Troubleshooting New Trailer Lights that Don't Work that Don't have Ground Wires

Published 11/16/2016

Question:

I rewired my 5 x 10 utility trailer and nothing works. It isnt in the truck as I checked the unit has power coming from the truck. I have a 4 way, put utility amber lights on brown on both sides and tide in together with all brown on both sides. All is wired correctly. I actually, tore it apart again this evening and rewired again, but no lights, or side markers. Any comments or suggestions. Could it be the ground on the tongue of the trailer. I do not have the tail lights grounded as the unit did not come with a ground.

asked by: Larry R

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like a ground issue. Sounds like your new lights ground through the mounting hardware. This means the ground of the trailer harness needs to be attached to a clean metal surface. If that doesn't work you can run a wire from each of the assemblies mounting hardware back to the main ground of the harness and the lights will work.

expert reply by: Jameson C