Troubleshooting Trailer Running Lights that will Work for 10 Minutes and then Shut Off

Question:

Hi, I have installed part 118266 on my 2011 Nissan Frontier SV with no major issue, except for the reverse blue and black wires. Heres a problem I have, the running lights on my trailer 2006 Jayco JaySerie 1006 are going off after 10 minutes of driving. If I turn my lights Off and wait 5 minutes and then turn them back On, the running lights are On again, for another 7-10 minutes, then Off again. - Faulty relay? - Wiring issue? I didnt have the issue with my previous towing vehicule.

asked by: Eric G

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your trailer is drawing slightly more than the running light circuit of your 2011 Nissan Frontier SV can handle and after a while the relay is getting hot and shutting off. Once it cools off it works again.

The best recommendation I could make for you would be to convert the taillights of your trailer to LEDs to minimize the draw on the circuits. LEDs draw a fraction of what incandescent bulbs draw so your problem should stop. I attached a link to a page that has all of the LED trailer lights we offer.

I also attached an FAQ on trailer wiring.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Barry

7/14/2020

I have the same problem where the running lights work for a while and then turn off. I have the custom wiring kit for my 2018 Durango that I purchased a few years ago from etrailer. The trailer I am working with right now has LEDs, but quite a few. My other trailer has incandescent and has the same problem. Is there any alternative to trying to reduce the current load? Do you offer a wiring kit with higher capacity?

Chris R.

7/18/2020

If if there's a good amount of LEDs on the one trailer, they draw such little power that I have a hard time believing this is a load issue. Has this issue always been the case with this harness or is it a recent development? I would make sure the white ground wire from the harness is still securely attached to clean, bare metal on the Durango's frame.