Trailer Receiving Ground Connection Through Trailer Ball  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You do indeed have a ground problem.

You'll want to check all the ground points on your trailer. The trailer connector should be grounded somewhere on the trailer tongue. Make sure this connection is made securely to clean, bare metal. Additionally, each lamp should have its own ground connection, either via its mounting hardware being in direct contact with the trailer frame or by a separate ground wire connected to the frame. Make sure these connections are all secure and not corroded.

Sometimes, the design of a trailer itself can be the cause of the ground problem. Tilt-bed trailers and trailers with swing--away or tilting tongues can also cause a ground problem once the pivot points become slightly worn so they're no longer tight. If that's the case, use a length of 14 GA wire and install a ring terminal like
# DW05702-1 on each end to join the stationary and tilting or swinging portion of the trailer. Be sure to use enough wire to allow the tilting or swinging portion full movement.

For ground connections to the trailer frame or tongue, I'd remove the ground screw, sand down a dime sized area around the screw hole down to bar metal and place a star washer between the frame and the ring terminal. When the ground screw is tightened, the star washer will bite into the metal, and provide a better, more reliable connection. You can use a quick shot of rust inhibiting spray paint to protect the connection.

I'll link to a help article which will provide lots of information about troubleshooting trailer wiring problems.

expert reply by: Mike L

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