trailer lights go out when braking

[jimpittman]

Has anyone else encountered this problem. I recently bought a second hand trailer. I have noticed that when I hook up the trailer and drive off before daylight, the trailer lights will go completely out when I push the brake pedal. When I release the pedal the lights come back on. After driving for several miles (and stopping for morning coffee) the lights work fine. The trailer is grounded through the contact of the ball and tongue of the trailer. Could this be a grounding problem or do I have a short in the wiring? <br />Thanks for the help in advance.<br />jimpittman

 

[JB]

Re: trailer lights go out when braking

Yes, Jim.<br /><br />Your taillights are finding their ground through the brake lights. When you put 12v on the brakelightd the ground is lost.<br /><br />Connect a proper ground wire into the harness and you should be okay.

 

[jimpittman]

Re: trailer lights go out when braking

Thanks Ancient Mariner!!<br />I kind of suspected this but before I start messing with the wiring I thought i would ask the masters. I will get the proper grounded connection on my next trip to Wal Mart.<br />jimpittman

 

[Hasbeen]

Re: trailer lights go out when braking

JB:<br /><br />Ya know, there are a lot of people that know the answer befor they ask, oh well, we meet a lot of nice people here on the forum!!<br /><br />The only dumb question is the one that isnt asked!!<br /><br />Hasbeen

 

[vaccfam]

Re: trailer lights go out when braking

I had the same problem this morning but my problem was not with the ground at all. It was with the hot connections in the lights. They were loose. The only thing making the connection was a press on locking washer on a plastic post. I CAREFULLY threaded a 6-32 nut on each plastic post. This tightened the connections and all is well.<br /><br />Mike