short in trailer lights?

art leong · 10-15-2008, 06:02 PM

I've got a short in my enclosed trailer running lights.
Anybody have a clue where I should start? I've isolated it to the trailer the plug is fine. All other lights flashers etc work fine.

Rob Petrie E395 · 10-15-2008, 06:37 PM

look at the top of the trailer where the cable on the door wraps around the drum. I have had two trailers that over time rubbed the insulation off and then creating a direct short to ground. If its a Haulmark look there first. If it has lights in the door make sure the wire is not getting pinched when the door closes I have seen that a few time too.

Jim Kaekel · 10-16-2008, 09:29 AM

I second what Rob says. A friend purchased a Pace brand new that had same problem. Short was in rear door.

art leong · 10-16-2008, 07:05 PM

My door doesn't have any lights. I had a tag triler a few years ago that shorted out where the wires went into the door. No wires go to the door at all on this one.

Run to Rund · 10-17-2008, 12:48 PM

Also look for exposed wiring where rodents could chew it. Then the next easiest would be to remove affected light lenses and housings ot inspect wiring.

Ed Fernandez · 10-17-2008, 02:30 PM

Come on Art,dig in your pocket and go buy a new bulb.

Ed

Mike Gardner · 10-19-2008, 08:59 AM

Depends on what brand trailer it is but over the years we have seen that the running light wire goes up the drivers side front corner of the trailer, across the top, down the pass side, across the back and then back up the drivers side with each running light spliced in. Alot of times the spliced wire will have a little copper hanging out of the splice which will obviously cause a short. You either have to start tearing the trailer apart inside or try and isolate the short at each light. We see alot of screws pincing the wire as well. Call me on monday if you like for more advice.

Mike Gardner
703 675 4479
mikeg@hillwoodsales.com

10-15-2008, 06:02 PM	#1
art leong VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Richmond Hill, Georgia Posts: 2,003 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	short in trailer lights? I've got a short in my enclosed trailer running lights. Anybody have a clue where I should start? I've isolated it to the trailer the plug is fine. All other lights flashers etc work fine. __________________ Art Leong 2095 SS

10-15-2008, 06:37 PM	#2
Rob Petrie E395 VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Woodlawn IL Posts: 1,092 Likes: 162 Liked 216 Times in 77 Posts	Re: short in trailer lights? look at the top of the trailer where the cable on the door wraps around the drum. I have had two trailers that over time rubbed the insulation off and then creating a direct short to ground. If its a Haulmark look there first. If it has lights in the door make sure the wire is not getting pinched when the door closes I have seen that a few time too.

10-16-2008, 09:29 AM	#3
Jim Kaekel VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,226 Likes: 133 Liked 529 Times in 107 Posts	Re: short in trailer lights? I second what Rob says. A friend purchased a Pace brand new that had same problem. Short was in rear door. __________________ Jim Kaekel 3836 STK

10-16-2008, 07:05 PM	#4
art leong VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Richmond Hill, Georgia Posts: 2,003 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: short in trailer lights? My door doesn't have any lights. I had a tag triler a few years ago that shorted out where the wires went into the door. No wires go to the door at all on this one. __________________ Art Leong 2095 SS

10-17-2008, 12:48 PM	#5
Run to Rund Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 583 Likes: 8 Liked 54 Times in 27 Posts	Re: short in trailer lights? Also look for exposed wiring where rodents could chew it. Then the next easiest would be to remove affected light lenses and housings ot inspect wiring.

10-17-2008, 02:30 PM	#6
Ed Fernandez Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NOO JOISEY nexta NOO YAWK Posts: 5,879 Likes: 38 Liked 100 Times in 45 Posts	Re: short in trailer lights? Come on Art,dig in your pocket and go buy a new bulb. Ed __________________ Former NHRA #1945 Former IHRA #1945 T/SA

10-19-2008, 08:59 AM	#7
Mike Gardner Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 136 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: short in trailer lights? Depends on what brand trailer it is but over the years we have seen that the running light wire goes up the drivers side front corner of the trailer, across the top, down the pass side, across the back and then back up the drivers side with each running light spliced in. Alot of times the spliced wire will have a little copper hanging out of the splice which will obviously cause a short. You either have to start tearing the trailer apart inside or try and isolate the short at each light. We see alot of screws pincing the wire as well. Call me on monday if you like for more advice. Mike Gardner 703 675 4479 mikeg@hillwoodsales.com