Are Load Resistors Required when Adding LED Lights to a Trailer

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Question:

How hot do the load resistors get? Similar to the heat of an incandescent bulb? If I wrapped the resistor with some type of insulation, how would it affect the performance? I read that the load of the resistor is about 2 amps. Should one resistor be installed in close proximity to each blinker? I noticed you sell ceramic resistors. Would this eliminate the possible heat build up, or simply last longer? I have several vehicles and trailers I would upgrade to leds. I really like the brightness, very distinct on-off and durabilityespecially on my trailers. Thank you for your time. When I find a company that can help like this as well as the parts, I stick with them.

asked by: Kendall S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

You may not even need load resistors to switch to LED lights. The best thing to do is to try the lights without load resistors first. No need to purchase something you may not need until you know need it.

Load resistors such as # DI34ZR dissipate heat through the body of the resistor. Wrapping them with insulation would prevent them from dissipating heat properly. You could put them in a battery or junction box though.

Load resistors increase the amperage draw on a circuit. If you are experiencing hyperflash on the turn signals or the LED lights do not have enough draw to activate a load resistor will help. You would need one per affected circuit. I have linked the instructions for you to view.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Jeff F.

7/19/2020

We hook up to tow car and brake lights and blinkers work but our running lights turn on and immediately go off. What could be causing this? We used same trailer harness and tried behind other vehicles and it worked perfect!

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Chris R.

7/21/2020

If the trailer worked with other tow vehicles you at least know the issue is on the vehicle side. I'm not sure what type of trailer harness is installed, but make sure it's main ground wire is still securely attached to clean, bare metal. A weak ground can definitely lead to issues like this.

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Kevin G.

7/16/2020

I have a 2020 Alaskan Camper (truck camper). Also a 2020 GMC Sierra 3/4 ton gasser. My camper only has running lights which are LED. For some reason the do not work. When I plug in my utility trailer all the lights work. Do I need to add a resistor to my camper? Thanks

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Chris R.

7/21/2020

I honestly don't think the LEDs are the issue. I'm assuming the truck camper is being plugged into the same connector as the utility trailer? If not the same connector, it's certainly using the same circuits on the Sierra. I would test the camper wiring just behind its plug to see if you get any power when hooked up and the tail lights are on. I'm thinking there may be an issue with the camper's harness.

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Thomas P.

8/25/2020

@ChrisR I tried everything you have described. Tried the lights with 3 vehicles. They have the same issue. I have tested them with tester and they always work. When using lights everything works but when using the running lights it turns off. On the side of the led there is a running light on but turn signals don't work. I installed a led light to connect to the lights but they don't turn on. They actually did work when having running lights at one time but they were dim. I have cleaned the ground wire connectors and frame. I have sanded it. I have made a new hole for ground with no luck. Put new wires but they didn't work so I reverted to old ones. Tried the ground from led lights from where they are connected to the frame and they don't work. Will a resistor give it more power.

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Jon G.

9/1/2020

Yes, a load resistor will give it more power. Some pickups have problems noticing that a camper is connected when the camper only has a few LED lights so the "smart" system doesn't send back power. Adding load resistors makes it look like incandescent lights to the truck and so it then acknowledges that something is connected and it sends power.

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See All (4) Replies to Kevin G. ∨

Answer 1

Though we do recommend having a resistor on each LED light, we do have other options as well. Since you mentioned having a 7 Way connector, you could use a lamp out sensor adapter like the #20142 if the trailer is wired with a 7 Way plug or a…

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Answer 2

The only pin that should be continuously showing 12V power on the 7-Way connector on your vehicle is the 12V power circuit which is normally the black wire but not always. In 7-way wiring the 12V auxiliary power feed is carried on the contact at…

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Answer 3

The first thing I recommend doing is to check that the ground wire for the lights is securely attached to a clean metal surface on the trailer frame. A loose ground wire will keep the lights from working. If the ground attached to the trailer does…

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Answer 4

The CargoSmart Folding Workbench Brackets for E-Track or X-Track, #3481744 lets you create a fold-out workbench or seat and mounts to X-track and E-track rails. I suggest using something such as the CargoSmart Horizontal or Vertical X-Track, #3486500…

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Answer 5

The CargoSmart Folding Workbench #3481744 will sit approximately 3-3/4 to 4" out from the CargoSmart X-track mount #3481770. The braces on the CargoSmart Folding Workbench are 2-1/2" tall and the bracket that mounts in the X track is sits…

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Answer 6

When changing from incandescent or halogen type bulbs to LEDs, load resistors are required. For the blinker circuits you can use load-resistors like the Putco LED Light Bulb Load-Resistors #DI34ZR to prevent hyperflashing of the blinkers. This kit…

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Answer 7

You will not need to add any diodes or other modules to prevent hyperflashing or any other bizarre taillight behavior when you install this Optronics Tail Light #STL78RB on your trailer. If you were installing LED tail lights on a vehicle and…

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Answer 8

The only way you could power interior dome lights on a trailer without it being connected to a tow vehicle would be to power the lights with a battery like a breakaway battery. How you choose to wire up the batteries will in the end be up to you, but…

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Answer 9

Since you are not getting the 12V power when your truck is running, you most likely don't have a fuse issue as you stated their isn't a specified fuse or relay in the owners manual. The issue is that your truck is computerized even at the…

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Answer 10

I have an option for you, but custom fit floor mats from WeatherTech are not available for any Class A motorhome. Take a look at the WeatherTech All-Vehicle Mat #61-11AVMOTHSG, instead . These universal floor mats can be trimmed with a pair of sharp…

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Answer 11

Did you mean to say that your motorhome was built on the F550 chassis? According to the literature I found online, that's the chassis that Newmar built the 2016 Baystar Sport 2903 on. If that's the case, you've likely missing the fuse…

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Answer 12

You will wire a load resistor into the wiring of each light socket that has an LED bulb and flashes. So basically you will need to wire a load resistor into any bulb that blinks or has a dual intensity feature that lights up when the brakes,…

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Are Load Resistors Required when Adding LED Lights to a Trailer

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