Frequently Asked Questions About Trailer Lights

What are trailer light kit?

A trailer light kit is a set of components required for installing illuminating lights on trailers. Some models only come with the lights, while others are packed with other items that’ll aid installation. You need trailer light kit because they aid with nighttime visibility, thereby preventing collisions and allowing other road users to determine your on-road intentions. What’s more, you probably need trailer light kit to comply with the regulations of your state’s Motor Vehicle Department. Nobody wants any trouble from those folks, right?

Trailer lights will not turn off?

If the tail lights are on when the vehicle is off, there could be a few causes depending on the vehicle, including a broken brake light switch or brake light switch stopper, faulty trailer light plug, or a broken wiring harness. First, check if it's the tail lights or the brake lights.

What voltage do trailer lights use?

You should be getting 12 volts on the running light circuit when the running lights are turned on. If not, the problem is either in the connector or upstream from there. The first thing you should check is the trailer connector on your towing vehicle. You want to make sure there is no sign of damage or corrosion.

Tips for installing trailer lights?

Remove any existing parts of the former wiring system (if any) before commencing new installation:

Try to keep the wires away from the wheel to limit exposure to dirt.

When measuring holes, ensure you scribe mark the paint and not the steel.

Apply adhesive filled shrink tube to the wire for optimal moisture protection.

Remember that turn signals and brake lights should be bright, while parking or clearance lights should be dim.

Use a center punch when drilling holes to stabilize the drill .

Properly seal the split casing at the plug with electrical tape to prevent the wire from bulging out and protect it from debris.

Ensure that the ground wire is attached to the bed to prevent electrical issues.

Follow the manufacturer’s guide.

Why do my tail lights not work but my brake lights do?

Reasons Why Brake Lights Not Working When Tail Lights are:
Malfunctioning light bulbs—simply put, your brake light bulbs may not be working like they should, which is causing a problem with your car's lighting system. Fuse box and light switch problems—another reason why your brake lights aren't working is the wiring.

How do you test a trailer outlet?

To test a four pin trailer plug, you set the multimeter to DC volts, place the black probe at the bottom neutral plug, and use the red probe at the other plugs to test for different lights.

Are trailer lights required during the day?

No, you should not tow a small trailer without lights. All trailers are required to have brake, tail, turn, and reflector lights. However, you may be able to get away with it during the day, if you are driving the trailer at night, then you will almost certainly be stopped by the police.

Will trailer lights work if not grounded?

Many trailer problems are due to a poor grounding connection, which is usually the white wire coming out of the trailer plug. If the ground is poor, lights may work intermittently or not at all. Even if the wiring to the plug is adequate, make sure that the ground connections to the trailer frame are good.

Can boat trailer lights get wet?

Zero Thermal Shocks: Boat trailer light bulbs might face icy water at the dock. Since they're not permanently sealed, incandescent bulbs generate heat and may become inoperable when wet. However, LEDs generate minimal heat and are permanently sealed, so this isn't an issue.