Can Trailer Tail Lights be Grounded to the Towing Vehicle Instead of the Trailer Frame

Updated 04/19/2011 | Published 04/17/2011

Question:

Can I get the ground for the trailer lights from the car. Keeping aground on the trailer is difficult due to rusting, etc.

asked by: Ted

Expert Reply:

When installing the LED Submersible Trailer Stop, Turn and Tail Light, # STL8RB, you will want to ground it to the trailer. Having a ground that is attached to the tow vehicle would be so long it could make the ground ineffective. Also, you would have to disconnect it every time you disconnected the trailer. The movement of the trailer could also pull the ground loose if it were attached to the tow vehicle. If corrosion is a problem, you will need to find the best place you can near the mounting point of the light, clear out any corrosion, and attach the ground to that location.

expert reply by: Michael H