Question Was Asked By - Bob B

Boat Trailer Lights Not Working Properly

Question:

Boat Trailer Wiring. I am having a problem with my boat wiring. I have tested the truck wiring using the tester. If I hook the boat trailer to the truck getting a ground through the trailer the lights work. If the boat is unhooked and I hook the trailer ground to the trailer the light works. If I hook the trailer to the truck AND have the trailer ground connected the lights do not work. I have thought about this and can come up with an answer. Is it possible a light is wired backwards? ANy help would be appreciated. Bob Berry

asked by: Bob B

Expert Reply:

If the light was wired incorrectly, it wouldn't work at all. Sometimes the cause of a ground problem can be difficult to track down. It sounds like you have a poor grounding point. Is the connection tight and corrosion free? Is the trailer generally sound, not extremely corroded? If the trailer is heavily corroded, it can sometimes be difficult to keep ground continuity. Sometimes, if you have a poor or weak ground connection at the grounding point, and the trailer is hitched to the vehicle, you can also get ground continuity through the trailer ball. These competing ground circuits can sometimes cause the lighting problems you describe. Trying a different grounding point on the trailer, or running a continuous ground from the ground lead coming off the trailer connector and picking up the ground lead from each light fixture might be the best way to proceed. Try relocating the grounding point first, since that would be the easiest fix.

expert reply by: Mike L

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