Troubleshooting Trailer Lights That Blow Fuses When Connected to Tow Vehicle
Updated 07/24/2014 | Published 07/23/2014
Question:
Hello, I was having light issues with the running lights on my boat trailer so I replaced them with this kit. I hooked it up to a Honda Odyssey and towed it home 2 1/2 hours with problem. Not all of the lights were replaced as the clearance light in the rear and 2 marker lights on the winch are non LED. I dont believe I had the LED marker lights hooked up for this trip, but I think 2 of the non-LED clearance lights on the winch were. Now I have hooked up all the lights LED and non and hooked it up to a Honda Pilot. The second the ground connectors on the boat/trailer connection make contact, I can hear the fuse pop. The vehicle wiring tests fine and works on other trailers. Could the problem be the LED/non LED combination? Would this blow the fuse? Also, does the trailer still need the common ground wire coming off the car connector since the LED lights are grounded individually? This is driving me crazy, thanks for any assistance you can give!
asked by: Ray F
Expert Reply:
If each light assembly is grounded individually there won't be an issue with mixing LEDs and incandescent bulbs on a trailer.
What is most likely happening is that the trailer light circuit is shorting out somewhere on the trailer frame due to exposed wire touching the trailer frame. That is most likely why your fuse is popping.
The main ground strap from your trailer frame to your trailer connector needs to be connected to a clean metal surface. The light assemblies ground to the trailer frame which then goes from there to the ground strap of the trailer connector. Without that circuit being completed the taillights wouldn't work well.
I attached a couple helpful FAQ articles for you to check out as well.
