Will Switching to LED Lights on Trailer Prevent Fuses From Blowing on 2013 Honda Pilot

Updated 10/28/2019 | Published 10/27/2019

Question:

I have been going nuts with trailer light failures for several seasons. So, I’ve ordered all the necessary components to re-wire my Shorelander trailer with LEDs. But, I’m not entirely confident I know what’s going on with my Pilot trailer wiring. The socket is a 7-pin with only the wiring for four, and I use a 7 to 4-pin adapter. With a flat four tester plugged in, I get good results. Where I’m confused is when the boat trailer is plugged in, I blow sometimes the 7.5 amp signal fuse, sometimes the 20 amp “small light” fuse. Both these fuses located in the small aux. fuse block on drivers side near tailgate. Hoping the re-wired trailer will be the fix. Ok, long intro to the questions: does that 20 amp small light only serve tail and clearance lights brown wire on trailer? Does the 7.5 amp serve only the turn flashers? There is a 7.5 amp for brake that I think doesn’t affect me with a flat four. Looking forward to receiving my wiring stuff. Thanks.

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

What I can tell you is that switching from incandescent lights to the LED Combination Tail Light Kit # TLL56RK for your ShoreLand'r trailer will 100 percent prevent you from continually blowing fuses. The reason is the minuscule power draw of these lights, with the stop and turn lights drawing about 0.27 amps and the marker lights about .06 amps. Your problem will definitely be solved in that regard.

What we don't know for sure is everything the fuses on your 2013 Honda Pilot serve. I checked out the owner's manual and it was extremely (and frustratingly) non-specific. However, I took a look at the rest of the fuses and what they served, and there was a fuse for trailer brakes, 12V and accessory circuit, none of which you'll be using since you have an adapter to use a 4-flat. So I think it is safe to say that you are correct that the "Small Light" is for the clearance lights, as it is the highest rated at 20 amps, and the others are rated for 7.5 amps, which is well below the draw of your LED lights.

expert reply by: Kyle S