Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Blinkers Dont Always Work

Question:

I installed new lights on my small boat trailer a year ago, and worked fine during 2017. I have a 4-pin flat trailer connector with 5 wires on the trailer side. Recently one of my turn signals doesnt work sometimes right, sometimes left. I purchased a voltage detector, and the vehicle connector seems fine. My question is, since the whole system is fairly new, can I purchase a 4-pin flat trailer connector I understand I would need to splice two wires to one and splice the wires near the front of the trailer? OR, should I wire it all the way to the lights? Thank you.

asked by: Peter G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Most likely what's happening is that your trailer has a weaker ground which is causing the higher amperage turn signal circuits to not work all the time. This is a fairly common problem and the solution is to improve the ground from the connector on the trailer to the trailer frame. Or you can run a jumper wire from each taillight assembly back to the main ground strap and you'd be set. If you were to rewire the whole trailer going with all new wiring would do the best job to ensure you took care of the problem.

expert reply by: Jameson C