Can you Bypass a Shorted Out Converter Box Trailer Wiring Circuit

Updated 09/29/2025 | Published 07/04/2015

Question:

I have a Draw Tight converter, #18958. I have power entering the converter on the tail light wire brown but no power out the other side of the converter, tail light ONLY. Is there any reason I could not jumper around the converter, to get power to the brown wire? Thanks,

asked by: Ron C

Expert Reply:

Sounds like your converter has shorted out. However, since the running light circuit signal does not need to be converted it can potentially bypass a converter box. Most likely a short on the trailer's wiring is responsible for the box shorting out so you would want to inspect the wiring of the trailer to find the short first. Look for any cut or exposed wire and fix as necessary.

Also, if the converter you have has a wire that runs up to the positive terminal of the battery it is a powered unit and then I would not recommend running the running lights straight from your vehicle taillights since that would potentially damage your vehicle wiring.

Your best option would be to go with a # 119250KIT to replace your current box.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Lee

9/28/2025

James I have a 2006 Lexus I have power from my woreing harness but still can’t get any trailer lights could you lead me in the right direction please

Jameson C.

9/29/2025

@Lee Have you tried cleaning the pins of the 4-way? A dirty ground circuit pin is typically what causes this issue. I also attached a help article on trailer wiring troubleshooting for you to check out as well.

Helpful Links

faq-4-5-way-troubleshooting.aspx