Troubleshooting Trailer Lights that Don't Work When Headlights are On
Published 10/14/2015
Question:
Brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers work on trailer but lights will not go on when tow vehicle headlights are turned on. The brake, turn signals still work but tail lights wont go on nor will lights at trailer corners nor highlights on back and front of trailer.
asked by: Tim Q
Expert Reply:
It sounds like there is too much amperage being drawn on your trailer when the headlights are on and it is too much for the trailer so everything shuts off. This could be because of a bad ground somewhere.
First thing I would do is check the grounds on the trailer for any loose wiring and corrosion and fix as necessary. If the grounds are good you might need to convert your trailer lights to LED lights so as to minimize the draw on the trailer light circuits.
LED lights draw a fraction of what a incandescent bulbs draw and should work well on your trailer. I attached a link to a page that has our LED light kits for trailers for you to check out.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: gooseneck trailer jack
- Search Results: gooseneck coupler lock
- Shop: Atlas IV Vaquero Self-Contained Hydraulic Tandem Jacks - 26" Lift - 20,000 lbs - Bolt On
- Shop: Optronics LED Clearance or Side Marker Light w/ Reflex Reflector - 6 Diodes - Oval - Amber Lens
- Shop: Demco Gooseneck Coupler Lock - 30K
- Shop: Trailer Valet JX Drill Powered Jack - Pipe Mount - 14-1/2" Lift - 1,800 lbs
- Shop: Dexter Self-Contained Hydraulic Jack - Square Tube - 20" Lift - 10,000 lbs - Bolt On
- Shop: etrailer Hydraulic Trailer Jack Leg - Right/Street Side - 24-1/4" Lift - 12,000 lbs - Bolt On
- Shop: Opti-Brite 12V LED RV Dome Light - Single - Recessed - 5-1/2" Diameter - Silver Housing
- Q&A: Replacement Toggle Switch Recommendation for Horse Trailer to Power Interior Lights and Camera
- Video: Feature Review Buyers Products Toggle Switch with 2 Blade Terminals
- Q&A: Is Wiring Core of Buyers Products LED Flood Light part # 3371492128 Copper
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: A Look at the Power Mountain Tallboy 6 Ton Off-Road Bottle Jack with a Military Cargo Trailer
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Q&A: Best Suspension Upgrade for 33" Tandem Axles: Road Armor vs Dexter EZ Flex for Ember 22ETS
on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
