Trailer Lighting Issue On A Jayco Pop-Up Camper

Question:

On an old Jayco pop-up camper, the right brake/signal light is weak, but works. Is it a bad bulb? A bad connection?

asked by: Maxwell L

Expert Reply:

If all your other light functions are fine and it's just your right brake/signal light, I'd say it's likely a weak ground connection. Inspecting the wiring on the trailer to make sure all of the connections are correct and ground wires are connected properly is where I'd start. Most likely, the ground wire on the trailer is not secured properly.

I would take a look at the camper connector ground wire connection to the frame or surface of the camper. You want it free of corrosion and not obstructed by other wiring rings. Also check that the ground wire is secured for the vehicle side connector.

If there's corrosion, some baking soda in a cup of warm water, stirred until the baking soda has been dissolved is your solution. Dip the toothbrush in the mixture, scrub the electrical wire, and the wire connected with it to clean. Dry and reinstall when done.

The tail lamp assemblies also need to be grounded so checking those connections as well. Usually a ground is achieved through the bolts of the tail lamp assembly. In this case, the lamp housing must be attached to the frame of the trailer. If the lights are mounted on wood or PVC material, the light will not receive ground.

expert reply by: Patrick R