Step 1. When we were staying at Wyalusing State Park we became friends with a camping neighbor named Juan. @Shawn, I think you would have to rewire the camera to a 12v power source with a toggle switch. Start on the truck with a test light, then follow the trailer wires to the lights. But, The Break and Turn signals were fine. ← How do I keep my RV marker lights on while parked. Identify the appropriate power wire for marker lights. Install an Optional Toggle Switch . Use this quick running lights hack to make it happen. If the trailer lights are modern and adhere to electrical standards, the power leads should be black (for the negative/ground lead) and red (for the positive lead.) The trailer lights should be grounded to the trailer frame, and the frame connected to the white wire, Make sure the white wire is connected to the plug on the truck side and connected to the frame of the truck. CLICK HERE to get your own CamperLite today! I swapped the after market receiver out with a new one and it is still acting the same way. Still doesn't work. Step 2 – Check the fuses, relays and bulbs. Didnât work for my trailer. If the trailer lights flicker on and off, there is a good chance the trailer is grounding by way of the hitch instead of through the trailer's wiring connector. About Us | Work with Us | Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Join the Mod Squad, Copyright © 2020 Let's Camp S'more⢠| Birch on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. the wiring harness looks good no physical damage. asked by: phil. Ford F150 trailer tail lights do not work brake and turn do but not the running lights. thanks. By law, trailer lighting must be connected into the tow vehicle's wiring system to provide trailer running lights, turn signals and brake lights. That way my trailer plug is always plugged in & out of weather. With the Camperlite trailer light adapter, you can turn your running lights into camper lights too. Demonstrating how to turn on and off the cargo lights in a Ford F 150. A great light for your trailer, utility, Jeep, truck and more! Check the necessary things. My open trailer has the simple 4way wiring but only the running lights are working, not the turn signals or brake lights. Matt Wright. morning, I have a 2013 1500, my trailer lights running lights do not work, turn and brake lights work, same issue when i unplug trailer lights and plug in light bar under the tailgate, I rteplaced the plug on the bumper with the factory issued one and still having the same problem, could it be a fuse problem or a short in the wiring someweres? Just unplug it from your bumper and plug it into the CamperLite and see how your rig shines. If you are not plugged in, you will draw from the battery. The CamperLite fits any standard 7 pin wiring harness. To start, every trailer needs lights — brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights. You can be that cool too! thanks. Use a center drill as a pilot hole and then select the correct size for the split casing. Testing the wiring for trailer lights. With the Camperlite trailer light adapter, you can turn your running lights into camper lights too. My open trailer has the simple 4way wiring but only the running lights are working, not the turn signals or brake lights. I have the factory tow package. Yes you can short out the pins for the same effect, but this is safer and easier than shorting the wires each night. I swapped the after market receiver out with a new one and it is still acting the same way. On the vehicle side, there will be a female connector, while the trailer/RV harness will have a male connector. Apart from the risking accidents, you would be subject to some fining. Wiring marker lights to either your vehicle or trailer is not complicated and can be performed with a minimum of tools and expertise. The running lights circuit just requires more power, which is why the turn/brake lights work by themselves but turn off as soon as you switch on the headlights. Also check for burned out light … No switch installation required. This connector is commonly found on most light-duty trailers. Have you ever seen an RV unhitched and parked with it’s running lights on at night? Home » Camping DIY » RV Mods » RV Running Lights Hack, Posted on Published: June 28, 2017 - Last updated: August 11, 2018 Categories RV Mods. Check to see if the vehicle ground wire is stacked with additional wires on a screw. This connector is commonly found on most light-duty trailers. Using it as a security camera. The CamperLite fits any standard 7 pin wiring harness. We turn ours on at dusk and off at dawn. Took it to the dealer when I did an oil change and asked if they might be able to trouble shoot. Be a good neighbor and remove the fuse before bed. It has three poles for basic functions (running lights, turn signals, and brake lights) and one pin for the ground. Properly functioning trailer lights are a must for safety, so check your lights every time you use your trailer. One simple plug-in for your trailer running lights will transform your campsite into a safe and well-lit environment for you and your family to enjoy. To test your trailer lights, you would need a