I also have a trailer wiring issue…

I have a small utility trailer that I rebuilt, had it all powder coated, new decking and sides etc. all new basically.

So I ran new wiring and i’m having weird issues. I don’t get running lights, my blinkers work but they both blink whether i select left or right, my brake lights both work. I have taken apart and cleaned every area where wires ground to the trailer so I can’t possibly imagine i’m not making good contact. I’m so confused and frustrated, and clearly not very talented with electrical. Attached area couple pics of the trailer in question, and the wiring situation… What the heck could I be missing here? I’m hoping it’s something really simple, obvious and stupid, even though that means i’ll have to admit my stupidity.

Attachments:

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   Trailer-3.jpg
   

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   Trailer-2.jpg
   

I should also add, I bought a 2nd adapter to make sure the original wasn’t messed up, same issues occurred. I’ve also removed the adapter and just plugged the 4 pin in directly and still experience the same issues.

Attachments:

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   Trailer-1-1.jpg
   

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   Trailer-4.jpg
   

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   Trailer-1.jpg
   

Run a dedicated ground wire to each light instead of grounding thru the frame. Do this and I’m betting all your issues will be solved.

Huntindave wrote:

Run a dedicated ground wire to each light instead of grounding thru the frame. Do this and I’m betting all your issues will be solved.

Sure set way to go. Problem is im a lazy F@$% after work is done so I just get er done on stuff like this.

I don’t see where your lights are grounding to the trailer, is it the bracket themselves? They will not ground through that paint even with a star washer on there. grind the spot off to bare metal, reconnect.

run wires for each ground and get rid of the but splices

Deuces wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Huntindave wrote:</div>
Run a dedicated ground wire to each light instead of grounding thru the frame. Do this and I’m betting all your issues will be solved.

Sure set way to go. Problem is im a lazy F@$% after work is done so I just get er done on stuff like this.

I don’t see where your lights are grounding to the trailer, is it the bracket themselves? They will not ground through that paint even with a star washer on there. grind the spot off to bare metal, reconnect.

For what its worth, the paint has all been ground down under those star washers. It’s very bare metal under there. But maybe I need to do this dedicated ground thing.

Thanks for the advice, guys. I’ll try this.

Also that is no place for wire nuts and the eye connector that is grounding to the trailer is the kind that corrodes inside where you can’t really see.

each light needs it’s own ground. I followed the instructions from the light kit I bought on my old trailer and nothing worked like it should. take a metal brush wheel and put it on a cordless. get that shiny metal exposed and use a self tapping pan head skrew to hold the dedicated ground tight to the frame. These self tapping skrews are one of the greatest inventions since the internet. I bet this will solve your issues.

eyeguy507 wrote:

use a self tapping pan head skrew to hold the dedicated ground tight to the frame

By definition, a dedicated ground does not use the frame. A dedicated ground wire runs from the trailer plug to each light.

All connections should be soldered, shrink rapped, and taped. No butt connectors or Scotch locks.

So, you guys are right and each light needed a dedicated ground. I ran a ground to the lights instead of the grame and everything now works as it should.

Im going to use the trailer tonight and then re-wire it all, properly, with proper connections, heat wrapped etc etc.

Thank you all for the help, really saved me a lot of extra frustration, and i learned something.

Please send pics when you are done!