Troubleshooting Trailer Wiring Blowing Fuses
Question:
I have a 2016 shoreland her trailer, single axle. I use a four-way lighting connector. I am towing with a 2009 Honda pilot touring model that has factory built-in wiring and a seven pin harness. When I attach my lights and turn them on, after approximately 10 seconds to two minutes, the 20 amp fuse in my pilot blows. This fuse is located in an accessory fuse box in the hatchback area. My brake lights and turn signals still work, however the running lights stop working when this fuse is blown. The trailer is in like new condition, and I have inspected wiring all over, but cannot find a ground wire attached to the frame anywhere. I have re-wired the flat four pin connector, tried several different seven pin to four pin adapters, and the problem persists. I was wondering if your expertise might come in to play here! Any thoughts or ideas? Anything I should check?
asked by: Charles L
Expert Reply:
While we have no specifics on wiring for any make or model of trailer and can only generalize it does sound like something very simple - you have overloaded your running light circuits which is causing the fuse to blow, and the reason for that is almost always because you are using incandescent lights as opposed to LED lights.
If this is the case, which I'm guessing it is because it is the most common, you will need to switch out at least your running lights to LEDs, and can do so cost-effectively with the likes of the Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Amber # AL91AB and Red # AL91RB and Right Angle 2-Wire Pigtail for Optronics Trailer Lights # A46PB.
It is probably a good idea to replace all your trailer lights with LEDs to avoid an excessive power draw, so I have added a link to our entire selection of LEDs for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Right Angle 2-Wire Pigtail for Optronics Trailer Lights - 2-Prong PL-10 Plug - 6" Lead
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Lights
- Wiring
- Plugs and Pigtails
- 6 Inch Long
- Two Wire
- Right Angle Pigtail
- Optronics
more information >
Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Red
- Trailer Lights
- Clearance Lights
- Rear Clearance
- Side Marker
- Rectangle
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 2-1/2L x 1-3/16W Inch
- Red
- Optronics
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Amber
- Trailer Lights
- Clearance Lights
- Rear Clearance
- Side Marker
- Rectangle
- Surface Mount
- Submersible Lights
- LED Light
- 2-1/2L x 1-3/16W Inch
- Amber
- Optronics
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Recommended Gauge of Wiring for Trailer Lights
- Q&A: Replacement Clearance Lights For a 2017 Skeeter Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Can Red Identification Light Bar be Used as Marker & Reverse Lights
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Trailer Maintenance Schedule
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 5-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: How to Choose Replacement Black Step Fender for Boat Trailer
- Q&A: Mounting Cover for Tecnic 45 Degree Accent Light
- Q&A: Converting 7-Way Blade To 4-Way Flat On Trailer
- Q&A: Correct Replacement for UFP H-1377 Trailer Hub