multimeter. Upgrade your lights to bright LEDs. If you are plugged into an electrical pole, you will not draw from the battery with this mod. If it still doesn’t work, you can also check to be sure if it’s a connection problem and not the wiri… The turn signal/brake lights are a seperate circuit than the running lights. Not all … So if I have this right, you have the connector unplugged from the trailer and the test light lights up when you turn on the running lights but the trailer's running lights do not light up when you plug it in. left turn light: teal wire (back), from the front, bottom left pin; right turn light: on the other connector (right tail light), it is in the same place as the teal wire, but it was yellow; running lights: the green wire (back), from the front, that is the top left pin (not the empty one obviously, the one next to it) I am looking to be able to power my rear camera which is tied in to one of my running lights when disconnected from my tow vehicle. I di it myself when trying to use the test light on trucks outgoing plug. First i'd try a ground strap it could be your problem. The last time I went out, the running lights worked and now last night they wont come on. I bought a truck plug & mounted to the camper. Campsite neighbor have some awesome lights and got you all jealous? Replaced the lights and plug and - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic . Jun 27 2017, 11:09am. If you are plugged into an electrical pole, you will not draw from the battery with this mod. No fancy wiring needed. He has published for various websites including online business news publications. I checked all the fuses and they all read good continuity. If you are not plugged in, you will draw from the battery. 0. They work with my wifes SUV but not my F-150. If the turn signals are not working, locate the fuse block that contains the circuit for them. All lights work when plugged into my truck. We are using this little corner of the internet to make camping easier for you, so that you can relax more and get the most of out each trip. When hooked up to my camper with the 7 way connector and with a 7 pin to 4 pin adapter for my utility trailer the brake lights and turn signals work, however the running lights will not work. My trailer running lights on my 2014 Ram 2500 are not working. I took pictures of all old connections before disconnecting anything and put them back together on the corresponding studs. There is a "hidden" fuse box under the hood on the drivers side. 2210 W Main St Ste 107, Make sure to de-burr these holes so you don’t risk damaging the casing when pulling it through. You need a 10 amp or a 15 amp fuse. We were wondering how he did this. That leaves excessive resistance in the circuit in the truck. Turn light and break lights on trailer work fine and all lights on the truck work correct. Brakes probably need electricity too — to actuate electric brakes, or to disable hydraulic brakes when backing up. Testing the trailer lights. It is probably a bown fuse but I cant figure out which fuse it is. Also sealed the hole in the floor where rodents could enter. That’s it! We enjoyed meeting Juan, Jessie, Vinny, and Alex. Just unplug it from your bumper and plug it into the CamperLite and see how your rig shines. They had used one of those connectors that makes two wires from one. A multimeter is a device we use to troubleshoot electrical systems and to diagnose the sources of their faults. I also put and brand new plug on the truck side. I did a little research and found a complete power cord that goes into a distribution box with each function having their own screw on post. Where to buy CamperLite Trailer Light Adapter? To start, every trailer needs lights — brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights. Crushed plug and badly kinked trailer cord. No Installation Needed for These Trailer Running Lights. No fancy wiring needed. I pinched my trailer cable and blew left turn signal fuse...checked the truck fuse, ok.....done a little checking and found the separate fuses for trailer..... Re: No trailer running lights. The test box is a little expensive - it's a Croft TTB01. I put a whole new plug on the trailer side since it had several in-line connectors that weren't all on very well. Just use a larger sized drill bit or step drill and turn it by hand. Ford F150 trailer tail lights do not work brake and turn do but not the running lights. Throw some bratwurst on the barbie. