Does Trailer Lighting Ground Through the Hitch Ball
Question:
Okay havent had my boat trailer out in 10 years. My question is does the trailer need to be grounded to my truck for lights to work? I hooked up 4 way trailer plug to my truck and I have no lights working on trailer so I put a test lights to my truck and all works fine on truck, but I didnt set trailer on the hitch ball, does it have to be hooked to ball to get its ground for the trailer lights to work?
asked by: Don
Expert Reply:
In some cases trailer lighting will ground through the hitch ball but that's typically only if the actual ground circuit is insufficient. This is not an ideal setup. It needs to ground through the wiring of the trailer harness.
You can test this by setting the coupler on the ball and if it works you know the ground of the trailer needs to be improved. Otherwise you'll get intermittent lighting functions when your trailer hits bumps.
I attached a couple help articles for you to check out as well.
Mike F.
8/1/2020
Hey have a 2010 Keystone camper. When running lights are on rt turn signal wont work. When I pull the bulb out and use my tester it will work. Put bulb in no blinker. The tail light works.
Jon G.
8/11/2020
Helpful Links
Bev C.
9/8/2020
Had new adaptor put on truck but having no lights on camper. When I did have lights no turn signals or break lights. Camper is a 1977 Shasta. HELP
Jon G.
9/11/2020
Helpful Links
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Troubleshooting 4 and 5-Way Wiring Installations
- Shop: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: Can the Trailer Lighting Ground Through the Hitch Connection
- Shop: Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles
- Video: DIY Install: Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit on your 2024 Jeep Wrangler
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: Setting up the Curt Custom Tail Light Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles on a 2023 Jeep Wrangler
- Shop: Dexter DX6.6 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator - Drum Brakes - 2" Ball - Zinc Plated - 6,600 lbs
- Video: Fulton High-Performance 2-Speed Trailer Winch with 20' Strap Review
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Surge Brake Boat Trailer that Makes Slamming Sound When Hitting Bumps
- Q&A: 7k Rated Surge Brake Actuator for Disc Brakes Similar to Titan Model 60
- Q&A: Adding Reverse Lockout to Trailer with Titan Model 60 Actuator
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for a Fulton A60 Surge Brake Actuator
- Q&A: Reverse Light PIn on a 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Replacement Titan Model 60 Actuator for Disc Brakes
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: RV Bearing
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Search Results: c96jr
- Search Results: 5th wheel gooseneck adapter
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: Mount: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2019 Ford Ranger
- Search Results: brake controller
- Video: How to Install: Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller on your 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
on Wiring
John
2/27/2020
You guys r great! Your articles have helped me Trouble shoot my 1989 Coleman Columbia. Thanks keep it coming.