Is a Special Converter or Adapter Needed to Tow a Trailer with LED Lights
Updated 04/29/2015 | Published 04/28/2015 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Do I need a LED Compatible Taillight Converter for this type of light
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
Most aftermarket trailer wiring harnesses are compatible with LED trailer lights but I would need to know the year, make, and model of the vehicle to be sure. Factory tow package wiring usually works fine but German vehicles (Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes) can have issues since the LED lights draw far less power than incandescent lights.
I have heard of only a few cases of other vehicle manufacturer tow package wiring being an issue with LED lights. But even if the low power draw causes the lights to not work it is an easy fix by using an adaptor with built-in load resistors or by installing load resistors on the affected circuits in line with the trailer wiring.
We have load resistors in 2- packs like # DI34ZR. For adapters we have a 7-Way to 7-Way, # C57003 or # 20142, and a 7-Way to a 4- or 5-Way, # C35FR.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Miro-Flex LED Trailer Tail Light - 7 Function - Submersible - 20 Diodes - Square - Red - Driver
- Trailer Lights
- Tail Lights
- License Plate
- Rear Reflector
- Side Marker
- Side Reflector
- Stop
- Tail
- Turn
- Square
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 5-1/4L x 5W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 7 pin to 4 pin adapter
- Q&A: Troubleshooting New LED Trailer Lights Not Working
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: How to Tell if 2018 Dodge Journey Has LED or Incandescent Tail Lights
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Video: A Closer Look at the 7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights
- Shop: 7-Way Trailer Adapter for Towing Trailers with LED Lights
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Shop: Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: etrailer Hitch Pin Alignment Collar for Hitch Accessories - 2" Hitches
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Video: Checking Out the Adapter 7 Pole to 4 Pole with Tester and Cover
- Q&A: Troubleshooting LED Lights Not Working On Trailer
- Video: Deka Butt Connectors Detailed Breakdown
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Optronics Wishbone 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness
- Video: Hands-On with the 25 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Lighting Where Only One Running Light Works
- Video: A Closer Look at the Peterson Clearance and Side Marker Trailer Light
- Q&A: Troubleshooting 2023 Airstream Basecamp LED Lights Not Working with 2016 MB Metris 7-Way
- Q&A: Should LED Trailer Lights be Mixed with Incandescent Trailer Lights


