Trailer Lights Gurus--Got a Question.

[IndyJay]

If the wires are attached to bare metal, not painted, and there is a solid connection from one end to the other, the kit I'm getting is designed to fold and there is paint on all the frame parts. You'd have to grind all the paint off at the ground points and every location where the parts connect, thus removing any rust prevention that paint might be supplying. Gotta love the people that design these type of things that don't understand that paint does not conduct electricity very well.

Stakon ring terminal and a small self-tapping screw.

 

[Midniteoyl]

If the wires are attached to bare metal, not painted, and there is a solid connection from one end to the other, the kit I'm getting is designed to fold and there is paint on all the frame parts. You'd have to grind all the paint off at the ground points and every location where the parts connect, thus removing any rust prevention that paint might be supplying. Gotta love the people that design these type of things that don't understand that paint does not conduct electricity very well.

Which is why you usually use a star washer to break though the paint when using the frame as a ground.

 

[hube2]

Which is why you usually use a star washer to break though the paint when using the frame as a ground.

I agree with that, but it doesn't solve the problem with all the frame parts being painted. You'd also need to replace all the flat washers that come with the kit with star washers and even then I would not be 100% sure of all the connections. It may work fine on a trailer that has been welded together before painting. This is a picture of the frame parts in this kit, not mine, it is one I stole off of harbor freight. With all of this paint the wiring kit should really have a ground wire to run to all of the lights, but then again, it's not so expensive that I'm worried about replacing their wire with my own.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I agree with that, but it doesn't solve the problem with all the frame parts being painted. You'd also need to replace all the flat washers that come with the kit with star washers and even then I would not be 100% sure of all the connections. It may work fine on a trailer that has been welded together before painting. This is a picture of the frame parts in this kit, not mine, it is one I stole off of harbor freight. With all of this paint the wiring kit should really have a ground wire to run to all of the lights, but then again, it's not so expensive that I'm worried about replacing their wire with my own.


View attachment 708486

Agree, connecting all the grounds together is better in the long run. I connect to the frame and connect them all together. Mainly because the lights are usually attached to the frame when I get the trailer anyways, so just easier to add wire and terminal and connect them all. Many paths to ground is a good thing.

 

[npalen]

Agree, connecting all the grounds together is better in the long run. I connect to the frame and connect them all together. Mainly because the lights are usually attached to the frame when I get the trailer anyways, so just easier to add wire and terminal and connect them all. Many paths to ground is a good thing.

Many paths to ground is a good thing.

Except in the case of house wiring where a subpanel with neutral and ground is involved. Right?

 

[CausticUrbanCoast]

Many paths to ground is a good thing.

Except in the case of house wiring where a subpanel with neutral and ground is involved. Right?

You enjoy the mysterious ground loop effects?

Keeping gremlins inline since 1879! Go christmas lightbulbs!

 

[WranglerX]

Can you elaborate?

MY 2005 Chevy has no flasher or control other than turnsignal switch, and all truck body lighting is controlled by PCM (power control module) and there is a complete set of different fuses and wiring harness (from body lights) to rear of truck for trailer lighting... Wondering if PO truck may have same setup?

 

[npalen]

MY 2005 Chevy has no flasher or control other than turnsignal switch, and all truck body lighting is controlled by PCM (power control module) and there is a complete set of different fuses and wiring harness (from body lights) to rear of truck for trailer lighting... Wondering if PO truck may have same setup?

I really doubt it as the truck has no power seats, windows, door locks or even cruise control. It's pretty much bare bones. Doesn't even have a back seat.

 

[WranglerX]

On a folding trailer best to run a ground to each fixture.... Or make flexible bonding jumper at each bend/fold... Always grind paint off frame for "ANY" ground connection ...Use a good anti corrosion compound at ground bond to prevent corrosion...

 

[WranglerX]

I really doubt it as the truck has no power seats, windows, door locks or even cruise control. It's pretty much bare bones. Doesn't even have a back seat.

OK.... It may be pre-all the computer/PCM controlled functions.... Various makes of vehicles implemented it in different years.....