Do You Need Resistors for LED Trailer Marker or Clearance Lights

Updated 02/13/2023 | Published 02/12/2023

Question:

I am trying to change my old marker lights on my 2016 camper to LED. When I change the first one out, the LED light would not turn on. I’ve changed the wires both ways to make sure I was getting the positive or negative, correct. Do I need a resistor? If so, where would I put it? Pictures to follow

asked by: Tim F

Expert Reply:

The trailer clearance and or marker lights like the Optronics LED Mini Clearance or Side Marker Trailer Light part # MCL13A2B don't require resistors. They feature a pretty simple two wire install, black for power and white for ground. If you have issues after install, try attaching the light to a new ground and or check the power wire for power using a volt meter to ensure you have at least 12 volts going to the light. If both of these are ruled out it's safe to say the light is bad.

expert reply by: Conner L