All Trailer Lights Flash When Using Turn Signals and Running Lights

Question

Question:

My camper lights work normal until i turn on parking lights then everything looks as it should until i use turn signal on either side the whole back flashes tail and clearance as well as 2 side on back

asked by: Jim T

0

Expert Reply:

There could be a few potential problems here. Since the lights work as they should until the running lights come on, then the issue is most likely on the trailer. Problems like this are typically associated to a poor ground connection.

To make sure the problem is isolated to the trailer, I recommend using a simple light tester, like part # PTW2993, to test the trailer connector on your tow vehicle to make sure it is functioning properly. I have attached a video that shows how to do this. If the connector on your vehicle is not functioning as it should, then the problem could be related to a poor connection or faulty wiring on your vehicle. If this is the case, you can send me the year, make, and model of your vehicle and the problems you found during testing, and I would be happy to come up with a solution for you.

First, inspect the connectors on the trailer and the vehicle for corrosion and repair or replace as necessary. Next, check the ground connections on the trailer. A poor ground could cause the lights to malfunction. Be sure to check the main trailer ground and the grounds for each light assembly if they are accessible. If possible, it is best to route all of the ground wires back to the main trailer ground, but this may be difficult if the wires are hidden behind wall panels on your camper. If the wires are not accessible and you aren't comfortable removing wall panels, I recommend taking your trailer to a trailer shop.

If all of the ground connections are good and you do not see any corrosion, inspect the wiring for any potential shorts that could cause power to jump between the tail light wires. Follow the wires from the trailer connector all the way back to the tail lights looking for any pinched, frayed or damages sections of wire and repair or replace and needed.

I have attached a link to our trailer wiring help article that gives general trailer wiring information and troubleshooting.

expert reply by: John H

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Answer 1

The most likely cause for the incorrect behavior of your trailer lights, where activating one turn signal causes all trailer lights to blink, is an insufficient ground (or a short to ground) on either the vehicle or the trailer. Since you re-wired…

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Answer 2

It sounds like you might be getting some bleed-over from the turn signals occurring in the trailer connector. Take a look at the trailer connector, and check the plug for corrosion in the sockets. If you see any green or white corrosion in the…

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Answer 3

Most trailer wiring problems are the result of a bad ground. What I would do is start with the connectors. Maker sure the connectors on both the trailer side and vehicle side are free of dirt and corrosion and that they are properly grounded. Next, I…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 7

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 8

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 11

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 12

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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All Trailer Lights Flash When Using Turn Signals and Running Lights

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