Hyperflashing On Trailer Lighting with a 2013 Ford Escape Troubleshooting

Updated 09/05/2014 | Published 09/04/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Thinline LED Clearance and Side Marker Light - Submersible - 3 Diodes - Rectangle - Red

(2586)

$10.64

Load Resistor Kit for LED Turn Signals - 50 Watts - 6 Ohm - Qty 2

(37)

$13.77

Question:

I have a 2013 Ford Escape with factory trailer hitch wiring. I recently purchased a utility trailer with LED lights. When I plug the trailer wiring in, the tail lights on the trailer start flashing. When I put on the signal light, it flashes rapidly. I dont think Ford designed the vehicle for towing a trailer with LED lights. Ive read you can put resistors in the vehicle tail lights to increase the load dont like that idea. My question: if I put in 6inch oval conventional lights to replace the 6inch oval taillights, with that extra electrical load, will I destroy the LED side marker lights two on each side and LED lights on top of the fenders? Or, will I create other electrical problems? Your advice is appreciated.

asked by: Keith G

Expert Reply:

Typically hyperflashing is a problem with LED's being installed on a vehicle that had incandescent bulbs. That problem usually does not occur with trailer wiring. Unless in your case the tow package wiring has it's own flasher unit separate from the vehicle taillights.

Which if it does then you would need to replace all of the taillights of the trailer with incandescent bulbs or install load resistors on all of the taillight circuits on the trailer.

For a load resistor you would want the part # DI34ZR. I attached a link to all of the incandescent bulbs we offer as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C