights will be okay.

Since you are renovating the trailer anyway, I suggest you consider changing to combined lighting on it and installing the LED type. LED lights use less power, require less-costly lighter-gauge wiring and offer brighter output than incandescent lights. You also never have to worry about changing out bulbs. If keeping the trailer original matters more than convenience and reliability then you can go the other route.

You can refer to the linked article on trailer lighting requirements for guidance. Required trailer lighting varies by trailer size and weight. You certainly have the option of installing more lights than are required by law to enhance the trailer's visibility.

I linked our main page for all trailer lighting products. Just click on the filters on the page to choose light type, lens color, shape and size. You can also select the LED type by clicking on that filter.

You installation will be made easier by using a junction box like # 38656 along with a male 7-way plug like # H20046. You can also tuck the converter into the junction box to protect it from the elements.