Can Optronics RV Tail Light be Grounded to Aluminum Siding on Trailer

Updated 09/25/2017 | Published 09/23/2017

Question:

Greetings, Im looking to purchase item # RVSTB50 to replace my 1973 Terry camper trailer tail lights. Looking at the wiring on the passenger side it appears that there is a ground wire that goes to the light bracket and then attaches to the aluminum siding. Is the aluminum siding a reasonable place to ground the tail lights? As a note there is no ground on the driver side. Thank you,

asked by: Paul A

Helpful Expert Reply:

Aluminum does not provide the best electrical ground to complete a circuit. I recommend finding another nearby, bare metal location that is free of any dirt or debris. If you have an aluminum trailer, the best option will be to ground the lights to the main ground at the trailer connector.

The Optronics RV Tail LIght # RVSTB60 referenced in your question features a 3 wire pigtail. The white wire is for ground, the green wire is for stop/turn, and the black wire is for tail lights. I have attached an installation video on this light assembly that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R