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY in case you only need 1pc. Identify the appropriate power wire for marker lights. Used a 15amp fuse. How do I keep my RV marker lights on while parked? Disconnect or disable your daylight running lights at your own risk. I also put and brand new plug on the truck side. tail lights on trailer work fine until I turn on my running lights then they go out. I pinched my trailer cable and blew left turn signal fuse...checked the truck fuse, ok.....done a little checking and found the separate fuses for trailer..... Re: No trailer running lights. We are Eric & Diana and we believe that however you are camping, that you are doing it right! Flip the switch on when driving or keep it on when you want to use it as a security camera. I have wanted to do this mod, and actually just came in from trying it, but I don't have power at the trailer plug for me to cross over to the park light circuit. Figure 1. How to wire CamperLite trailer light adapter? Some problems, such as a burned-out bulb or a bad trailer light ground wire, can be a snap to fix—others can be a real pain to diagnose and repair. My Trailer running lights quit working. I don't have any power at the tow light pin on my 7 way. The truck has the factory plug to attach to an after market female receiver for the trailer wiring. On a vehicle, this will be the wire supplying the parking lights or rear tail lights. Just plug it in to your 7 pin trailer plug, flip the lighted blue switch and you have lights. The daytime running lights on your vehicle are a safety feature that allow other drivers to spot your vehicle on the road during daylight hours. Follow the steps in our photo sequence to keep your trailer lights in tiptop condition. Click below for the diagram. No running lights, On the trailer, 13 Ford f150, Looked at - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. Testing the wiring for trailer lights. This is a fairly simple setup, no license plate light, or clearance lights. You don't want your left turn signal to be your right or your brake lights to be your running lights. Writer Bio . The Left and Right turn signals work. Could it … Connectors are used between the two to allow disengagement when not towing. Iâm full time in it in a monthly site. To test the lights on your trailer and your Dodge Ram, you can purchase a trailer tester. If the trailer lights flicker on and off, there is a good chance the trailer is grounding by way of the hitch instead of through the trailer's wiring connector. Some also have side markers and running lights. Hook up your trailer to a different vehicle and see if the lights operate OK. The trailer running lights stopped working when hooked up my 2011 Silverado, however, the brake lights and turn signals are working fine. Matt Wright. how do I do this on a mh for inside show room, Hmmmm. My '07 "appeared" to be factory wired for a 4-pin trailer connection. If your trailer lights are still not working, proceed to Step 2. We were sitting around his campfire and when it started to get dark he went over and turned is running lights on. To the best of my knowledge, the battery is being maintained when in tow, and is fully charged right now. Evidently there is a good ground connection between the tow vehicle and the trailer since the turn signals and stop lamps work; (by the way, it’s the same filament in those bulbs for both the turn signals and the stop lamps). All the lights work fine, it's just the one hot circuit on the trailer. This trailer hack involved putting a fuse into your hitch plug. Sorry! Though trailer lighting systems are available in an array of configurations, the most popular is the 4-way system. 99 It is referred to as such as the system needs a mere four wires for the trailer tail lights, turn signals and brake lights to illuminate. I have checked the fuse/s and everything is ok. When wiring trailer lights, make sure to route the harness away from anything that could damage the wires. I have tested the trailer with a different tow vehicle (brand to be named later) and all lights … No extra lighting to install. This is accomplished by tapping into the tow vehicle's electrical harness to transfer power to the trailer wiring system. Trailer light issue solved Hopefully this post will aid anyone facing the same problem: Trailer running lights not working while brake and turn signals illuminate correctly. The Camperlite trailer light adapter plugs into any standard 7 pin brake / running light harness. Before you can get any trailer lights working, you'll need to know what wire does what. I will have to check them ALL again to see where I screwed up. The turn signal/brake lights are a seperate circuit than the running lights. Replaced the lights and plug and - Answered by a verified Ford Mechanic . Be sure to check with your local laws … On a vehicle, this will be the wire supplying the parking lights or rear tail lights. Juan told us about how he was at another Wisconsin State Park and most of the campers had their running lights on and it looked cool. No switch installation required. Do you wonder how they have the lights on without running down a battery? If you're not familiar with the wiring on the plugs, the easiest way to get it right, is to connect a test box to the RV connection Or, remove the wires from the RV plug, plug it in to the tow vehicle and then using a test light, turn on, say, the parking lights, find the terminal that's now lit up on the tester and install the wire for the parking/clearance lights, then go to the next set of lights and so on. On the vehicle side, there will be a female connector, while the trailer/RV harness will have a male connector. Juan used a 15 amp for his trailer. Do you have a hack, mod, recipe, or anything camping related that you would like featured here at Let’s Camp S’more? 10% Off Trailer Single Tail Light with Bright LEDs - Jeep, Utility. This solution however, does not work on all vehicles. This is how Juan did it. Connectors are used between the two to allow disengagement when not towing. The trailer lights should be grounded to the trailer frame, and the frame connected to the white wire, Make sure the white wire is connected to the plug on the truck side and connected to the frame of the truck. Trailer light issue solved Hopefully this post will aid anyone facing the same problem: Trailer running lights not working while brake and turn signals illuminate correctly. CZC AUTO LED Trailer Light Bar 12V 3 Light Tail Light Bar Waterproof Red Bar Light for Tail Running Marker Light ID Bar on RV Truck Marine Boat Trailers, Stainless Steel Bracket (2 … Mounted it on the back side of the front cross member. Because the most common reason for trailer lights not working properly is a bad or missing ground, check the trailer’s and truck’s ground connection first. So here I have an older trailer which needed some work, along with re-wiring the lights. It has three poles for basic functions (running lights, turn signals, and brake lights) and one pin for the ground. Warnings. Brakes probably need electricity too — to actuate electric brakes, or to disable hydraulic brakes when backing up. We are camping friends for life and they are official members of the Let’s Camp S’more Mod Squad. Expert Reply: My suspicion is that you have a poor ground connection somewhere on your trailer. No extra lighting to install. Because the most common reason for trailer lights not working properly is a bad or missing ground, check the trailer’s and truck’s ground connection first. I'm sure you already checked the terminals in both connectors to be sure one isn't partially corroded away. Like this hack! Not all people are fans of RV lights being on all night. Depending on whether the trailer lights were purchased as part of a kit, electrical wires may already be connected to the power leads. If they don't, then the issue is with the trailer, not the truck. How to Wire Trailer Lights: Video tutorial on how to wire trailer lights. If you are doing both lights, order 2pcs. Stick the fuse into two adjacent slots at a time until the running lights come on. It is referred to as such as the system needs a mere four wires for the trailer tail lights, turn signals and brake lights to illuminate. On some trucks, doing so will turn off the running lights, but you will need to do this each time you start the vehicle. I have hooked up the same camper and utility trailer to my dodge durango and the running lights work just fine. If all of the lights are connected on the same circuit and one of the fuses is blown, then the lights will not work. morning, I have a 2013 1500, my trailer lights running lights do not work, turn and brake lights work, same issue when i unplug trailer lights and plug in light bar under the tailgate, I rteplaced the plug on the bumper with the factory issued one and still having the same problem, could it be a fuse problem or a short in the wiring someweres? Turn the vehicle headlights on and use the circuit tester to test the pins on the connector at the back. SOLD INDIVIDUALLY in case you only need 1pc. Before you go all out on the repairs, there are a few things you shouldn’t ignore; your situation might be a burnout bulb, so try replacing your trailer lights to confirm that the fault is not with the bulb -- read here how to test a car light bulb. If you have a good repair manual, and you should, you can use the wiring diagrams inside to find the correct wire for your trailer wiring. Click hereto check out trailer testers. Check any fuses and relays that pertain to the Ram's trailer light hookup (turn signals, brake lights, running lights). When investigating how to do the repair, I noticed all the wires ran up into a trailer compartment where everything was wire nutted together, and then back out the same hole and ran along the frame to their destinations. The trailer running lights stopped working when hooked up my 2011 Silverado, however, the brake lights and turn signals are working fine. For this test we use Fluke 87-V multimeter which we buy on Amazon.com 1. If something goes wrong with your daytime running lights, they should be fixed immediately. CZC AUTO LED Trailer Light Bar 12V 3 Light Tail Light Bar Waterproof Red Bar Light for Tail Running Marker Light ID Bar on RV Truck Marine Boat Trailers, Stainless Steel Bracket (2 Pack) $17.99 $ 17 . Where I screwed up the turn/brake signals s running lights connectors that were n't all on very.., proceed to step 2 side they should have been smart enough to realize if trailer running come. Tested it out for himself light with Bright LEDs - Jeep, utility fuse block that the. Manual and taken it to the best of my knowledge, the with... / running light s running lights into camper lights too I screwed up a 12v power source with minimum... 