Will Upgraded Circuit Protected Converter Part Work With Trailers with LED Lights

Updated 03/09/2010 | Published 03/07/2010

Question:

Back in August of 2009 I purchased a hitch and lighting converter #119175 for a 2009 Altima coupe from Etrailer. This converters was recommended at the time of purchase by Etrailer. I now see that there is a plug and play converter avail, but I already have the 119178 part in use. my concern is, During the time of purchase did not see any notation about the use of LED`s. The vehicle itself does not have LED tail lights, but the trailer does use LED stop/turn lighting. So far the unit is functioning properly. Currently Etrailer`s notation reads that LED is not compatible now... Am I alright using the 119178 unit that was recommended and purchased? question#2: I will be installing a hitch and converter in another Nissan in the near future. it is a 2009 Versa hatch back... same deal, I will be using the same converter part# 119178 as the vehicle calls for Hard Wire, again the trailer has LED stop/turn lighting. I just want to know if I will be alright? This versa does not have OEM LED tail lights... Thank You..

asked by: Andy V

Expert Reply:

The portion of the product description you are referring to states that the trailer converter and wiring, part # 119178, should not be used with vehicles that are equipped with LED lights. Trailers equipped with LED lights are fine. Part # 119178 is fine for both your Altima and Versa as long as they are not equipped with LED tail lights and blinkers.

The reason why it should not used with LED vehicle lights is because LEDs use much less current than incandescent bulbs. LEDs are new to trailer lights, so most trailers on the road use incandescent bulbs.

An LED turn signal might use .05 amps to operate. Since converter and harness part 119178 uses the vehicle blinker light to power the trailer blinker it should use no more than .05 amps. However an incandescent turn signal will use closer to .5 amps, 10 times as much power. So if your trailer had incandescent bulbs and the vehicle had LED lights, the trailer would draw up to 10 times the amount of current that the LED could handle. Best case scenario, a fuse is blown on the car. Worst case scenario, the LED tail light is burned up, and they can be expensive to replace.

However, since both your Versa and Nissan use regular, incandescent lights, you should have no problems as long as everything is wired properly.

expert reply by: Patrick B