Weird trailer electrical problem

[champion221elite]

This morning I took my nephew fishing and noticed the running lights on my trailer were really dim.

When I was using the turn signals, the running lights would blink with the turn signals and when I applied the brake, all of the lights on the trailer would go out.

I cleaned both the male and female contacts but the problem persists. I sanded the trailer ball thinking it was a ground issue, but the problem is still there.

I did notice the connectors inside the male (trailer) half of the harness seemed a bit loose and could be wiggled. Is there a good chance that I'll fix the problem by replacing the male end of the plug with a new one?

Also... here's a couple of weird things I noticed. When my headlights were on, my cruise control would not work. My turn signals somehow are working in reverse. A left signal on the truck is blinking the right signal on the trailer. Nothing in the wiring has changed, I plug the trailer wire into the truck the same way everytime (it can only go one way).

Any thoughts fellers?

[CatFan]

There is a white wire connected to a bolt on the tongue that carries your ground from the truck, and they are a common failure point. Make sure it has a good connection to the tongue and it will most likely fix your problem.

[champion221elite]

I will be sure to check that. Thanks!

[21XDC]

Sounds like a bad/weak ground.

[champion221elite]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by 21XDC &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Sounds like a bad/weak ground. </td></tr></table>

It is indeed a bad/ weak ground. I found a couple problems.

#1. The 7 pin connector was bad and needed replacement. I swapped out the male end of the connector and the problem persists, but at least it will stay connected to the truck.

#2. I've isolated the bad ground to the tow vehicle. I bypassed the trailer ground by hooking my jumper cables from the chrome bumper to the trailer tongue. The trailer lights immediately got brighter and started working normally.

Possible fixes....

I've already sanded the trailer ball which didn't help at all. I plan on sanding the receiver which is quite rusty and could be preventing a good ground.

If that fails to work, I'll chase the ground wire from the vehicle mounted plug and clean it's attachment point.

If that fails to work, I'll run a separate ground wire from the truck to the trailer and make the connection with a quick-detach connector.

[Skeet'r89]

Do not depend on the ball and hitch for ground purposes. Take the trailer hitch off of the ball, connect your lights and make sure they work in this set up.

[champion221elite]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Skeet’r89 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Do not depend on the ball and hitch for ground purposes. Take the trailer hitch off of the ball, connect your lights and make sure they work in this set up.</td></tr></table>

I've done that and have narrowed down the ground problem to my tow vehicle. I've chased the wires as far as possible and everything looks good.

My next option is to add a separate ground wire from the rear of the truck and hooking it to the trailer with a quick disconnect.

[mikeky]

One of the pins on your plug is for ground. You don't need another connector.

[Fish TR19]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Skeet’r89 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Do not depend on the ball and hitch for ground purposes. Take the trailer hitch off of the ball, connect your lights and make sure they work in this set up.</td></tr></table>

Good advice.

[stillina99ho]

also, check any place on the trailer where the wire runs through the frame or through welded washers, you could have wires with worn out shrouds from the shaking and umping of going down the road. The holes made bye trailer manufacturers are sometimes cut out with a torch and then they run the wire through those same holes. Then what happens is you will have a sharp spot and your wiring is bouncing all over and over time the wire grounds out on the trailer causing some pretty weird problems at times. It's not hard to do ust pull your wiring out of the trailer but be sure to mark whats what and you'll see what I'm saying when you pull it out, then rewire. I've done it twice in 13 years.

I know you did, but Always check "grounds" first!

Hope that helps.