Issues Towing A Trailer With LED Lights

Updated 07/15/2025 | Published 07/12/2025

Question:

I have a 2005 truck and a trailer with led lights. The trailer lights are not all working when connected, not a trailer issue as they work hooked up to a newer vehicle. I have read that there are adapter/converter for older vehicles to recognize led trailer lights. Do you sell this type of item? If yes, can you provide links? Thanks

asked by: Andrew

Expert Reply:

Hi Andrew!

What you are looking for is the Tow Ready Trailer Connector Adapter w/ Lamp-Out Sensor Bypass # 20142. LED lights draw a lot less power than incandescent ones and can cause towing vehicles to not recognize them and all sorts of things, so this is a fairly common issue.

You technically could use the Curt # C57003 you found, but I think that kind of design is a bit clunky and hard to mount. The Tow Ready # is a much easier to use product.

Out Of curiosity, what kind of truck and trailer do you have?

expert reply by: Lazer S

Andrew

7/15/2025

F150 and load rite for kayaks. I have a 4 pin not 7. Do you offer a 4 pin option? Thanks

Lazer S.

7/15/2025

@Andrew I am not aware of a 4-flat option, but there may be one out there somewhere. What I would do in this instance would be to grab something like the Hopkins Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole # 37185 and only connect the 4-flat since that's all you need (just bundle up the rest of the wiring in the back) and use the Curt 7-Way to 4-Way/5-Way Trailer Adapter for Vehicles with Lamp-Out Sensors Towing Trailers with LEDs # C35FR. Would get you where you need to be. Now if you meant it was just the trailer with the 4-flat and your truck has a 7-way, you would just need the # C35FR.