Load Resistors for 2018 Toyota Tundra and 2010 Airstream with LED Lights to Remove Error

Published 01/08/2019

Products Featured in This Question

7-Way to 4-Way/5-Way Trailer Adapter for Vehicles with Lamp-Out Sensors Towing Trailers with LEDs

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$22.44

Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals - 50 Watts - 6 Ohm - Qty 2

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Digital Multimeter with 42" Long Test Leads - LED Display

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$21.70

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

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Question:

The Putco load resistors # P230004A-2 put out 6 ohms resistance each and you most definitely can install them yourself. I've attached a photo of the correct installation method to assist. They will get warm to the touch but you can absolutely install them on the inside of your RV where the wires come in from the tow vehicle. I wouldn't put anything right up against the fins as that would further reduce cooling and increase heat, but you won't have any issue in the location stated. The 7-Way to 5-Way/4-Way Trailer Adapter for Vehicles with Lamp-Out Sensors Towing Trailers with LEDs # C35FR or 7-way # 20142 have integrated load resistors and I tested them at 2.1 ohms resistance.

asked by: Harvey L

Expert Reply:

The load resistors # DI34ZR put out 6 ohms resistance each and you most definitely can install them yourself. I've attached a photo of the correct installation method to assist. They will get warm to the touch but you can absolutely install them on the inside of your RV where the wires come in from the tow vehicle. I wouldn't put anything right up against the fins as that would further reduce cooling and increase heat, but you won't have any issue in the location stated.

The 7-Way to 5-Way/4-Way Trailer Adapter for Vehicles with Lamp-Out Sensors Towing Trailers with LEDs # C35FR or 7-way # 20142 have integrated load resistors and I tested them at 2.1 ohms resistance.

expert reply by: Jason S

click to enlarge

Harvey

1/8/2019

The Putco load resistors # P230004A-2 put out 6 ohms resistance each and you most definitely can install them yourself. I've attached a photo of the correct installation method to assist. They will get warm to the touch but you can absolutely install them on the inside of your RV where the wires come in from the tow vehicle. I wouldn't put anything right up against the fins as that would further reduce cooling and increase heat, but you won't have any issue in the location stated. The 7-Way to 5-Way/4-Way Trailer Adapter for Vehicles with Lamp-Out Sensors Towing Trailers with LEDs # TR20141 or 7-way # 20142 have integrated load resistors and I tested them at 2.1 ohms resistance.

Jason S.

1/8/2019

The load resistors # P230004A-2 will get hot and are designed to dissipate some heat with the integrated fins, but it isn't uncommon for them to get too hot to comfortably touch yet they shouldn't burn you. If they were to get that hot, that is another issue to address. I've checked out multiple forums as this is an issue with the new Toyotas that is frustrating many people and most of the time, it comes down to an issue on the trailer even though there isn't an issue using the trailer with other vehicles which is frustrating because it is very difficult to isolate the issue. You can try to isolate the issue on the trailer checking all the ground connections for bare metal contact, testing your brake magnets, and testing each wire with a multimeter like # BTMT15. Most people find the trailer is fine and the truck is fine and end up with an aftermarket brake controller to solve the error issue which seems to work every time yet is another expense. Many people have used the Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Pigtail - Toyota # 3031-S along with an aftermarket brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # 331-EBRH-ACCV2 to give a clean look and yet help that error to go away. This is the best solution in my opinion if you can't isolate a trailer wiring issue since the load resistors didn't solve the problem.