Lights & Wiring

Trailer Light Safety

Trailer lights enhance the level of safety when towing any vehicle. In most states, working trailer lights are required by law. If you are towing something and your trailer lights are not in proper working order, you could be pulled over for a ticket; or worse, you could inadvertently cause a traffic accident. To avoid problems like these, learn how to properly install and activate your trailer lights.

1. After securely hooking up a trailer up to the towing vehicle, check the connections between the vehicle and the trailer. Run your hand slowly along the insulated electrical cable to make sure there are no tears or breaks. Any damage on this cable could result in a short, so if you find anything, either fix it with electrical tape or replace it.

2. Enlist the assistance of a helper who can operate the towing vehicle controls while you confirm that the trailer lights are working. Ask them to turn on the headlights, which should make the trailer’s running lights come on. This includes the trailer tail lights, the license plate light, the rear clearance light, any identification light, side lights and trailer front cap lights. If any of these fail to come on, check that the bulb is properly screwed in. If it still doesn’t work replace it. If you put in a brand new bulb and it still doesn’t work, you need to check the light fixture itself. Make sure that the screws are tightened securely to the metal skin, and remove any corrosion that may be blocking the circuit. There is a white ground wire in the electrical cable that must be connected to the trailer frame to create a ground. There is also the possibility that the cable connector at the back of the towing vehicle has come loose from the frame of the towing vehicle. Check this connection and secure it.

3. Have your helper flick on the turn signals inside the vehicle and make sure you see the indicator lights on the trailer.

4. Ask your helper to drive a few feet forward and repeat the trailer lights test to ensure that the wires don’t come detached or loose with movement.

If you follow these instructions for trailer light safety, you should be good to go!