Interior Lights on 1998 Exiss Horse Trailer Aren't Working

Published 07/16/2021

Question:

So when I have my 1998 exiss horse trailer plugged up to my 2021 Chevy I have inside lights. When I unplug from my truck I have nothing and I have the RV cord plugged in as well, but no lights on the inside of trailer. So I added a hot wire from my positive side of battery to my auxiliary wire that plugs into my truck. I was hoping that would supply 12 V for my lights knowing that my auxiliary wire is connected to all my lights inside my trailer. Lost for words here can you help me out thanks!

asked by: PatrickWalker

Expert Reply:

If the interior lights were tapped into the 12V feed from the trailer connector, connecting the wire to the positive terminal of the trailer mounted battery should make the interior lights work.

However, I'd check that the wire you're using is actually tied to the battery, as many times the trailer interior lights are actually powered from the running lamp circuit from the tow vehicle which is why they wouldn't work once the trailer is unplugged from the vehicle.

You'll also want to make sure that your interior lamps are properly grounded to the trailer frame.

expert reply by: Mike L