Boat Trailer Tail Lights

Just set up lights on my trailer. When my truck's headlights are off, all of the trailer lights work; brakes and both directionals. When I turn my headlights on, no lights on my trailer go on and even worse, the brakes and directionals won't work while my headlights are on. I had to get a converter because of the separate lights on my truck. Any ideas why the tail lights won't function?

First thing to check is that you have a good ground. Low voltage electricity is funny stuff and will not work without a "good" ground. If the vehical or trailer is old establishing a ground can be difficult. Failing that look for a fualt in the converter. Over the years I have had several fail right out of the package.

2007-05-29 06:29:23 by Mark K

Small boats operated for pleasure are typically transported to the water on a boat trailer, where the boat trailer is backed into the water and ...

check the pig tail from the truck for power then check the lights in the rear for power in the socket if you got power then the ground is bad.if no power then check the wires and the fuses.

2007-05-20 19:03:35 by Garrow A

Price: $14.51 $9.01

8" x 2 7/8" x 2 3/4"
These lights have a bulb replaceable capsule that protects the bulbs from corrosion and thermal shock but still allows for easy access for bulb replacement
These lights meet FMVSS/CMVSS 108 requirements for trailers over 80" wide when properly mounted

Sometimes they work and then the bulbs loose connection and go out. I have cleaned the points where the bulbs connect. They seem to make good contact. Often times just bumping the light will make them come on. What else can I do? Thanks

This doesn't sound like a grounding issue. Since that when the lights
are bumped they work. A grounding problem will result in both lights
blinking when the left or right turn signal is on. This sounds like bad
connections in the light bulb sockets. I have a trailer that does similar
things, when pulling it and hitting a bump, the light will fall out of
the socket. I am looking at getting different lights that have a socket
that the bulb goes into and has a 1/2 turn to keep it secure. I would
find different lights for your trailer.

2007-06-12 02:16:35 by Animalcrakr

Includes Wire & Adapters
Complete kit

First I had brake and tail lights. Then the fuse blew on my car tail lights while trying to get blinkers going. Replaced fuse on car tail lights and now I have only tail lights on trailer after about 10 hours of searching for the problem. Have replaced both the connectors on car and boat trailer to no avail. All lights on the car work properly. 2003 Honda Element.

I would check the wiring from the taillight switch to the connection on your vehicle. The fuse might have blown for a reason meaning somewhere in you wiring harness you may have a short. I would do a voltage test on the wiring, starting from the vehicles trailer electrical connector back to the battery. Find a wiring diagram and grab a multi meter or test light.

Best of Luck

2007-07-16 23:32:00 by marmar

I just put new trailer lights on my boat trailer and all the lights work and the blinkers work, but when the headlights are on and you hit the brakes the tail lights go out till you let off the brake. not sure if this is a ground problem or not? help

Start there and clean every place the wire is grounded.

2010-05-29 18:24:41 by longhorn6969