Turn Signal Hyperflash on Tow Vehicle Towing a Boat Trailer

Question:

I once installed an LED flash in a typically incandescent application. The turn signal changed from a stock/regular flash interval to a very fast flash interval, improper interval. If I buy STL572RB for my current incandescent application on my boat trailer, is it as simple as removing the current one and pluging the 3-prong into the new LED? or do I need a resistor or something wired in so my tow vehicle turn signal isnt changed? Thank you.

asked by: Braden

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have experienced a hyperflash condition. LED lights will flash like that because they do not provide enough power draw for the system to recognize them.

Also, you should not mix LED and incandescent lights on a trailer. If the vehicle has LED lights and the trailer has incandescent lights then as long as the vehicle has the proper converter installed or has the factory wiring harness it should be fine unless it is the factory harness on a German vehicle like a BMW or Porsche. Then you will need a special adapter, # C57003 for a 7-Way to 7-Way, or # C35FR for a 7-Way to 5 or 4-Way.

If the vehicle has incandescent lights and you put LED lights on the trailer, like # STL572RB, then it would work fine.

If the vehicle originally had incandescent lights and you changed to LEDs and are getting a hyperflash then you would need load resistors, # DI34ZR, one for each light that is affected.

expert reply by: Michael H

Braden

1/21/2013

To address the vehicle brand, I have a 2009 Ford F-150 XLT with factory trailer package. I have a 7-way as well as a 4-way plugs on my bumper. So it sounds like I will be fine as my tow vehicle should be prepared to compensate for any hyper flash condition. Not only do LEDs look better for both day and night condition, but my belief is they run cooler and my continued problem of buying a new oval tail light each year or so due to water leak should no longer be a problem with submersible LEDs. Well see! Now I just need to find new innovative way to stick a burning hot brake pad and brake rotor into the water without thermal shock!

Patrick B.

2/1/2013

You should be good to go. It would be smart to update all trailer lights to sealed LED units. As far as the brakes, the best recommendation is allowing a cool down period before backing down the ramp. At this point, you can also disconnect the lighting on the trailer for added protection of lights. May not be the best option if you have an electronic reverse lockout on the brakes though.