Troubleshooting Trailer Running Lights Remaining On When Tow Vehicle Is Off

Question:

I have read the other questions concerning this topic and everything has checked out ok. I have replaced the old 7 pin wire connection on the trailer, checked all the grounds on the frame of the trailer, checked for continuity in both the trailer and tow vehicle, checked the power to each wire itself, and everything checks out ok. Do you have any suggestions on what else to look for because my running lights turn on as soon as i connect to my tow vehicle with the power off. All other functions work as they should. i.e. turn signals and trailer brakes. Im not sure where to go from here.

asked by: Phil

Expert Reply:

If you have LED lights on your trailer, the extremely small power draw may be enough to light your running lights on your trailer. I recommend putting the Diamond LED Light Bulb Load-Resistors # DI34ZR on those wires on your trailer side. This will require a draw similar to the incandescent bulbs to light the trailer and there won't be enough of a draw for that when your vehicle is off. If you have a 7-way connector you could use the Trailer Connector Adapter w/ Lamp-Out Sensor Bypass - 7-Way RV to 7-Way RV - Vehicle End # 20142 instead as this has the load resisting internally.

This is such a small draw, that it would take an extremely long time to drain your battery, so that wouldn't be a concern unless you left everything connected for days without starting your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jason S