The Trailer Lights Do Not Work While the Key is Off

Question:

My 13foot Burro camper lights only work when my tow vehicle 90 toyota is running. Everything works as it should with the engine running but not with the key turned to onand engine off. Never had this problem with other combinations of vehicles and cant google an answer. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

asked by: Bruce H

Expert Reply:

On some vehicles, when the key is off the trailer connector is no longer receiving power. When a trailer connector is no longer receiving power the trailer's lights will not function. If the trailer lights stayed on while the vehicle is off, they would likely drain the battery as the alternator is not running to provide a charge. The only way to keep your trailer lights on while the vehicle is off would involve running a 12 volt hot lead from the trailer connector to the vehicle's battery. Make sure to use a 40 amp breaker like part # 9510 before the wire attaches to the battery.

I have attached a help article that will show you how to run a new 12 volt power wire to the trailer connector to allow for your trailer's lights to stay on while the vehicle is off.

expert reply by: Conner L