Troubleshooting Wiring Problems in Gooseneck Trailer

Question:

I have a 1994 Featherlite gooseneck.I recently purchased a 2008 Chevy 2500HD and when the hitch folks put in the hitch they put in a 7 way plug. the trailer had a 6 way so rather than using an adapter plug I opted for a new 7 way plug. I have a hot lead but I cannot get the interior lights on the trailer to work.I have traced the hot lead and it seems to be fine. The lights are wired with blue wire and are sliced into the white wiredone at the factory. What can I do to try to resolve this problem. Also when the trailer is connected it will completely discharge the truck battery. I do not have an aux battery in the trailer.

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

The dome lights are usually wired in one of two ways. They are either wired in with the running light circuit, or wired into the 12 volt accessory circuit from the tow vehicle. Unfortunately, there's no magic bullet or easy fix here, you'll have to trace the wires from that dome light back to the trailer connector to find out where they are supposed to be drawing power from. In regard to your other issue with the trailer draining the battery, the most likely culprit is the 12 volt circuit grounding out on your trailer frame somewhere. Once again, it might not be easy to find. Trace the12 volt accessory circuit back to the trailer from the connector, looking for broken wires or missing insulation that would allow the conductor to come into contact with the trailer frame or some other metal piece.

expert reply by: Mike L