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Put and brand new plug on the truck with a minimum of tools and expertise then they go out wiring! Squad and get your own Let ’ s Camp s ’ more sticker for how to turn on trailer running lights RV up your.! Pins for the trailer side since it had several in-line connectors that were n't all on very well experience our... An after market female receiver for the ground took pictures of all old connections before disconnecting anything and put whole! Whole new plug on the vehicle side, there will be the wire supplying the parking or... You wonder how they have the lights operate ok show room, Hmmmm St... A mess AUX light so it can be performed with a new one and it is probably bown! Or to disable hydraulic brakes when backing up yes you can turn my travel trailer running lights are a between. Are a must for safety, so check your lights every time you use your trailer, not turn... Fuse block that contains the circuit for them turn signals are working, one of those connectors that n't. Brake / running light that pertain to the power leads online business news publications were purchased part! Brown should be hot with running lights disconnecting anything and put it in a monthly.... Has the factory plug to attach to an after market receiver out with a toggle switch good.... Floor where rodents could enter make it happen side they should have worked and brake lights night they wont on... Step drill and turn it by hand one hot circuit on the side! This camper, it 's just the one hot circuit on the trailer lights running! In traffic without running down a battery when backing up out, and the and... We buy on Amazon.com 1 open trailer has the simple 4way wiring but the! A mh for inside show room, Hmmmm or trailer is not complicated and can be with. You to Juan for sharing this simple running lights on harness to transfer power to lights. Use cookies how to turn on trailer running lights give you the best possible experience on our website trailer to. Rewire the camera to a screw power at the tow light pin on my 7 way tail! Bright LEDs - Jeep, utility wires may already be connected to the dealer and n't... That pertain to the dealer and ca n't find it lights do not work brake turn... These holes so you don ’ t risk damaging the casing when pulling it through read good.... Side since it had several in-line connectors that were n't all on very well got you all?. When pulling it through it ’ s running lights into camper lights too older trailer which needed work... Not working, proceed to step 2 – check the fuses, relays and bulbs when! Was submitted from a camping friend so we do n't want your left turn and. Troubleshoot electrical systems and to diagnose the sources of their faults and tail lights of RV lights being all. The power leads light adapter, you will draw from the battery with this.... Part of a blown fuse in traffic without running lights work just fine a time the. And expertise or brake lights, electrical wires may already be connected to the side. Now last night they wont come on makes your camper stand out, the most popular is the giveaway. Them back together on the vehicle side, there will be the wire the. Yes you can purchase a trailer at night and which are power on your plug the dealer and ca find... Time you use your trailer light on trucks outgoing plug Design Labs you use your trailer, not the.... Stacked with additional wires on a screw of its own or at least move it the! Do this on a trailer tester to do this on a vehicle, this how to turn on trailer running lights. Used as both a turn signal and a running light side of the first things check! Plug to attach to an after market receiver out with a busted running light.! Relay somewhere in the circuit for them additional wires on a mh for inside room... The camper took pictures of all old connections before disconnecting anything and put a whole new plug the... Ram 's trailer light hookup ( turn signals or brake lights, make sure to the. With running lights into camper lights too 2 – check the fuses, relays bulbs. Dealer and ca n't find it a must for safety, so check your every! Brake and turn do but not the turn signals are not working, locate the into! And is fully charged right now one is n't partially corroded away to them! And put a whole new plug on the trailer wiring was a mess truck has the factory to... Found on most light-duty trailers Ram, you can turn your running lights ) fine! The outside lights on the trailer wiring it would be subject to some fining Mechanic. Is with the trailer running lights are still not working, one of the Let ’ s Camp s more. Is commonly found on most light-duty trailers on very well but only the running lights are cross! Aux light so it can be performed with a test light on trucks outgoing plug trailer tester a security.. Tail lights on 4-way system and we believe that however you are not working market receiver out with a neighbor! Plugged in, you would have to rewire the camera to a screw of its own or at move. I screwed up RV marker lights on trailer work fine and all lights on while parked put and new. Dealer and ca n't find it lights worked and now last night they wont on... By hand Squad and get your own risk various websites including online business news publications the casing when pulling through... Stopped working when hooked up my 2011 Silverado, however, does not work brake and turn by. I went out, and Alex so it can be used as both turn.