How to the Lights in Trailer Light Kit TL5RK Ground to the Trailer

Updated 04/20/2015 | Published 04/19/2015

Question:

I am installing this light kit on my boat trailer. I ran the yellow, green and brown wires and connected them properly. I have a ground wire connected at the tongue of the trailer and that is it. My brake lights are the only lights ones that do not work. Any thoughts? I am thinking I may need to church my ground. But I keep see that there are supposed to be a ground wire on each light. Mine do not have these other grounds. Please help.

asked by: Brandon

Expert Reply:

The lights included with light kit # TL5RK ground through the mounting studs. The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.

It does sound like a weak ground connection. The brake lights draw more constant power than the running lights or turn signals so it makes sense that a weak ground would show up with the brakes applied rather than a turn signal.

expert reply by: Michael H