Need some trailer light help

[CxThree]

Also, a recent thread on the same type of issue. To me, the ground is where to start on any of these wacky trailer light issues. ITs a simple solution that takes a few minutes.

http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread....t=#post7842917

[Fish TR19]

Did you get your lights working? What was the problem ?

[avidbasser]

Christmas has consumed me...no luck on getting under the trailer yet.

[Fish TR19]

OK thanks.
Let us know what you find.
Merry Christmas

[avidbasser]

Will do...I want to be the bearer of good news and possibly some help for others.

[AWilliams]

AJ...I had a trailer that was going screwy like yours. Couldn't figure out what was wrong. Some lights would go on and others times it would flicker.It would ground out when it was on the ball...I started from scratch and changed all the wiring and got all new LED lights....problem solved.

[avidbasser]

AJ...I had a trailer that was going screwy like yours. Couldn't figure out what was wrong. Some lights would go on and others times it would flicker.It would ground out when it was on the ball...I started from scratch and changed all the wiring and got all new LED lights....problem solved.

Thanks Alan...that's what I've been doing. Not too keen on pulling new wiring as it runs through the trailer and not through a channel. But I will if I need to.

[AWilliams]

Yeah, I feel ya bud. I was a little hesitant at first but I did it. It's not hard. Just takes some planning. Mine was inside as well. There's a fairly easy way to do it.

[DURASPANK]

Not too keen on pulling new wiring as it runs through the trailer and not through a channel. But I will if I need to.

Use your old wires to pull the new ones through.

[cubswin]

On that trailer, I'd just rewire it from scratch. Have done older nitro trailers and usually only takes less than a hour. Use the old wires to pull the new ones.

I'd bet money that your problem is actually a bad ground.

[avidbasser]

Yeah, I bet money all of you that stated GROUND being the issue is right. I'm going through this trailer and noticing the wiring is old and starting to get brittle. Time to start fresh.

Anyone have any good links to just the trailer wiring w/ 4 plug?

[AWilliams]

I got all my stuff from etrailer.com.

[avidbasser]

Just to bring this back up to the top...

I ordered a whole new wiring kit. Now if I can only find the time to work on it. ARGH!!!

[avidbasser]

Update: I finally got time to start working on this, not done but I'll spread some knowledge here.

1) If your trailer is the older style enclosed (not beam or c-channel) and your wires run through it unseen....START DRINKING EARLY!!!
2) Take your time, review where the old wires lie, connect, etc...Cut once, tape new wires to old and pull through
3) Remove all paint from the where the ground rests (or learn where the best grounds are)
4) Use a multi-meter to test all connections before soldering or sealing up your connections
5) Enclosed trailers (remember when I said start drinking) are a PITA!!!! to find the old wires to tap into the trailer markers. Get one of those flexible grabbers. Or figure out a way to route the cables so that you can grab it and tap in without issue.
6) Measure twice cut once...I got lucky and bought longer than I needed on the trailer wires. I could have gotten away with a 20' run, but I opted for the 40'. This allowed me to run the wire with a little slack. This slack was a saving grace on step 5.
7) HAVE HELP! I needed a 2nd set of hands and someone to bounce my quirky ideas off of.
8) Test each light as you go...I didn't want to get everything tied up to only find out that lights weren't working
9) Buy NEW hardware, my old hardware caused bad ground issues and even snapped off.
10) LED lights are BRIGHT AS HELL!!!!!

I need to get some spray paint to cover the older holes and some rust. As soon as I get this wrapped up, I'll snap some photos.

Thank you all for the support and help on this.

[billnorman1]

Any place wiring goes through a hole in the frame, use a rubber grommet to prevent chafing shorts. You can cut the grommet to install it over the wires. 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive will glue them in place forever. Plastic strip "railroad track" is a suitable alternative.

[rjvana]

Trailer Wiring Color Code

Connector Function Color Suggested Minimum Wire Gauge Where To Attach - Vehicle Side Where To Attach - Trailer Side
4 Way & 5 Way 6 Way & 7 Way
7 Way 6 Way 5 Way 4 Way Right Turn Green 18 16 Right turn of vehicle's wiring harness Trailer's right turn signal
Left Turn Yellow 18 16 Left turn of vehicle's wiring harness Trailer's left turn signal
Ground White 16 12 Vehicle ground point - metal, uncoated, rustproof Trailer ground point - metal, uncoated, rustproof
Tail / Marker Brown 18 16 Taillight of vehicle's wiring harness Trailer's taillights
Brake Blue 18 12 Electric brake control, power for brakes Break away switch
Battery Red (or Black) 12 Fuse block or FUSED battery Lead Break away kit, interior lights and battery charger.
Back Up Purple 16 Back up circuit of vehicle's wiring harness Back up lights (if available) / Hydraulic coupler.

[avidbasser]

The rubber grommet is a good idea...I wrapped all my wires in tape and a wire loom. Shouldn't have any chafing issues.

I have a 4 way plug

Right Turn Green 18 16 Right turn of vehicle's wiring harness Trailer's right turn signal
Left Turn Yellow 18 16 Left turn of vehicle's wiring harness Trailer's left turn signal
Ground White 16 12 Vehicle ground point - metal, uncoated, rustproof Trailer ground point - metal, uncoated, rustproof
Tail / Marker Brown 18 16 Taillight of vehicle's wiring harness Trailer's taillights

[avidbasser]

Well gents / ladies,

I got it all worked out. I really cleaned up my wiring and trailer along with putting in several nice grounds.

Bonus = I installed a Hydrowave that I has setting for over a year on the shelf.

So now I have working lights, bright lights, and a hydrowave to test out.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP!!!