My Trailer Lights are Very Dim what Could be the Issue

Question

Question:

I have a tent trailer that has worked great for years. This year I have a lighting issue. When my running lights are off my signals work great but break lights are very dim and running lights come on dim as well. When running lights are on I get no break lights and little to no turning signals. Both turning signals blink at the same time and the running lights blink with the signals also dim. If I do everything at once i get nothing. I have a 4 way plug on my truck and an adapter to a round 7 way plug on the trailer, but trailer has no breaks so it is not a problem. I have cleaned and sanded the two grounds on the frame so its metal on metal. I replaced the trailer plug and adapter. I also replaced the tail lights but nothing has worked. Any Thoughts?

asked by: Patrick M

0

Expert Reply:

That's a tough one! You have already done everything I would recommend on the trailers side. It is definitely a ground issue and the only thing you have left is the plug end on your truck or the ground wire from the plug to the trucks frame.

Check the ground connection to the frame of your 2005 Ford Ranger first then if that doesn't get it done put a new 4-way flat on the Ranger like the Hopkins Endurance 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector Socket part # HM48030.

The ground wire on the trailer could be an issue as well it is not as common as corrosion but there could be some damage caused by a rock hitting it and pinching it or by mice or squirrels chewing it up. If the connector on your truck proves out good then you will need to trace the ground to see if there is damage.

expert reply by: Randy B

0

Answer 1

If a trailer wiring circuit is getting hot that means it's either over drawing or there's a short on the circuit. Since this is the trailer wiring circuit and you've already tried cleaning up the wiring it's most likely that the…

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Answer 2

It is very unusual for 4-pole trailer wiring to get hot enough to melt the 4-pole plug. This wiring format carries only basic lighting signals, no trailer brake power, no reverse lights and no auxiliary 12V power. It would be much more common for an…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 7

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 8

Hi David! There are quite a few hitches offered for your 2026 Honda Odyssey, so I definitely understand wanting to know the differences. There are basically three styles available for you and I have them broken out below: Exposed Crosstube: etrailer…

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Answer 9

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 10

Hey Brandon, I would strongly recommend sticking with the Tekonsha RF brake controller part #TK94FR. We know this works really well and it sounds like it worked well for you too. The Curt Echo is not reliable enough for me to really ever recommend it…

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Answer 11

We can get you everything you need for towing with your 2017 Toyota Sienna XLE. By plastic shield, I believe you are referring to the appearance panel underneath the Sienna, and that will have to trimmed a bit in each of the hitches available for the…

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Answer 12

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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My Trailer Lights are Very Dim what Could be the Issue

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