Trailer Lights Blow Fuse When Lights Turned On from 2005 Toyota Tacoma

Updated 11/20/2015 | Published 11/19/2015

Question:

I have a 2005 Toyota Tacoma. I just bought a new triton trailer. When I hook up the trailer and turn on the lights a fuse blows. The turn signals, brakes, and 4 way flashers still work. I can hook my boat trailer up everything works. I can hook my new trailer up to Chevrolet Silverado and all the trailer lights work. I took the trailer to the dealer, they say the trailer is working. I take my truck to the Toyota dealer they say the truck wiring is good. But when I hook up my trailer and turn on the lights a fuse blows. I dont know what to do

asked by: Shawn O

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like either the trailer lights have too much of a draw for your Tacoma's wiring, or there is a short somewhere on the running light circuit. Since both the trailer and Toyota dealers say there are not issues in the wiring, it sounds like the issue is the power draw from the trailer lights. It is possible for some trucks, such as the Silverado you referenced, to handle more amps from trailer lights than other trucks.

One way to decrease the draw of the lights on your trailer is to switch from incandescent lights to LED lights. LED lights draw minimal amperage. I have attached a link to all of our LED trailer lights.

Another possible solution is to upgrade the trailer wiring harness on your Tacoma. If you have an aftermarket T-One harness, you may want to upgrade to a harness with a powered converter, like the # 119250KIT. With this harness, you could connect the wires to the T-connectors from your existing harness to plug into your vehicle's wiring. This converter has a 12V wire that must be ran to the vehicle battery to help power the converter as well as the trailer lights. With this wiring harness, the draw on your vehicle's taillight circuit will be virtually eliminated.

expert reply by: Victoria B