Trailer Ground Troubleshooting that is Affecting all Trailer Light Circuits

Question:

I have a Gator trailer that I have started having trouble with various functions not working. It started with the left turn and brake light not working. I checked the truck 2003 dodge ram and had votage at the designated pin. Checked the wiring to the light and bulb and found no problem. It started working sometime in the process but then I lost the tail lights and running lights.... same procedure and then they started working. Finally the electric brakes quit working somewhere in the trouble shooting. Everything else works now but the brakes worked in the the beginning. Ground problem???? If so what should I do to get a better ground? I did not find a ground direct to the trailer frame during the process. Thanks

asked by: Jim N

Expert Reply:

What you are describing sounds like the typical bizarre behavior of a ground problem. Since it seems to be affecting all of the circuits I would start with the connector on your trailer. I would check the ground circuit for corrosion and fix as necessary.

If that does not fix the problem you could try checking all of the grounds of your trailer and make sure they are attached to a clean metal surface. You might even try running a jumper cable from your ground circuit to the frame of your trailer to see if that will help strengthen the ground circuit and fix the problems you have described.

I attached an FAQ article on wiring for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C