My Trailer Lights are Very Dim what Could be the Issue
Question:
I have a tent trailer that has worked great for years. This year I have a lighting issue. When my running lights are off my signals work great but break lights are very dim and running lights come on dim as well. When running lights are on I get no break lights and little to no turning signals. Both turning signals blink at the same time and the running lights blink with the signals also dim. If I do everything at once i get nothing. I have a 4 way plug on my truck and an adapter to a round 7 way plug on the trailer, but trailer has no breaks so it is not a problem. I have cleaned and sanded the two grounds on the frame so its metal on metal. I replaced the trailer plug and adapter. I also replaced the tail lights but nothing has worked. Any Thoughts?
asked by: Patrick M
Expert Reply:
That's a tough one! You have already done everything I would recommend on the trailers side. It is definitely a ground issue and the only thing you have left is the plug end on your truck or the ground wire from the plug to the trucks frame.
Check the ground connection to the frame of your 2005 Ford Ranger first then if that doesn't get it done put a new 4-way flat on the Ranger like the Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector Socket part # HM48030.
The ground wire on the trailer could be an issue as well it is not as common as corrosion but there could be some damage caused by a rock hitting it and pinching it or by mice or squirrels chewing it up. If the connector on your truck proves out good then you will need to trace the ground to see if there is damage.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 48" Harness and Ergonomic Pull
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Shop: Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 22" to 72" Wide
- Shop: Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 48" Harness and Ergonomic Pull
- Shop: 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 60" Harness and Wire Taps
- Q&A: Possible Causes for Dim Trailer Lights
- Shop: Adjustable Width Trailer Hitch Receiver for RVs, 18" to 51" Wide
- Shop: Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter
- Shop: Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector w/ 60" Harness and Mounting Bracket
- Q&A: How to Wire up a 5th Wheel Trailer so that a Utility Trailer Can be Towed Behind the Trailer
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: 90160
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Search Results: brake controller
- Video: Curt RV Bumper Trailer Hitch Receiver Review
- Q&A: Choosing Between the Brake Buddy Select 3 and the Blue Ox Patriot Supplemental Braking System
- Video: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar Review
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
