Troubleshooting Rewiring Of Boat Trailer

Updated 04/26/2018 | Published 04/25/2018

Question:

Hi. I have been trying to troubleshoot my boat trailer. I rewired the trailer when I reworked my boat. The lights were working when I first used the trailer. I use a flat 4 wire to a round 7 way . 1 I checked the ground connection and made sure it was clean. Checked the continuity through the adapter. It was good. 2 I used my battery charger to check all the lights and they work great. 3 my truck has two plugins and I used both of them and cannot get the running lights to work. Turn signal and stop work fine. Now heres the kicker, I hooked up my 5th wheel to both plugins and all the lights work. Stop, tail and turn. So I ask you what the heck am I doing wrong.

asked by: Mike G

Expert Reply:

I know you have checked your ground connections but most trailer wiring issues are ground related so I would check them again. Ground problems normally show up when there is more draw on a system such as when you have the running lights on and then use another function like a turn signal or brake light but can show up any time.

Make sure that the vehicle side and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. The main connector grounds should be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces.

The light grounds should also be attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. If there is anything between a light ground and the metal trailer frame or if the trailer has an aluminum frame, tilt bed, or folding tongue, any of these things can interrupt the ground. Running jumper wires from the light grounds to the main trailer connector ground can help.

If still have not working properly, I would check to make sure wires are connected function to function with a circuit tester, Item # PTW2993.

If you are still having challenges, contact us and we will work on other troubleshooting options.

I am also attaching some articles, pictures, and a video to assist you.

expert reply by: Brint H