Trailer Lights

[Steve Stinson]

Charlie -

I always wondered why they didn't include a ground wire for each side of the trailer in the kits you buy. I have always had to buy them two at a time to create the wires I needed, but this fouls up the color scheme.

[charlie tuna]

It's all about money -- and remember these kits are used on more "none marine" trailers, so the manufacturers don't include a ground wire down each side of the trailer. It wouldn't cost more than a dollar per kit -- but they are out to make as much money as possible, and the average fisherman isn't going to remember what brand he bought three years ago. About 40 years ago, someone made a trailer light kit designed for salt water. The bottom of the taillights were open, so salt water couldn't collect inside, and the socket bases were made of copper. These kits came with the extra ground wire to each light. Best way to go today is sealed LED units, and add the extra (White) ground wire (#18 stranded). Tie that ground wire to all the fixtures(lights) and then directly to the lead in cable from your truck/car, keep it off the trailer frame altogether. Home Depot sells the wire. Seal all the connection with something like 5200. Forget your trailer light problems until you buy your next trailer. LED light will last 30+ years!!

[Steve Stinson]

I will have to try that next time I re-wire my trailer. I patch them together until the main wires become too corroded and brittle, then strip the entire harness off and start over again.

Thanks - Steve