Posted 2018-08-09 2:52 PM (#171794) Subject: intermittent electrical problem with trailer
New User
Posts: 3
all the lights work when I hook up and leave, but somewhere on the road, a fuse blows for the right side brake/blinker (on one truck with separate fuses) The primary truck used is a Ford with towing package and separate towing fuse for both brake lights. All wires and plug have been checked and test properly and I was advised by a reputable trailer service/dealer to try a circuit breaker with auto reset until the short shows itself permanently. I purchased an auto reset 20a blade circuit breaker but it does not fit in the fuse box...too tall. Both trucks used to haul this particular trailer have no problem with other trailers.
Any experience with this and any suggestions on where to purchase a shorter circuit breaker. The one I purchased online is an Eaton Bussman. No local auto parts stores seem to carry these.
Any suggestions on how to locate this? All wires behind tail lights are intact with no bare or crimped spots.
Posted 2018-08-10 7:36 AM (#171799 - in reply to #171797) Subject: RE: intermittent electrical problem with trailer
New User
Posts: 3
thanks for your replies. The trailer connection plug was replaced when trailer purchased from the dealer less than a year ago. It has been opened and checked for loose wire connections, but is it possible that the plug itself is defective or is this unlikely?
Posted 2018-09-10 2:24 PM (#171860 - in reply to #171794) Subject: RE: intermittent electrical problem with trailer
Veteran
Posts: 259 Location: Topeka Ks
Finding the bad spot is going to be labor intensive which is why the trailer repair shop suggested the self resetting breaker. They work great until the wire burn in to and you don't have lights. Many times the wire is ran in the roof corner channel and the wire drops down to the lights. This would be where I would look first for a cut spot.
Posted 2019-04-12 12:10 PM (#172321 - in reply to #171794) Subject: RE: intermittent electrical problem with trailer
Elite Veteran
Posts: 736 Location: Western WA
I have a similar problem with the running lights on my trailer. I am not sure where to start troubleshooting. I have zero electrical experience. I am a little discouraged that the best advice is to just rewire the lights. Will be a little more complicated for me with all the running lights than it would be to just rewire the right side brake lights to solve the problem the OP shared. This is a LQ trailer so likely means pulling paneling off the interior to get to the wiring in the gooseneck. As I look at the trailer the mid-trailer running light is above the area where the shower is located, etc. The plug-in end was replaced last time I had the trailer serviced. Is it possible the problem is in the plug-in end?
Like to OP I have multiple trailers so have narrowed it down to a problem with this trailer, not with the truck.
Also interested in learning more about this self resetting circuit breaker.
Posted 2019-04-14 5:08 AM (#172327 - in reply to #171794) Subject: RE: intermittent electrical problem with trailer
Veteran
Posts: 170 Location: Minnesota
I would still start with the plug and make sure you have a good ground connection. Just helped a friend with blinking lights and the screw holding the ground wire was loose. The screw was difficult to find but the fix was easy.
intermittent electrical problem with trailer
