Troubleshooting Trailer Fuse Blowing When Hooking a Trailer up to a 2013 Ford F-150  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I don't believe the issues is stemming from the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System # HM50002. I think it is more likely to be a short circuit somewhere along the wiring that is blowing the fuse when you try to hook up a trailer. Since you have tried multiple trailers and the same thing happens I think it is more than likely on the vehicle side. The first thing I recommend doing is disconnecting the trailer and using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 to test the vehicle side connector. You can have a someone run through the functions from inside the vehicle while you test each pin on the connector. If you detect any power to a circuit when there should not be any, then you know there is a short somewhere on the vehicle side. Simply trace along the wiring and look for any exposed areas that might be touching bare metal.

You will also want to check that both the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are free of dirt and corrosion. If the connector is corroded or dirty, it can cause excess power draw and blow a fuse. Simply clean out as needed. Because you have tested with multiple trailers I would lean towards it being on the vehicle side. But if the vehicle checks out then you will want to check all of the wiring on the trailer for damaged or exposed wires as well. You can also test the trailer wiring for function by connecting each wire to a 12V battery. Lastly, you will want to make sure that the main trailer connector ground and all the light grounds are securely attached to clean bare metal surfaces.

If you are unable to find the issue, please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further.

expert reply by: Scott S

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